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Basic Bible Study Course

Able, Willing, & Obedient

LESSON #11, PART 3-1 OBEDIENT

Definitions are taken from Webster's Dictionary.

Obedience: doing what is ordered; submission. Obey: to carry out the instructions or orders of. submit to the control of.

Prerequisite: necessary condition to something following.

Remember when you are studying these lessons to read the scriptures surrounding the text printed here if you do not understand something. Because of limited space, we cannot record them all.

OBEDIENT

1. OBEDIENT MEANS SUBMITTED TO THE CONTROL OF

Submission means to be in subjection. Read 1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 2:4-5 (obey God anyway, being subject to HIM), Hebrews 2:1-18, Hebrews 12:9, Romans 6:16, 1 Peter 5:5. If we humble ourselves and submit our ways to God, having the fear of God in us, he will bless.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7.

(18) Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: (20) But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Isaiah 1:18-20.

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. Proverbs 22:4.

Every decision you make affects the rest of your life in some way. The decisions you make to obey or to disobey God can harden or soften your heart toward God. God gives you a choice (Deuteronomy 30:19). Read Hebrews 4:7, Hebrews 3:8-19 (you can be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin), Psalm 95:8, Ezekiel 11:19-20.

A Christian is saved by faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). They have been born into the family of God. A babe in Christ has to grow in grace and learn to OBEY God. You must serve God not only with your lips, (Isaiah 29:13 & Mark 7:6-7) but in deed and in truth from the heart.

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Romans 6:17.

If we say Jesus is our Lord and do not intend to obey him, we are mocking him and deceiving ourselves. Read Galatians 6:7. There is no respect of persons with God (Romans 2:11); all must obey him and his Word. Read 1 John 2:1-6. Read Luke 6:46-49. Read also Malachi 1:6, Luke 13:24-30, Romans 2:13.

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21.

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 1 John 3:18.

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? Romans 6:16. Read Romans 6:23.

Heed the parable of the two sons.

(28) But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. (29) He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. (30) And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. (31) Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. (32) For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him. Matthew 21:28-32.

See how the religious people (verse 32) were not willing to change, even after they could see it was the work of God. They repented not. Jesus told the parable of the two sons. Too many people are in a rut, not willing to obey God. Being disobedient, they have hardened their heart toward God, trusting in their own ways. "Thou shalt not" goes against human pride. That is why we have to pray and submit our will to God.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:5.

2. JESUS OUR EXAMPLE

Jesus was submitted to God. God gave Jesus authority (Matthew 28:18). Jesus did those things that were pleasing to God (John 8:29). We are to humble ourselves in submission to God as his servants (Matthew 4:10). Jesus gave authority to his servants when he went back to God (Mark 13:34-37). Read Mark 1:27 and Matthew 8:26-27 how the winds, sea, and unclean spirits obeyed Jesus. All power is given unto Jesus in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18).

Jesus set the example for us. Jesus was flesh and he had to learn to obey God as we do (Hebrews 5:7-9). After being baptized by John, Jesus went through intense testing. He resisted Satan and overcame by choosing to obey the WORD OF GOD instead of yielding to the temptations Satan offered to him (Matthew chapter 4). In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus suffered temptation (Matthew 26 & Mark 14). Again he subjected his will to God and obeyed God. By Christ's example, we know we must and are ABLE to obey God. What did Jesus do when he was tempted? Either he had already been praying, or he prayed during the temptation. He was able to resist the devil. He called on God for help and he submitted his WILL to God.

(14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. (15) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (16) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16.

Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:42.

3. WE ARE COMMANDED TO OBEY GOD

He gave us the ten commandments (Exodus 20). Read Matthew 22:37-40.

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deuteronomy 13:4.

You are a free moral agent. You have a choice. Read Joshua 24:14 and 15. For an example of disobedience you can read about Korah's rebellion and how many people it affected in Numbers 16:1-50. YOU have a choice (read Deuteronomy 11:26-28 and Deuteronomy 30:19). You cannot give an excuse "So and So made me do it (sin)". God's word is truth and is forever settled in heaven (Psalm 119:89) so no excuses will stand on judgment day. We are drawn away of our own lust and enticed (James 1:12-15). Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. We are responsible for our own soul. We must obey God so we can go to be with him when we die. Read Matthew 16:26-27, Mark 8:36-38, Luke 9:25, Romans 6:23, and Hebrews 9:27.

(13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1:13-15.

We are COMMANDED to obey God. If we obey God, we obtain eternal life (read John 5:24-29). If we disobey God, we obtain eternal damnation. Read Deuteronomy 11:26-28, Romans 3:23, Revelation 20:12-13, and Joshua 24:15.

Therefore, before committing to anything we do, we should truly find out the will of God for our lives. Sometimes we walk by faith, seeking the will of God as we go and sometimes, we MUST know the will of God before taking another step, to avoid hurt or destruction. Know God's perfect will before you set your face as flint.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5.

For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. Isaiah 50:7.

4. LEARN TO OBEY

How? Study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) and pray. There are some who teach and preach right, but you shouldn't just take somebody's word for what the Bible says. Truly the Lord has ordained some workers for the perfecting of the saints (Ephesians 4:11-12), but our soul is too valuable to leave only to the care of others. The Bible contains God's will for you. Read it and study it.

(5) Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. (6) He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. (7) He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. (8) And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; (9) Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. (10) He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Job 36:5-10.

(11) If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. (12) But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. (13) But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them. (14) They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. Job 36:11-14.

5. FAITH AND OBEDIENCE GO TOGETHER

Faith is a prerequisite to obedience. You are required to believe God for forgiveness of sins and to be born again. We obey God by asking for forgiveness, at the same time believing Jesus came to die to reconcile us to God (John 3:16). It is necessary to obey God before you can receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 5:32). If you are not found faithful and obedient, you certainly will not go on to obtain the gifts of the Spirit nor any of the deeper things of God.

God heareth not sinners (John 9:31-33). Read 1 John 3:19-24. If our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God. Read Hebrews 10:35. If you want confidence in God, OBEY him. If God convicts you of sin, seek his forgiveness. Read 1 John 2:1-5. See how obedience to God's commandments brings you faith in God. Verse 5 lets us know that whoso keepeth his word will know they are IN HIM-IN CHRIST.

When the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith (Luke 17:5-10), he told them that after they have done all things which are commanded them, to say they are unprofitable servants, they have done that which was their duty to do. If we want powerful faith to work for God, we must be obedient in all his Word says for us to do. He will give more to those whom he has already proved faithful to him. Read Luke 16:10-11.

And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. Luke 17:6.

Just as the wind, the sea, and the unclean spirits obeyed Jesus, they will obey us if we follow closely to Jesus, being obedient in all things. We are to follow the example of Abraham, who was called to go and afterward was to receive an inheritance. He obeyed, not knowing where he went; he was going by faith.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8.

Luke 17:20-21 speaks about the kingdom of God. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you. Jesus told Peter he would give him the keys of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 16:19. He spoke of spiritual warfare when he said "whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Read 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. We must use everything God gives us to take the victory away from the devil for souls to be won into the kingdom of God. Read Philemon 1:6. Jesus said that all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23). Read Hebrews 11:6. In order to win souls to God we MUST be obedient servants of God BECAUSE disobedience is sin and God heareth not sinners!!! As we GROW UP IN CHRIST we learn to be obedient to Christ in ALL things and prove ourselves trustworthy. Luke 11:52 speaks about the key of knowledge.

To receive from God, you've got to ask in prayer, believing (Matthew 21:22, Matthew 7:7-8). Faith and obedience work together. Read James 1:5-8. Read James 5:15-16. Works show your obedience. IF you believe he told you to do something, and you do it (obeying him), you have shown your faith by your works.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James 2:14.

(17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:17-18.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19.

For further study on the keys read: Matthew 18:18, Isaiah 22:22, Revelation 1:18, & Revelation 3:7.

6. FEAR OF GOD IN YOU CAUSES YOU TO OBEY GOD

Remember the part on willing to content the people in the WILLING study? If you disobey God because of fear of the enemy, you have sinned. Don't fear the reproach of men. There is no excuse for disobeying God. If the reason is fear of other things, you don't have enough of the fear of God. Read Psalm 19:13 and 2 Peter 2:10 about presumptuous sins. Read Romans 8:15.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28.

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. Isaiah 51:7. Read Isaiah 51:7-16.

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1 Samuel 15:24.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13.

For all those things hath mine hand made, and those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:2. Read also Isaiah 57:15.

(7) Who, in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (8) Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:7-9.

We, too, present to God our prayers with strong crying at times and we know that he hears us if we fear and obey him. Yet the thing which we want changed, may still be the will of God for us and if so, we must suffer it that we be made perfect and well able to win many to the kingdom of God.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7.

But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Luke 12:5.

There is the fear of God and the fear of man. We are not to fear man. We have the fear of God because we know he has the power to destroy us in hell if we disobey him. He is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14) and wants us to fear him and learn to love him for he is a good God. For further study: Judges 6:10, Proverbs 2:5, Isaiah 35:4. David didn't just pray for the Lord to protect him from the enemy, but also from the FEAR of the ENEMY!

Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy. Psalm 64:1.

7. LOVE OF GOD AND OBEDIENCE GO TOGETHER

Read 1 John 2:3-5, 1 John 5:1-5, and John 14:15.

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3.

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Luke 4:8.

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.

8. OBEDIENCE SOMETIMES MEANS SUFFERING

Obedience sometimes means suffering. Jesus learned obedience through suffering Hebrews 5:8. Sometimes we must learn obedience through suffering. Romans 6:12-14 and 1 Peter 4:1-19.

(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13.

Even if it means persecution or suffering we must obey God. Read Acts 5:17-42. If it means crucifying the flesh rather than having our own desires and lusts, then we must do it to obey God. Read Romans 6. Read Romans 12:1-2. We are not supposed to conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Mark 7:8.

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