Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ImportanceObedience to God is a fundamental principle in Christian theology, reflecting a believer's submission to the divine will and commandments as revealed in Scripture. It is an act of faith and trust, demonstrating love and reverence for God. Obedience is not merely a duty but a response to God's grace and a pathway to spiritual growth and blessing.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of obedience to God. In the Old Testament, obedience is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people.
Deuteronomy 11:1 states, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments." This call to obedience is echoed throughout the Scriptures, underscoring its significance in the life of a believer.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect obedience to the Father.
Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus as "being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." Christ's obedience is the model for all believers, illustrating the ultimate submission to God's will.
Submission to Higher PowersSubmission to higher powers is an extension of obedience to God, as earthly authorities are instituted by Him.
Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
This passage highlights the divine origin of authority and the believer's responsibility to submit to it, as long as it does not contradict God's commands. The principle of submission is further supported in
1 Peter 2:13-14 : "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers."
Obedience and BlessingObedience to God is often associated with blessing and favor. In the Old Testament, blessings are promised to those who obey God's commandments.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 declares, "Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God."
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the blessedness of obedience in
John 14:23 : "Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.'" Obedience is thus portrayed as a pathway to intimate fellowship with God.
Challenges and EncouragementWhile obedience to God and submission to higher powers can be challenging, believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
Acts 5:29 provides a clear directive when earthly authority conflicts with divine command: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
The call to obedience is not without its trials, but it is through these challenges that faith is refined and strengthened.
James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." This active obedience is a testament to genuine faith and devotion to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
God's Restraining Power.
... of the Spirit, wished to break away fromobedience to His... it was through law and
order thatGod, in His... else, but love, that produces andincludes both, has no...
The Mistakes of Christ's Foes and Friends
... It is activesubmission toGod's will, not orthodox creed... By suchobedience, we draw
His love more and... That relationshipincludes and surpasses all earthly ones...
Sanctification.
... And as the wholeincludes all its parts, there must be... same absurdity as to say,
that perfectobedience to the... be wholly conformed to the will ofGod in this...
Covenant Duties.
... Itincludes that the duties owing to all in... by contemning alike the law ofGod and
the... rulers possessed of scriptural qualifications, cordialobedience is due....
Of Civil Government.
... For, under the term honour, the formerincludes a sincere... toGod himself, inasmuch
as their power is fromGod.... must with ready minds prove ourobedience to them...
Covenanting a Duty.
... the idolater, of whatever class;includes that, instead... a compact even on terms of
submission to the... public character they owe toGod obedience, which cannot...
Book ix. In the Last Book we Treated of the Indistinguishable...
... Theobedience of death has nothing to do with the form ofGod... Father; but, proclaiming
by the word "Father" His relationship toGod, Heincludes Himself in...
The Greater Prophets.
... In the second part of Isaiah, whichincludes the last twenty-seven... his countrymen;
as in chap.24:18, where Ezekiel, inobedience toGod's command, refrains...
The First Epistle of St. Peter
... This graceincludes the thought ofGod's goodness in admitting pagan... The honour is
done byobedience. To reverenceGod is the duty of His servants, and it is...
The Epistle of St. James
... to prosecution of Christians on the ground of their religion (as in 1 Peter 2:12),
but itincludes more.... For James the exercise ofobedience toGod or of...
Resources
Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.orgObedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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