Obedience

Definition: The Bible defines obedience as a critical virtue of the Christian faith, signifying a person’s submission to God’s will and commandments. In the Bible, obedience is directly connected to love for God, trust in Him, and a desire to live according to His principles. The scriptures repeatedly emphasize that true obedience involves listening to God’s word and acting accordingly.

Key Scriptures on Obedience

1. John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
   • This verse highlights that love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands.
2. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.”
   • Obedience brings blessings from God.
3. 1 Samuel 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
   • Obedience is valued by God more than religious rituals or sacrifices.
4. James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
   • True obedience is not just hearing God’s Word but acting on it.
5. Romans 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
   • Obedience to God leads to righteousness and life, while disobedience leads to sin and death.
6. Luke 11:28 “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
   • Hearing and obeying God’s word is a pathway to blessings.

Prayer Points with Scriptures on Obedience

1. Prayer for a Heart of Obedience
   • Scripture: Ezekiel 36:27
     “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
   • Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill me with Your Spirit, that I may walk in obedience to Your Word. Teach me to follow Your ways and give me a heart that desires to keep Your commands.
2. Prayer for Strength to Obey in Difficult Times
   • Scripture: Philippians 2:13
     “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
   • Prayer: Lord, help me to obey You even when it is hard. Give me the strength to do Your will and to please You in all circumstances.
3. Prayer for Wisdom to Understand God’s Commands
   • Scripture: James 1:5
     “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
   • Prayer: Father, I ask for wisdom and understanding, so I may know and obey Your commandments. Let Your Word dwell richly in me and guide my every step.
4. Prayer for Blessings Through Obedience
   • Scripture: Isaiah 1:19
     “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”
   • Prayer: Lord, as I walk in obedience to Your Word, may Your blessings flow into my life. Help me to live in alignment with Your will, and let Your favor rest upon me.
5. Prayer for Grace to Obey God’s Voice
   • Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1
     “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.”
   • Prayer: Lord, I pray for the grace to diligently listen to and obey Your voice. Let my life reflect complete surrender to Your will.

Obedience is fundamental in the Christian walk, and the Bible teaches that it brings blessings, spiritual growth, and a deeper relationship with God. By praying for a heart inclined toward obedience and relying on God’s strength and wisdom, believers can walk in alignment with His will.