Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of obedience to God like Psalm 81:15? A Closer Look at Psalm 81:15 “Those who hate the LORD would cower before Him, and their doom would last forever.” The verse highlights a sobering contrast: those who only feign submission reap lasting judgment, while genuine obedience invites God’s favor and protection seen throughout the larger psalm. Old Testament Echoes of Obedience - Deuteronomy 11:26-28 — “See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse: the blessing if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am giving you today, and the curse if you disobey the commandments of the LORD your God and turn aside from the path I command you today.” - 1 Samuel 15:22 — “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness than the fat of rams.” - Isaiah 1:19-20 — “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword—for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” - Jeremiah 7:23 — “This is what I commanded them: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I have commanded you, that it may go well with you.’ ” - Proverbs 3:1-2 — “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.” - Psalm 119:4 — “You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.” Jesus’ Own Words on Obedience - Matthew 7:21 — “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” - Luke 11:28 — “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” - John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” - John 14:23-24 — “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word… The word you hear is not My own; it is from the Father who sent Me.’ ” Apostolic Reinforcement - Acts 5:29 — “But Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’ ” - Romans 6:16 — “Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness?” - James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - 1 John 2:3-4 — “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” - Revelation 14:12 — “Here is a call for the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Common Threads to Notice • Obedience is the genuine proof of love and loyalty to God. • Blessing and life are consistently tied to hearing and doing His word. • Pretended obedience brings judgment, just as Psalm 81:15 warns. • The call spans both covenants—Moses, the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles all speak with one voice. Living It Today - Take God’s commands at face value and act on them quickly. - Evaluate whether any area of life resembles “pretend submission.” - Let love be the motive; obedience flows naturally when the heart is captivated by Christ. |
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