Obeying laws is a part of living responsibly, but what does the Bible say? Today, we’ll explore how Scripture balances obedience to earthly laws with our loyalty to God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Faith Over Fear
What Does The Bible Say About Obeying The Law
Exodus 20:1-17
“And God spoke all these words: ”I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. ”You shall have no other gods before me. ”You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. ”Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…”
These verses recount the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites. They emphasize the importance of obeying God’s laws in their entirety. The commandments cover various aspects of life, including worship, the use of the Lord’s name, the observance of the Sabbath, and moral conduct.
These commandments serve as guidelines for righteous living and show the Israelites how to honor and serve God rightly. In keeping the commandments, they demonstrate their obedience to God and their love for Him.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
In these verses, Moses instructs the Israelites to wholeheartedly love and obey God. He emphasizes the importance of instilling God’s commandments in their hearts and passing them on to future generations. It is not enough to merely follow the law outwardly, but it should be a matter of deep devotion and commitment.
The repetition and constant reminders of God’s commandments in everyday life ensure that the Israelites will continually honor and obey them. By doing so, they demonstrate their love for God and create an environment that promotes obedience to His law.
Psalm 19:7-11
“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
This Psalm extols the virtues and benefits of God’s law. It describes the law as perfect, trustworthy, right, and radiant. It emphasizes that the law is not burdensome but rather brings refreshment, wisdom, joy, and light to those who observe it.
The psalmist recognizes the purity and eternal nature of the law, and he compares its value to that of gold and honey. By keeping God’s commandments, one is not only warned against harm but also receives great rewards. This passage highlights the inherent goodness and life-giving nature of God’s law.
Joshua 1:7-8
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
God encourages Joshua to be strong, courageous, and unwavering in his commitment to obey the law given by Moses. By faithfully following God’s instructions, Joshua would experience success in all his endeavors.
Joshua is urged to constantly ponder and speak the words of the law, allowing it to shape his thoughts, words, and actions. This meditation and adherence to the law would lead to prosperity and success, as it aligns one’s life with God’s wisdom and guidance.
Psalm 119:1-2
“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”
This psalm recognizes the blessedness of those who live blamelessly and obediently follow the law of the Lord. Keeping God’s statutes and seeking Him wholeheartedly are the marks of a faithful and blessed individual.
By upholding the law and seeking a deep relationship with God, one experiences abundant blessings and favor from the Lord. This passage highlights the intimate connection between obedience to God’s law and receiving His blessings.
Proverbs 28:9
“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s instruction. It warns that if someone disregards or ignores God’s teaching, their prayers may be rejected by Him. Obedience to God’s Word is a prerequisite for effective communication with Him.
By heeding God’s instruction and aligning one’s life with His will, one can have confidence in their prayers being received and answered. This verse highlights the significance of obedience in maintaining a fruitful relationship with God.
Matthew 5:17-20
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus clarifies that He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. He affirms the eternal nature of God’s law, stating that not even the smallest detail will disappear until everything is accomplished.
Jesus raises the standard of righteousness, calling His followers to live a life that exceeds that of the religious leaders of His time. He emphasizes that both practicing and teaching the commands of God are vital, and those who uphold and observe the law will be esteemed in the kingdom of heaven.
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
In this verse, Jesus ties love for Him to obedience to His commands. He clearly states that those who genuinely love Him will demonstrate it through their obedience to His words.
Obedience is not merely a duty but a manifestation of love and devotion to Jesus. Love for Christ motivates His followers to walk in His ways and comply with His teachings.
Romans 13:1-2
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
In these verses, the apostle Paul instructs believers to submit to the governing authorities, recognizing that God has established them. Resisting or rebelling against rightful authority is seen as opposing God’s divine order.
Obedience to earthly authorities demonstrates respect for God’s sovereignty and the structure He has put in place. By obeying the law of the land, believers honor God and avoid the consequences of rebellion.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James urges believers not to be content with merely hearing or knowing God’s Word. True obedience involves putting God’s Word into action.
Obedience is a reflection of the authenticity of one’s faith and the sincerity of their relationship with God. It is through the practical application of the Word that believers demonstrate their commitment to God and His instructions.
1 John 2:3-5
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him.”
These verses stress the inseparable connection between knowing God and obeying His commands. Professing knowledge of God without obedience is deemed hypocrisy and falsehood.
True love for God is manifested in the obedience to His Word. By obeying God’s commands, believers demonstrate their genuine relationship with Him and fulfill the calling to walk in His ways.
Proverbs 3:1-2
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”
In Proverbs, the father implores his son to cherish and internalize God’s teachings, emphasizing the benefits of obedience. Keeping God’s commands in one’s heart leads to a life that is prolonged, peaceful, and prosperous.
Obeying God’s instructions aligns one’s life with His wisdom and guidance, resulting in blessings and a life marked by fulfillment and well-being.
Luke 11:28
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
Jesus declares that true blessedness comes not only from hearing God’s Word but also from obeying it. Obedience is the key to experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.
By aligning one’s life with God’s instructions and faithfully following His Word, believers position themselves to receive His favor and enjoy the abundance of His blessings.
1 Samuel 15:22
“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’”
In this passage, Samuel confronts King Saul, highlighting the importance of obedience over religious rituals. God desires obedience more than any external offering or sacrifice.
True obedience demonstrates a heart that seeks after God’s will and desires to please Him above all else. It is an act of surrender and reverence that surpasses mere outward acts of worship.
Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”
When confronted by authorities regarding their preaching of the gospel, Peter and the apostles affirm their allegiance to God, stating that obedience to Him takes precedence over obeying human commands.
Believers are called to prioritize obedience to God’s Word even in the face of opposition or persecution. This verse reminds us of the unwavering commitment we should have to honor and obey God above any earthly authority.
Hebrews 13:17
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
The author of Hebrews encourages believers to have confidence in and submit to their leaders and authorities. Recognizing their role as overseers appointed by God, believers are to willingly submit to their authority.
Obedience to leaders allows them to fulfill their responsibilities joyfully and effectively. By honoring and respecting those in authority, believers create an environment conducive to growth and spiritual benefit.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Children are instructed to obey their parents in all things, as such obedience is pleasing to the Lord. Respecting and honoring parental authority is an essential aspect of godly living.
By obeying their parents, children demonstrate their submission to God’s commandments and lay a foundation for a life marked by obedience to God in all areas.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and 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.”
In these verses, Paul reiterates the importance of children obeying their parents in obedience to the Lord. Honoring and submitting to parental authority is not only the right thing to do but also carries a promise of well-being and longevity.
By obeying their parents, children show reverence for God’s commandments and position themselves to experience the blessings tied to honoring and respecting authority.
Ephesians 6:5-8
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
The apostle Paul instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, respect, and fear, as if serving Christ Himself. Such obedience should come from the heart and reflect a desire to please God.
Believers are reminded that ultimately, it is the Lord who will reward them for their faithful service, regardless of their earthly circumstances. They are called to serve wholeheartedly, understanding that their obedience is an act of worship to God.
1 Peter 2:13-15
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”
In these verses, Peter emphasizes the importance of believers submitting themselves to human authorities, recognizing that they are established by God to fulfill specific purposes. This submission enables believers to silence critics and bring honor to God.
Obedience to human authorities is an act of obedience to God Himself. It reflects a commitment to live a life of integrity and righteousness, even in the face of opposition or criticism from others.
Titus 3:1-2
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
Titus is encouraged to remind the believers to subject themselves to rulers and authorities and to maintain a lifestyle of obedience. They are to be characterized by doing good, refraining from slander, and exhibiting peace, consideration, and gentleness.
Obedience extends beyond following the law but also encompasses embodying the virtues of Christ through one’s attitudes and actions. It is a way to reflect God’s love to the world and bring honor to His name.