Topical Encyclopedia
Obedience to God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions and will with the commands and desires of the Almighty. The resolve to obey God is not merely a passive acceptance but an active, deliberate decision to follow His statutes and commandments.
Biblical FoundationThe call to obedience is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. In
Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the Shema, a foundational text for Israel, commands: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This love for God is expressed through obedience, as further emphasized in
Deuteronomy 6:17: "You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has commanded you."
Examples of Resolved Obedience1.
Abraham: Abraham's life is a profound example of resolved obedience. In
Genesis 22:2-3, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Despite the personal cost, Abraham rises early the next morning to fulfill God's command, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to obey.
2.
Joshua: Joshua's leadership is marked by a resolute commitment to God's law. In
Joshua 1:7-8, God instructs him, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua's resolve is evident as he leads Israel in obedience to God's commands.
3.
Daniel: In a foreign land, Daniel resolves to remain obedient to God despite external pressures.
Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way." His determination to uphold God's laws exemplifies steadfast obedience.
Teachings of JesusJesus Christ, the ultimate model of obedience, underscores the necessity of obeying God. In
John 14:15, He declares, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." Jesus' own life was marked by perfect obedience to the Father, as seen 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."
Apostolic ExhortationsThe apostles continue this theme, urging believers to resolve upon obedience. In
Romans 12:1-2, Paul appeals to the church: "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This transformation involves a deliberate choice to obey God's will.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers believers to resolve upon obedience. In
Galatians 5:16, Paul instructs, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Spirit aids in aligning the believer's will with God's, enabling a life of obedience.
Consequences of ObedienceScripture consistently links obedience to blessings. In
Deuteronomy 28:1-2, God promises Israel, "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. And all these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God." Conversely, disobedience leads to curses and separation from God.
ConclusionThe resolve to obey God is a fundamental aspect of the believer's life, requiring intentionality and reliance on divine strength. Through the examples of biblical figures, the teachings of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to a life of obedience, reflecting their love and devotion to God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 24:7And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD has said will we do, and be obedient.
Torrey's Topical TextbookJoshua 24:24
And the people said to Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Notion of Inability.
... sinners and backslidden saints often make legal resolutions, andresolve upon obedience
under the... conviction, purpose selfishly to do their duty toGod and man...
The Morning Watch in the Life ofObedience.
... the morning watch may be in the life of one who makes a determinedresolve to meet
God there; to renew the surrender to absoluteobedience; humbly and...
Relation vi. The Vow ofObedience to Father Gratian which the...
... have been about a month after this myresolve was made... I was already resolvedupon,
to live underobedience to the... now I had something I could do forGod, I was...
The Servant's InflexibleResolve
... III. The basis of Christ's fixedresolve in filial confidence... 'The LordGod will
help... That confidence of divine help was basedupon consciousness ofobedience....
Experience,Resolve, and Hope
... A firmresolve.... direction, and example, and our poor imitation andobedience, are
most... And 'walking beforeGod' means, I suppose, mainly, feeling always that...
The School ofObedience
... any profit, rest not till you have written it down"Dailyobedience to all thatGod
wills of... Not in the strength of yourresolve or effort, but that the...
What Constitutes Disobedience to Moral Law?
... us examine whether this supposition would notresolve itself into... the law of my reason,
and ofGod, implies that... being as an ultimate end, inobedience to the...
Obedience to the Last Command
... It helped them into the surrender ofobedience to the great command... their Master's
will, if they could take the simpleresolve By the grace ofGod I devote...
How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and...
... out that the office which at first was undertaken out ofobedience toGod and superiors...
to his imperfect soul; but this being done, he mustresolve to submit...
OnObedience to Pastors
... this will not affright you, if youresolve to be... bind thisupon your consciences,
in the sight ofGod. Were it only inobedience to this direction, you cannot...
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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