The above subject was one of the two suggested applications in last week pulpit – Micah 2. Why is obedience to God important?
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible has a lot to say about obedience. In the account or story of the Ten Commandments, we see just how important the concept of obedience is to God.
Deuteronomy 11:26-28 sums it for us “ Obey and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be cursed.”
The general concept of obedience both in the Old and New Testament relates to hearing to a higher authority. A Greek word for obey in the New Testament means “to trust”.
Bible dictionaries define obedience as “to hear God’s Word and act accordingly “; “physical hearing that inspires the hearer, and a belief or trust that in turn motivates the hearer to act in accordance with the speaker’s desires.”
So biblical obedience to God means, simply to hear, trust, submit and surrender to God and His Word.
REASONS WHY OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS KEY!
- An Act of Worship
While the Bible places strong emphasis on obedience, it is important to remember that believers are not justified by our obedience. Salvation is a free gift of God, and we can do nothing to merit it. True Christian obedience flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace we have received from the Lord. See Romans 12:1
- A proof of our love
“By this we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey His commandments. For this is love of God, that we keep His commamdments. And His commandments are not burdensome“ – 1 John 5:2-3
- Demonstration of our Faith
“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, “I know God , but doesn’t obey God‘s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth… “ 1 John 2:3-6
- Obedience is better than Sacrifice
“What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.. “ – 1Samuel 15:22-23
- Disobedience leads to sin and death
The disobedience of Adam brought sin and death into this world. But Christ’s perfect obedience restores our fellowship with God, for everyone who believes in Him.
- Through Obedience, we experience the blessings of Holy living.
Only Jesus Christ is perfect, therefore，only he could walk in sinless obedience. But as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, we grow in holiness. See Psalm 119:1-8
Elder Andrew Lim
