The person's obedient response to God's Word is a response of trust or faith. Thus, to really hear God's Word is to obey God's Word (Exodus 19:5; Jeremiah 7:23 ).
The Bible views disobedience as a failure to hear and do God's Word (Psalm 81:11 ). Israel's story was one of a nation who failed to hear or to listen to God (Jeremiah 7:13; Hosea 9:17 ). Jesus warned: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15 ).
How does obedience affect one's spiritual life? Obedience is essential to worship (1 Samuel 15:22; John 4:23-24 ). The obedience of faith brings about salvation (Romans 1:5 , Romans 10:16-17 ). Obedience secures God's blessings (John 14:23; 1 John 2:17; Revelation 22:14 ). Spiritual insight is gained through obedience (John 7:17 ). A life of obedience to God is the fruit of faith (James 2:21-26 ).
True obedience means imitating God in holiness, humility, and love (1 Peter 1:15; John 13:34; Philippians 2:5-8 ). True disciples do the will of God (Matthew 7:21 ). Facing clashing claims for one's allegiance, the Christian obeys God rather than other persons (Acts 5:29 ).
What motivates us to obey God? Obedience springs from gratitude for grace received (Romans 12:12 ). Christians obey God as an expression of their spiritual freedom (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16 ). Jesus taught that our love for God motivates us to obey Him (John 14:21 , John 14:23-24; John 15:10 ).
How does obedience affect our relationships with others? The Bible speaks of obedience from the wife to the husband (Ephesians 5:22 ), from children to their parents (Ephesians 6:1 ), from slaves to masters (Colossians 3:22 ). Obedience with joy should be shown to church leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ). Obedience is expected from all Christians to persons in authority (1 Peter 2:13-14 ).
The New Testament places special emphasis on Jesus' obedience. Christ's obedience stands in contrast to Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:12-21 ). A desire to obey the will of God motivated Jesus' actions (Luke 4:43; John 5:30 ). Jesus acted and spoke only as the Father directed (John 3:34 ). By living a life of obedience, Jesus showed Himself to be the Savior (Hebrews 5:7-10 ). Christ's work on the cross is viewed as a sacrifice of obedience (Romans 5:19; Hebrews 10:7-10 ).
God has spoken in the Scriptures. Disobedience to God's Word comes from a sinful heart—a heart that will not trust God. Obedience comes from a heart that trusts God. If God's people obey Him, they find the blessings He yearns to give. If they disobey, believers receive judgment and necessary discipline.
Gary Hardin