Obedience

MOSES

A Man Of Obedience

Quick Overview

In the Bible Moses was a great man of obedience. As he was walking he noticed a burning bush, which called him by his name, God spoke to Moses through the burning bush, and told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let God’s people go. Moses was obedient to what God had asked him to do, and after some time Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go. Had Moses not been obedient the Israelites would have been kept as slaves.

Obedience is simply pure loyalty to our God. When we are obedient we can better focus on God, and what He has done for us, and in our life. Obedience is also our willingness to cooperate with God. Obedience is a big deal to God, therefore it should be a big deal to us, the Bible says in Deuteronomy 5:33 ‘Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.’ The character of obedience encourages and motivates us to keep seeking our Lord and clinging to Him regardless of life’s circumstances. Obedience is not only for God but for others that are in authority over us, such as parents, the Bible mentions this quite often first in Deuteronomy 5:16 were it says ‘Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.’ The Bible mentions this again in Ephesians 6:1-3 ‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and your mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” So clearly we must be obedient. The Bible says that when we are obedient we will live long; Moses is a great example of this because he was obedient, and the Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 34:7 ‘Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when we died...’ And if you are not impressed by that take a look at Noah, God told Noah to build an ark, and without questioning he did, God rewarded Noah with a long life on the earth, ‘Noah lived to a total of nine hundred fifty years, and then he died’ Genesis 9:29. These two men are examples of God’s promise about obedience.

Read the following verses then answer the questions below;

1 Samuel 15:22, Deuteronomy 11:1, Deuteronomy 11:8-9, John 14:1, John 14:21.

Question One. How does the Bible define obedience?

Question Two. How do I show obedience in my daily life?

Question Three. What can I do to develop a better willingness to be instructed by God and godly people?

Question Four. What gets in the way of me being obedient?

Question Five. How can I become better at staying obedient even in times of uncertainty?

Question Six. How will being obedient affect my walk with Christ?

After answering the questions above, do you have a better understanding of what obedience means and why it is so important?

SIX SIMPLE WAYS TO TEST YOUR OBEDIENCE

First Test: Do you ask why, or for an explanation when your request is turned down?

Obedience is accepting ‘No’ as a final answer, no ‘if’ ‘ands’ ‘buts’ or questions about it.

When you make a request and are told ‘no’, it is considered being disobedient if you ask any further questions. Simply thank the person you asked for taking the time to listen you your request, you never know they might just change their mind, if they see you acting in obedience and with respect.

Second Test: Do you immediately stop what you are doing when given instructions?

Obedience is acting right away, without a delay, and without arguing or reasoning.

When you delay in your obedience you are being disobedient. When you are asked to do something you stop everything you are doing and do what you have been instructed to do, there may be times when you are in the middle of a project that will be damaged if not finished right then, if this is the case kindly ask if you may finish what you are doing, and let them decided what is more important, if they decide to let you continue working, be sure to thank them, and do what they have asked without being reminded.

Third Test: Do you smile and have a pleasant attitude when you are told to do something?

Obedience is cheerfully responding to request, without frowning, or rolling your eyes. When you have a pleasant attitude you are showing respect, and that you are happy to carry out the wishes of your authority.

Fourth Test: Do you ever give excuses for why you cannot do what is being asked of you?

Obedience is believing in yourself, no negative thinking! When you are told to do something it is normal to think of the obstacles that may be in your way, but the key to obedience is not voicing them out loud.

Fifth Test: Do you ever have to re-do a job because you did it the wrong way?

Obedience is following the instructions given to you just as they were given. And doing them right the first time, by not taking the easy way out.

Sixth Test: Do you ever ask another instructor or parent after the other has said no?

Obedience is not holding one authority against another, this means no scheming, and no repeated request.

Let this be your prayer:

Dear God, thank you for sending your son to die for me and my sins, and I thank you that he was obedient to what you asked him to do, I ask that you will help me be more obedient like your son Jesus Christ, help me to do everything with a cheerful heart like you have commanded. In Jesus’ name AMEN