Obedience to God: A Scriptural Perspective

Introduction: The Call to Obedience

Obedience is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the relationship between humanity and God. Hebrews 2:1-2 reminds us, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” This call to obedience is not merely a suggestion but an essential part of faith and spiritual safety.

Just as “safety first” is a principle in workplaces to prevent accidents, obedience to God ensures our spiritual safety. Faithful adherence to God’s commands requires diligence and respect for His divine will. The consequences of neglecting obedience can be dire, as evidenced by numerous biblical accounts.

The Purpose of Obedience

God expects His people to follow His commands completely, as stated in Jeremiah 23:23-32. This obedience is not arbitrary but aligns with His perfect will. As Jesus emphasized in Matthew 5:18, “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished.” Obedience reflects our love for God and our desire to align ourselves with His plan.

How Far Does God Require Obedience?

Some may question whether God demands absolute obedience, suggesting it may be excessive or even impossible. However, such arguments often stem from confusion created by Satan. The Bible shows us that God’s expectations are clear and just, and He empowers His people to follow His commands.

Biblical Examples of Obedience

The Bible is replete with examples of individuals who either obeyed or disobeyed God’s commands, highlighting the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. Below are some of these accounts:

Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-8): Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because it followed God’s guidelines, while Cain’s was rejected due to disobedience. Hebrews 11:4 explains, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous.”
Uzzah and the Ark (2 Samuel 6:6-8): When Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it, he disobeyed God’s explicit instructions and was struck down. This incident emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands exactly as He gives them.
Lot’s Wife (Genesis 19:17, 26): Despite being warned not to look back as Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, Lot’s wife disobeyed and turned into a pillar of salt. Her disobedience serves as a cautionary tale against disregarding God’s instructions.
The Young Prophet (1 Kings 13:11-26): A prophet disobeyed God’s command by listening to another man rather than God’s direct instruction, leading to his untimely death. This account underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God.
Jonah (Jonah 1:1-3): Jonah initially disobeyed God’s command to preach to Nineveh, resulting in his being swallowed by a great fish. Only after repenting and obeying God did he fulfill his mission.
Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2): The sons of Aaron offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as punishment. Their story is a stark reminder that obedience to God requires precision and reverence.
Naaman (2 Kings 5): Naaman was healed of leprosy only after obeying the prophet Elisha’s instructions to wash in the Jordan River seven times, demonstrating the blessings that come from submission to God’s will.

These examples show that God’s commands are not arbitrary but are given for our good. As Hebrews 10:28 warns, “Anyone who has ignored the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

New Testament Teachings on Obedience

The New Testament reinforces the importance of obedience through the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. For example:

Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.”
Ephesians 2:8-9: While salvation is by grace through faith, it leads to a life of obedience. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.” This passage highlights the rewards of obedience in eternity.

Practical Lessons on Obedience

To live a life of obedience to God, we must first study His Word diligently. As 2 Timothy 2:15 advises, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” Obedience also requires consistent effort and reliance on God’s strength.

John 3:36 provides a powerful summary of the relationship between obedience and eternal life: “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Two Fathers: Whom Do You Serve?

The Bible draws a clear distinction between two spiritual fathers: God and Satan. As Jesus said in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father.” By contrast, those who obey God belong to Him, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:9: “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.’”

Satan often promotes partial obedience or misleads people into thinking obedience is unnecessary. For example, the idea that “faith alone” is sufficient without repentance, baptism, or works contradicts James 2:17: “Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” Obedience involves all aspects of God’s commands, including repentance, baptism (Acts 2:38), and faithful living.

Conclusion: Whose Commands Do You Follow?

Obedience to God is not an optional part of the Christian life—it is central to our relationship with Him. As we reflect on the examples from Scripture, we must ask ourselves:

Whose commands have we obeyed?
If not God’s commands, then whose are we following?
Whose child are we—God’s or Satan’s?

Let us commit ourselves to studying and obeying God’s Word fully, trusting in His promises and aligning our lives with His perfect will. By doing so, we ensure that we belong to Him and can confidently look forward to the blessings He has prepared for those who are faithful.