Instruction

In the biblical context, instruction refers to the teaching and guidance provided by God, His prophets, and His appointed leaders to His people. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of learning and adhering to God's commandments and wisdom.

The Book of Proverbs is particularly rich in references to instruction, portraying it as a path to wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:13 states, "Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life." This verse underscores the life-giving nature of divine instruction, urging believers to cherish and protect it.

The role of instruction is also evident in the Mosaic Law, where God provides detailed commandments and statutes to guide the Israelites in their covenant relationship with Him. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the importance of passing down God's instructions to future generations, ensuring that His laws remain central in the lives of His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate teacher, whose instructions are foundational for Christian living. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to teach others to obey everything He has commanded (Matthew 28:20). The apostolic writings further emphasize the role of instruction in the life of the church, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness."

Obedience

Obedience in the Bible is the act of following God's commands and submitting to His will. It is a demonstration of faith and love for God, reflecting a heart aligned with His purposes.

The Old Testament frequently links obedience to blessings and disobedience to curses. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2 , God promises, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commandments I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God." This covenantal promise illustrates the direct relationship between obedience and divine favor.

The narrative of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience. Saul's failure to fully obey God's command leads to his rejection as king. Samuel's rebuke in 1 Samuel 15:22 emphasizes the value of obedience over ritual sacrifice: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams."

In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies perfect obedience to the Father, even unto death. Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus' humility and obedience: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." His obedience is the model for believers, who are called to follow His example.

The apostles teach that obedience is a mark of genuine faith. In James 1:22 , believers are exhorted, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." This call to action underscores the necessity of living out one's faith through obedient conduct.

In summary, instruction and obedience are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God's guidance and human response. They are foundational to understanding the covenant relationship between God and His people, as well as the life of discipleship in Christ.