What does the Bible have to say about having obedience to God?
We have discussed rebellion and how it affects our contentment. Rebellion is based on questioning authority and intentionally disobeying.
This post will focus on Bible verses on obedience to God and how we can act instead.
Let’s quickly survey some Bible verses on Obedience to God and learn from His Word.
7 Bible Verses on Obedience to God
1. Obedience to God, Not Men
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29 ESV
Peter and the other disciples had been imprisoned because they were preaching about God. And many people were being saved. After being imprisoned, an angel of the Lord opened the doors and told them to go out and preach to people in the temple about Jesus. And they obeyed.
They were brought before the council, and the high priest asked them why they were doing this when they were charged not to teach in Jesus’ name. Peter let them know they needed to obey God and not men.
Have you been told not to do something (or to do something) when you strongly believe that God wants you to do something different?
When the world is telling us to do something contrary to God and the truth of His Word, we need to obey Him. He will get us through whatever is to come because we have chosen to obey Him and not men, who are of the world.
2. Jesus our Example & Source of Salvation
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
Hebrews 5:8-9 ESV
Jesus is the perfect example of obedience. He came to this world to bring many people to God. And He was obedient to God by going to the cross on our behalf. Because of that, He gave us salvation when we choose faith and walk in obedience to Him.
3. The Holy Spirit is a Reward for Obedience
And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.
Acts 5:32 ESV
This is the last verse at the end of Peter’s speech about obeying God rather than men to the council. One of the rewards of obedience is having the Holy Spirit. When Jesus left this world, He told the disciples that the Helper would come and guide them into all truth. And He will tell us about coming things and the joy we will have (John 17:7, 13 ESV).
I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit and God’s truth that I am learning from Him! And I am thankful that the Spirit is life and peace! (Romans 8:6 ESV). Lean in and learn from the Spirit. Since you chose to believe in God and trust Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit was given to guide, teach, and protect you. He is whispering to you God’s directions on which way to go or whether you stay where you are. Lean in, listen to HIm, and believe that God will do what He says.
4. Obedience Pleases the Lord
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 ESV
This is a command of obedience for children. The Greek word for everything means “each, every, all things.” They are to obey their parents in everything they ask of them. Why? Because it is pleasing to God. By obeying our parents, we are obeying the Lord’s command.
Some may wince at this command because their parents are/were abusive or less than honorable to their children.
In this same passage (vs. 21), Paul told fathers not to provoke their children because it could discourage them. Provoke, in Greek, means “to stir up, excite, stimulate, to provoke” them. Paul didn’t want the fathers to be so hard on their children that it caused them to lose heart or faith.
With anything, if what we are being told doesn’t line up with the truth in God’s word, then His Word supersedes that of people around us – even parents. See section one above about obedience to God, not men.
5. Obeying Your Boss is Like Obeying Christ
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ.
Ephesians 6:5 ESV
We should be willing to do what our bosses tell us to do. It means putting their needs over our own and being devoted to helping them out. We Christians should do this because it reflects who we are in Christ.
The Greek for trembling in this verse describes “the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty.” (Strong’s Interlinear, Blueletterbible.org).
I don’t know how often I thought I wasn’t sure how I would get something done, yet I did not want to let my boss down. Persisting and continuing to try to complete the task to get it done. But if I got stuck with something, I would need to ask someone for help. To be honest, I am not fond of asking for help. I don’t even like asking for directions if I am lost!
We must keep trying to do our best so that God is honored with our work. Colossians 3:23 tells us to work with all our hearts as if we are working for God and not men.
6. Submit to Leaders Who Watch Over Your Soul
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Hebrews 13:17 ESV
Those in leadership over us in spiritual matters must be respected and obeyed. They are accountable to God for taking care of our souls. When we act with disobedience to them, it is hurtful to them. That is not said to bring us guilt. But for us to understand that pastors, ministers, and youth or children workers have feelings too. They do their work because it is joyful to tell others about Jesus. When there are challenges with the ministry and those under their care, it cuts to the heart and is discouraging.
I worked in youth and children’s ministry early in my career. There were many joyful moments, and we had fun hanging out with the kids. But when there were challenging kids, unkind parents, or crabby board members, I remember going home to my husband and wondering if it was all worth it. Like any job, there are good days and bad days. But the impact of the decisions made in this position was eternal. And I hurt when their souls were far from the Lord. I did what I could and had to leave the rest up to God.
7. Take Thoughts Captive to Obey Christ
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:5-6
I love this verse! It has meant so much to me in the last few years. Some people are lying to us about many things in our world today. And these all fly in the face of the truth of God’s Word! And for me, I kept telling myself lies about my worth after losing my job. Our brain will tell us bad things when it is not the truth! I had all of those thoughts and more about my situation. So I would tell God to take those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. And they would vanish away!
When thoughts enter your head that is not true or speaking to the truth of God’s Word, ask God to take them captive to obey Christ. Then replace those negative thoughts with another truth from Scripture that is encouraging or comforting to you.
Summary of Obedience to God
These verses on obedience to God are just a few of all the ones in the Bible.
Which verse of these 7 verses on obedience is your favorite? Why? Ponder that today as you take your next steps in obedience to God.
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Resource Library
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