Topical Bible: Obedience to God: Commanded

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Obedience to God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine command that underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The call to obedience is woven into the fabric of Scripture, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, highlighting its importance in the life of believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of obedience is introduced early in the biblical narrative. In Genesis, God commands Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, setting the precedent for divine instruction and human response (Genesis 2:16-17). The failure to obey results in the fall, illustrating the consequences of disobedience.

The Mosaic Law further establishes the expectation of obedience. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as the Shema, Israel is commanded to love the LORD with all their heart, soul, and strength, which implies complete obedience to His commandments. Deuteronomy 11:1 states, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments."

The blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 emphasize the rewards of obedience and the repercussions of disobedience. Obedience is portrayed as a pathway to life and prosperity, while disobedience leads to suffering and exile.

Prophetic Calls to Obedience

The prophets consistently call the people of Israel back to obedience. In 1 Samuel 15:22 , Samuel declares, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams." This highlights that God values obedience over ritualistic practices.

Jeremiah 7:23 reiterates this call: "But 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.'" The prophetic literature underscores that true worship is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect obedience. Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Jesus' obedience to the Father is the model for all believers.

The teachings of Jesus further emphasize obedience. In John 14:15 , Jesus says, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." This connection between love and obedience is a recurring theme in the New Testament, indicating that true discipleship involves adherence to Christ's teachings.

The apostles continue this emphasis. In Romans 6:16 , Paul writes, "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?" Obedience is presented as a choice that leads to righteousness and life.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The New Testament also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling obedience. In Acts 5:32 , Peter declares, "We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." The Spirit empowers believers to live in obedience to God's will, transforming their hearts and minds.

Conclusion

Obedience to God is a fundamental aspect of the biblical narrative, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It is commanded throughout Scripture, with promises of blessing for those who obey and warnings of consequences for those who do not. From the Old Testament laws to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, obedience remains a central tenet of the faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 13:4
You shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and join to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Obedience: Its Place in Holy Scripture.
... we have the most solemn warning as to the need of exact and entire obedience in
a man whom God is to trust as ruler of His people. Samuel had commanded Saul (1 ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/i obedience its place in.htm

On Particular Acts of Obedience, or those which are Prescribed in ...
... work, that is, inward and outward obedience " for God ... a reason may be given why God
declared some ... Homogeneous and cognate acts are commanded or are forbidden ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxxiii on particular acts.htm

How, Upon Saul's Transgression of the Prophet's Commands, Samuel ...
... in piety, and righteousness, and fortitude, and obedience, for in ... in the ear, and
acquainted him that God chose him ... Saul did not delay, but commanded them to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how upon sauls.htm

Prayer and Obedience
... commands are in the best interests of those who are commanded. ... words, and appraised
at its lowest value " God having issued ... Obedience brings its own reward. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

New Covenant Obedience
... admitting the creature to His fellowship, lies the thought of obedience. It is the
one only thing God spoke of in Paradise when "the Lord God commanded the man ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xiii new covenant obedience.htm

Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
... III. Thirdly, OBEDIENCE WAS THE GRACIOUS FRUIT. Faith and fear together
led Noah to do as God commanded him. When fear is grafted ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 36 1890/noahs faith fear obedience and.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... and done in obedience to Him, and should reflect thus: On my account it would amount
to nothing; but it shall avail, for the reason that God has commanded it. ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

Abraham's Obedience
... us already, and that when we have done all that is commanded us, we ... our own limbs
and lives, and shew as utter faith in God, and complete obedience to God ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xiii abrahams obedience.htm

Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them.
... 2. So Saul promised to do what he was commanded; and supposing that his obedience
to God would be shown, not only in making war against the Amalekites, but ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 sauls war with.htm

On the Covenant into which God Entered with Our First Parents
... two parts, that is, a work commanded, and a ... punishment, to signify the right which
God had over ... altogether surrendered, and to incite man to greater obedience. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxix on the covenant.htm