What Does Obedience Mean In The Bible?
Obedience is a central theme throughout the Bible. God calls His people to obey His commands and walk in His ways. But what exactly does it mean to be obedient according to the Bible? In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the meaning of obedience, why it matters, the blessings of obedience, examples of obedience, and what the Bible says about obedience and disobedience.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Obedience in the Bible means listening to and following God’s commands with a humble heart. It flows out of faith, love and reverence for God.
The Meaning and Importance of Obedience
Obedience Shows Our Love and Respect for God
Obedience to God is a key aspect of the Christian faith. It demonstrates our love for God and respect for His authority (John 14:15). As our Creator, God knows what is best for us. When we obey Him, we honor His wisdom, goodness, and right to govern our lives.
The Bible teaches that God has given us His commandments for our protection and blessing (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Like a loving parent, He establishes boundaries to guide us into wise decisions. Our obedience brings glory to God and testifies to others of our faith.
Obedience Leads to Blessing and Fulfillment of God’s Promises
God blesses and rewards those who faithfully obey Him. When Israel obeyed God’s laws, they experienced peace, prosperity, and victory over their enemies. Likewise, God has wonderful plans for those who listen to His voice and walk in His ways (Jeremiah 29:11).
The Bible contains many promises that are conditioned on obedience. For example, God promises wisdom, blessings on our children, prosperity, protection, and more when we obey His commandments (Deuteronomy 28). As we align our lives with God’s Word, we can trust Him to fulfill these promises.
Obedience Allows Us to Walk in God’s Will
God’s perfect plan for each of our lives is that we would be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). As we obey Him, He transforms our hearts and minds to reflect His goodness and character.
Obedience is the pathway to walking in God’s will. Submitting to His Lordship helps us discern His voice and direction for our lives. It positions us to receive empowerment for the plans and purposes He has for us.
Staying in obedience keeps us aligned with God’s will so we can fully become who He designed us to be.
What Does the Bible Say About Obedience and Disobedience?
Blessings for Obedience
The Bible makes clear that obedience to God brings blessings and rewards. As Deuteronomy 28 states, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”
Some specific blessings outlined for obedience include prosperity, an abundance of crops, victory over enemies, and God’s favor.
In the New Testament, Jesus declares that those who hear his words and put them into practice are like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24). When the rains fell and the floods came, the house stood firm.
This illustrates the stability and security that come with obeying Christ’s teachings.
Consequences of Disobedience
The Bible is also clear about the consequences of disobedience. Deuteronomy 28 warns that if the Israelites turn away from God’s commands, “curses will come on you and overtake you.” These curses include famine, disease, defeat, and even exile from the Promised Land.
In the New Testament, Christ warns that on the final day many will claim to know him as Lord, but he will answer, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” (Matthew 7:23). This indicates that mere profession of faith is not enough; we must back up our words with obedient action.
Obedience Brings Us Into Relationship with God
Most importantly, the Bible teaches that obedience leads to an intimate relationship with God himself. Deuteronomy 13:4 declares, “It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.”
As Christ himself said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me” (John 14:21).
A life of obedience allows us to grow steadily in our relationship with God. It is a crucial part of how we love and honor him. As 1 John 2:3 states, “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.”
Biblical Examples of Obedience
Abraham’s Obedience to God’s Call
Abraham demonstrated immense obedience when God called him to leave his homeland and travel to an unknown place. Despite not knowing where he was going, Abraham trusted and obeyed God (Genesis 12:1-4).
His willingness to surrender his own plans aligns with Proverbs 3:5-6’s encouragement to acknowledge God in all our ways. Abraham’s obedience led to God blessing him abundantly.
Noah’s Obedience to Build the Ark
When God asked Noah to construct a massive ark to save his family and the animals from a catastrophic flood, Noah obeyed despite the crazy request (Genesis 6-9). His obedience amidst skepticism allowed God to use him powerfully.
His story inspires us to obey God even when it seems foolish to the world.
Joseph’s Obedience in Difficult Circumstances
Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph obeyed God throughout incredibly unfair hardships (Genesis 37-50). He resisted sexual sin when tempted, managed Potiphar’s household faithfully, and even after being imprisoned unjustly, used his gifts to serve others.
God rewarded Joseph’s outstanding obedience by making him a ruler in Egypt.
Mary’s Obedience to Birth Jesus
When the angel Gabriel told Mary she would miraculously conceive Jesus, she courageously obeyed, though it could have caused her rejection (Luke 1:26-38). Her pure obedience positioned her to fulfill a vital role in God’s plan. Her example calls us to obey God even when it seems improbable or risky.
Jesus’ Obedience to the Father
Jesus embodied perfect obedience, surrendering His will to the Father’s. He declared His purpose was to do the Father’s will (John 4:34, 6:38) and was obedient even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
We follow Christ’s model of obedience when we make God’s desires our highest priority rather than our own.
How to Grow in Obedience
Pray for an Obedient Heart
The first step towards growing in obedience is praying for God to give us a heart that is willing and eager to obey (Psalm 51:10). We can ask God daily to make us sensitive to His voice and give us the courage to follow His guidance.
As we spend time communing with God, He reshapes our desires to match His perfect will. Faithful prayer opens us up to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Study God’s Word
To know how to obey God, we need to understand what He expects of us. Regular Bible study illuminates God’s standards and principles for the Christ-centered life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Internalizing biblical truths renews our minds to discern the will of God.
As the Scriptures take deeper root in us, our actions will align more consistently with God’s precepts. We can study passages that depict biblical models of obedience like Joseph, Ruth, Daniel and Jesus to learn how to walk in obedience.
Yield Your Will to God
Obedience starts in the heart. We have to surrender our personal agendas, preferences and self-reliance in order to embrace the path God calls us to walk (Proverbs 3:5-6). Yielding requires laying down our pride, fear of man, love for comfort and other obstacles that keep us from God’s perfect plan.
We honor God when we make our lives living sacrifices, trusting Him to lead us into green pastures and quiet waters (Romans 12:1-2). As we yield ourselves fully to Him, He gives us renewed strength to follow Him.
Obey God in Small Things First
If God seems to be calling us to major life changes that feel overwhelming, we can start small. Growth in obedience happens gradually as we allow the Holy Spirit to shape our character (Luke 16:10). We can listen for God’s guidance in our mundane daily choices, whether that means speaking kindly during conflict or freely sharing our resources with someone in need.
Whenever God prompts our conscience, we build our faith muscles by stepping out to obey. Our sensitivity and willingness to follow God’s lead will increase as we walk in step with Him through little acts of devotion.
Depend on the Holy Spirit for Help
Even when our hearts long to please God, our human limitations can cause us to stumble. But Jesus assured His disciples that the Holy Spirit would provide the power, instruction and encouragement necessary to walk in obedience (John 14:15-17).
As we pursue an intimate friendship with Him through spiritual practices like worship, Scripture meditation and prayer, He will faithfully lead us (Galatians 5:16-25). Even when we fail, His endless grace and forgiveness help us get back on the path of obedience.
By depending wholeheartedly on the Holy Spirit and God’s incredible love for us, we discover the joy of living devoted to Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obedience is vitally important in the Bible. Obedience means humbly submitting to God’s commands and walking in His ways. There are tremendous blessings for those who obey God, as well as consequences for disobedience.
As we seek to grow in obedience, we must pray, study the Word, yield our wills, start small, and rely on the Holy Spirit. Our loving obedience brings glory to God and leads to our joy and fulfillment.
