what does the bible says about obedience and what are biblical examples of obedience?
Are you looking for models of obedience or stories that make you see its meaning?
Here is a look at some examples of obedience in the Bible.
The most difficult thing for any believer is to be obedient since this implies getting rid of the old man and leaving many things that perhaps please him.
No one wants someone else telling them what to do. As long as believers try to follow biblical obedience, most of the time it remains difficult because many fight even against themselves.
But, to help in this, we will explain what exactly obedience is, how to obey God, and some examples.
What is obedience according to the bible?
Obedience means “submissive to the restriction or mandate of authority.” Therefore, the meaning of Christian obedience is the act of submitting to the commandments (laws) of God, the highest authority, creator, and Father of humanity.
If you have faith in God and believe that Christianity is the truth, obedience is the practice of living by faith, obeying the teachings of the Bible.
How to Obey God: 3 Ways of Christian Obedience
How should Christians obey God?
Here are some tips so that you always remain in obedience to God and his commands:
1. Love the Lord your God
Obedience can simply be honoring and praising God for your life and the blessings within you. While this may seem obvious and easy, there are many distractions in the modern world (technology in particular) that can divert us from appreciating the glory of God in our daily lives.
We must focus on obeying the greatest commandment of Jesus and love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, continually giving Him thanks.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself
Continuing with the teachings of obedience in the Bible, we find James 2:8 22 which speaks of loving your neighbor. To love our neighbors, friends, and even family, we must forgive them for their offenses against us. As the Lord’s Prayer says: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us.” Matthew 6:14 tells us:
“Because if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Because human beings are imperfect, they will commit crimes against us, so it is vital to forgive in order to love our neighbor. Obeying God means putting his commandments above our desires so as not to hold a grudge against others. Forgive and let go of anger!
3. Prayer
The Bible literally tells us to “pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Living by faith means living by prayer, commonly turning to God in supplication and thanksgiving. If you feel like you are having difficulty understanding or practicing obedience, pray for guidance and inspiration. Furthermore, prayer itself is a form of obedience.
ALSO READ:
- Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifices; 1 Samuel 15:22 Meaning and explanation
- 10 hindrances to prayer and how to overcome them
- 5 Stories Of Patience in the Bible- examples of Patience in the Bible
5 examples of obedience in the bible
Here are several examples of obedience in the Bible:
1. Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac
Abraham by agreeing to sacrifice his only son Isaac when he was 99 years old, gave us the first example of obedience in the Bible. When this man was 99 years old, God promised him and his wife that they would have a son regardless of his age.
A year later, God’s promise was fulfilled when 99-year-old Sarah gave birth to her son Isaac. When Isaac grew up to be a boy, God tested Abraham’s faith by telling him to take his only son and offer him as a burnt offering. Though filled with sadness and pain, Abraham obeyed God’s words and led Isaac up the mountain.
Abraham had complete faith that God would provide a way out and that he would not lose his only son. At the moment when Abraham was going to sacrifice Isaac, God sent an angel to stop him and said “Don’t lay a hand on the boy”, “Don’t do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not denied me your son, your only son”.
Abraham looked up and there, in a thicket, he saw a ram caught by its horns. He approached, took the ram, and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. There, Abraham built an altar and named the place Jehovah-Jireh which means ” the Lord provides “.
2. Noah’s obedience to God
Another example of obedience in the Bible is the story of Noah. God told Noah that he would send a flood on the earth, so he was to build an ark and follow the exact specifications that he was given. Then he was to take his family and pairs of animals to this ark. After finishing it, God himself locked them in the ark. The Bible tells us in Genesis 6:22 :
So did Noah; according to all that God commanded him.
3. Paul’s obedience to the heavenly vision
Another great example of obedience in the Bible is the story of Paul, who was known as Saul before his conversion. Paul was a religious man, a Pharisee who was proud of his Jewish origin and of being a member of God’s people.
This man was traveling to Damascus to persecute Christians. Then came the devastating experience on the way. He heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Paul asked, “Tell me Lord, who are you?” “I am Jesus, whom you persecute.” After this experience, his belief died, and from then on, he walked in the path of the Lord.
4. Daniel refuses to contaminate himself
Daniel and his friends were determined to obey God’s word, despite pressure from the Babylonian government.
This character had wisdom in dealing with the problem, earning the friendship and trust of the officials involved, so that he and his friends were granted permission to eat simple food, instead of the rich food from the king’s table that was prohibited by the Law of Moses.
In Daniel 1:8, Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the ration of the king’s food, nor with the wine that he drank. For this reason, he asked the prince of the eunuchs not to contaminate himself.
5. Moses takes off his shoes at the burning bush
Exodus 3 records Moses’ experience when he saw a burning bush on the side of the mountain. There he was ordered to remove his shoes, which he did because he was on holy ground. Furthermore, he showed his obedience when:
- He accepted God’s instruction to place Aaron as his helper.
- He followed God’s instructions in the land of Egypt.
- He agreed to bring the ten commandments of God.
Checkout:
- 12 Powerful Examples Of Prophecies In The Bible
- 5 Stories of Unity In The Bible
- Meaning of The Word of God is Alive and Powerful; Hebrews 4:12
Conclusion:
The Scriptures are the Word of God and a magnificent source of wisdom and encouragement to know and obey the commandments of our Creator.
Look for inspiration in the Bible and in your devotion to obedience. Always remember that the Lord desires obedience above sacrifice.
May God bless you with love, peace, and faith. Never stray from the path of truth, and know that sometimes there will be trials on your way, but the Lord will help you overcome them if you remain in Him.
