Definition and Importance
Obedience in the biblical context refers to the act of following God's commands, laws, and instructions. It is a fundamental aspect of faith and a demonstration of one's love and reverence for God. The Bible presents numerous examples of obedience, showcasing it as a virtue that leads to blessings, divine favor, and fulfillment of God's promises.

Examples of Obedience in Scripture

1. Abraham
Abraham is a quintessential example of obedience. In Genesis 12:1-4, God commands Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that He would show him. Despite the uncertainty and the enormity of the request, Abraham obeys without hesitation. His obedience is further exemplified in Genesis 22:1-18, where God tests him by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's willingness to obey, even in such a difficult command, results in God reaffirming His covenant with him, saying, "Because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you" (Genesis 22:16-17).

2. Moses
Moses' life is marked by acts of obedience to God's commands. In Exodus 3:10-12, God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his initial reluctance, Moses obeys and becomes the instrument through which God delivers His people. His obedience is further demonstrated in the meticulous following of God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:16-33). Moses' adherence to God's commands establishes him as a faithful servant and leader.

3. Joshua
Joshua exemplifies obedience through his leadership in the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 1:7-9, God commands him to be strong and courageous, to obey all the law given through Moses, and to meditate on it day and night. Joshua's obedience is evident in the successful capture of Jericho, where he follows God's unconventional strategy of marching around the city (Joshua 6:2-5). His adherence to God's instructions leads to victory and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the Israelites the land.

4. David
King David, despite his imperfections, is noted for his heart of obedience towards God. In 1 Samuel 13:14, God describes David as "a man after His own heart," indicating his willingness to follow God's will. David's obedience is particularly evident in his respect for God's anointed, King Saul, whom he refuses to harm despite having opportunities (1 Samuel 24:6-7). His commitment to God's commands and his desire to build a temple for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-29) further illustrate his obedience.

5. Jesus Christ
The ultimate example of obedience is found in Jesus Christ. His entire life and ministry were marked by perfect obedience to the Father. In John 6:38, Jesus states, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" . His obedience is most profoundly demonstrated in His willingness to endure the cross, as described in Philippians 2:8: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . Through His obedience, Jesus accomplishes the work of salvation for humanity.

6. The Apostles
The apostles provide examples of obedience in the early church. In Acts 5:29, when commanded by the authorities to stop teaching in the name of Jesus, Peter and the other apostles respond, "We must obey God rather than men" . Their unwavering commitment to God's command to spread the Gospel, despite persecution and threats, exemplifies their obedience and dedication to the mission entrusted to them by Christ.

Conclusion
The Bible presents obedience as a key characteristic of faithful individuals who seek to honor God. Through the examples of Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Jesus, and the apostles, Scripture illustrates the blessings and divine favor that accompany a life of obedience.Genesis 6:9
These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
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Numbers 9:23
At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
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Numbers 14:24
But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into where he went; and his seed shall possess it.
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Joshua 14:6-14
Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said to him, You know the thing that the LORD said to Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadeshbarnea.
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2 Kings 18:6
For he held to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.
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2 Kings 20:3
I beseech you, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.
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2 Chronicles 24:16
And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.
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2 Chronicles 31:20,21
And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and worked that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God.
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Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
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Nehemiah 7:2
That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
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Job 1:8
And the LORD said to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that fears God, and eschews evil?
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Psalm 17:3
You have proved my heart; you have visited me in the night; you have tried me, and shall find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
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Psalm 26:3-6
For your loving kindness is before my eyes: and I have walked in your truth.
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Psalm 99:7
He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance that he gave them.
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Psalm 101:2,3
I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
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Psalm 106:30,31
Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
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Psalm 119:30,31,40,44,47,48,51,54-56,59, 60,67,69,100-102,105,106,110,112,166-168
I have chosen the way of truth: your judgments have I laid before me.
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Acts 23:1
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
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Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men.
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Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
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2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
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2 Corinthians 6:3,4
Giving no offense in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
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Philippians 3:7-14
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
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1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves show of us what manner of entering in we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
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1 Thessalonians 2:10
You are witnesses, and God also, how piously and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
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2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day;
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Revelation 2:19
I know your works, and charity, and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works; and the last to be more than the first.
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Revelation 3:4
You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
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Revelation 14:4,5
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
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Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... OF THE JURISDICTION OF THE CHURCH, AND THE ABUSES OF IT, AS EXEMPLIFIED IN THE ... of
God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

"One Thing Thou Lackest"
... It is obedience to His law, not merely a legal obedience, but an obedience which
enters into the life, and is exemplified in the character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 57 one thing thou.htm

The Early Welcome and the First Ministers of the King
... up possessions or friends, and that which keeps them, sanctified by being held and
used as for and from Him, were exemplified in the swift obedience of these ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the early welcome and the.htm

Introduction
... and His Holy Spirit"the same Spirit which had fulfilled and exemplified that law ...
Their lives were conformed to the law, not by slavish obedience to an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm

Transformed by Grace
... In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified. ... He gave His
Son to die for them, that they might be sanctified through obedience to the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 55 transformed by grace.htm

Come-Outers.
... in practice its principles as promulgated by him, and as exemplified in his ... short,
they regard the terms Christian worship and Christian obedience as synonymous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/come-outers.htm

Its Meaning
... only because His obedience is accepted for us as if it were our own? Wherefore Ambrose
appears to me to have very beautifully exemplified this righteousness in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/2 its meaning.htm

The Martyrdom of John
... indifference of the Bible to the fate of even its greatest men is exemplified in
the fact ... from Herod, also, how far we may go on the road of obedience to God's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the martyrdom of john.htm

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
... which is expressed in godly fear, implicit obedience, entire resignation, and deep
thankfulness and joy was supremely and perfectly exemplified by the Lord ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter ten our attitude toward.htm

The Wicked Heart Set to do Evil.
... You may see this exemplified in the view which some take of the imputation of ... violating
law, and even have the honors and rewards of full obedience while yet ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/viii the wicked heart set.htm

What does it mean that Jesus learned obedience by the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)? | GotQuestions.org

Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org

What are the blessings God promised Israel for obedience? | GotQuestions.org

Obedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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