Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance: The term "obeys" refers to the act of following commands, instructions, or guidance, particularly in the context of divine or authoritative directives. In the Bible, obedience is a fundamental aspect of faith and relationship with God. It signifies submission to God's will and adherence to His commandments, reflecting a believer's trust and reverence for the Lord.Biblical Context: Obedience is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with God's commands. It is often portrayed as a demonstration of faith and love for God. The Bible presents numerous examples and teachings that highlight the significance of obedience in the life of a believer. Old Testament Examples: 1. Abraham: Abraham's obedience is a pivotal example in the Old Testament. When God called him to leave his homeland and go to a land He would show him, Abraham obeyed without hesitation (Genesis 12:1-4). His willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command further exemplifies his obedience (Genesis 22:1-18). 2. Moses and the Israelites: Moses is another key figure whose obedience to God's instructions led to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai established a covenant that required the Israelites to obey God's commandments (Exodus 19:5-6). 3. Samuel and Saul: The prophet Samuel emphasized the importance of obedience over sacrifice when he rebuked King Saul for disobeying God's command. Samuel declared, "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). New Testament Teachings: 1. Jesus Christ: Jesus is the ultimate model of obedience. He obeyed the Father in all things, even to the point of death on the cross. Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . 2. The Great Commission: Jesus instructed His disciples to teach others to obey everything He commanded (Matthew 28:20). This underscores the continuity of obedience as a central tenet of Christian discipleship. 3. Apostolic Teachings: The apostles reinforced the necessity of obedience in the early church. In Acts 5:29, Peter and the other apostles declared, "We must obey God rather than men" , highlighting the priority of divine commands over human authority. Theological Significance: Obedience is not merely a legalistic adherence to rules but is deeply rooted in a relationship with God. It is an expression of faith, love, and trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. Obedience is linked to blessings and favor from God, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. Practical Application: For believers, obedience involves daily submission to God's Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It requires a heart willing to listen and respond to God's voice, as well as a commitment to live according to His principles. Obedience is both an individual and communal responsibility, impacting personal spiritual growth and the witness of the church in the world. Conclusion: Obedience remains a vital aspect of the Christian faith, reflecting a believer's commitment to God and His purposes. Through obedience, believers demonstrate their allegiance to Christ and participate in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Strong's Hebrew 8085. shama -- to hear... known (1), make themselves heard (1), make your heard (1), obedient (1), obey (32), obey* (14), obeyed (21), obeyed* (5), obeying (6), obeys (1), overheard (1 ... /hebrew/8085.htm - 7k Library Whether Corporeal Matter Obeys the Mere Will of an Angel? On the Words of the Gospel, John ix. 4 and 31, "We must Work the ... Sonship Whether an Effect of Law is to Make Men Good? Whether God Ought to be Obeyed in all Things? Whether Subjects are Bound to Obey their Superiors in all Things? Whether Obedience is a Special virtue? Justice and the Reason of Effects The Fifty-Third Chapter: God's Grace is not Given to the Earthly ... Of Holy Obedience Thesaurus Obeys (17 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Obeys (17 Occurrences). John 7:19 Did not Moses give you the Law? And yet not a man of you obeys the Law. ... /o/obeys.htm - 11k Commands (216 Occurrences) Obeying (24 Occurrences) Obil (1 Occurrence) Obey (219 Occurrences) Law-breaker (3 Occurrences) Gentile (24 Occurrences) God-fearing (24 Occurrences) Thunders (20 Occurrences) Resources What is antithetical parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the key to victory when struggling with sin? | GotQuestions.org Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Obeys (17 Occurrences)John 7:19 John 9:31 John 14:21 Romans 2:27 2 Timothy 2:5 James 4:11 1 John 2:5 1 John 3:24 Revelation 2:26 Leviticus 18:5 Nehemiah 9:29 Ecclesiastes 8:5 Isaiah 50:10 Ezekiel 20:11 Ezekiel 20:13 Ezekiel 20:21 Joel 2:11 Subtopics Related Terms |