OBEDIENCE COMMANDED BY GOD (2)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Obedience

a) One of the first Scripture memory verses that children learned is “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).  Most people expect that children should be taught to obey, however they rarely understand that obedience is for not only the children, but for everyone.

b) Obedience is often confused with submission; however, the two words differ in this way:

i) Obey – The Biblical word for “obey” comes from the Greek “hupakou” which means to listen attentively; by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority. This word conveys the idea of actively following a command. There is no choice in the matter, it is to be done whether one agrees with it or not. Obedience is involuntary.

ii) Submit – The Biblical word “submit” comes from the Greek “hupeiko” which means to yield; to passively surrender to an authority. Submission is similar to obedience but in this case one might question what is being commanded. Submission is voluntary. 

2. Obedience Commanded By God

Colossians 3:22 
Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Hebrews 13:17 
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

1 Peter 4:16-17 
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 


The End ...

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