In the biblical context, the concept of obligation often intertwines with the acknowledgment of duties and responsibilities that arise from one's relationship with God, fellow humans, and the created order. The acknowledgment of obligation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the moral and spiritual duties that believers are called to fulfill.

Obligation to God

The primary obligation of believers is to God, as He is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. This obligation is rooted in the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and His commandments. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Israelites are commanded, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse underscores the totality of devotion and obedience that is due to God, reflecting an acknowledgment of His rightful place in the believer's life.

The acknowledgment of obligation to God is also evident in the call to worship and reverence Him. Psalm 29:2 states, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Here, the obligation is to recognize and honor God's holiness and majesty through worship.

Obligation to Others

Scripture also emphasizes the obligation to love and serve others, which is a natural extension of one's love for God. Jesus encapsulates this in the Great Commandment, as recorded in Matthew 22:39, "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This commandment highlights the moral duty to care for and respect others, acknowledging their inherent worth as beings created in the image of God.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this obligation in Romans 13:8, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This passage suggests that love is a perpetual obligation that believers owe to one another, fulfilling the law's requirements through acts of kindness and compassion.

Obligation to Authority

The Bible also addresses the acknowledgment of obligation to earthly authorities. Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage highlights the duty to respect and submit to governmental authorities as an acknowledgment of God's sovereign order.

Obligation to the Church

Believers are also called to acknowledge their obligations to the body of Christ, the Church. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This passage underscores the importance of communal worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement as obligations within the Christian community.

Obligation to Stewardship

The acknowledgment of obligation extends to stewardship of the resources and gifts God has entrusted to individuals. In 1 Peter 4:10, believers are exhorted, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This verse highlights the responsibility to manage one's talents and resources wisely, using them for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

In summary, the acknowledgment of obligation in the Bible encompasses a wide range of duties that believers are called to fulfill in their relationship with God, others, authorities, the Church, and creation. These obligations are rooted in love, respect, and stewardship, reflecting the moral and spiritual responsibilities that arise from one's faith.Psalm 116:12-14,17
What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
Nave's Topical Index

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... Before making his solemn acknowledgment, he was under obligation to become connected
with the Church, and the evils that are threatened against those who are ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ...
... vileness, and incorrespondency to such mercies, and so drawing an acknowledgment
of his ... of God increased, that when we are under an obligation to infinite ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii if we confess.htm

Worship
... They enter into its obligation, are comprehended by it, but do not fill it out.
They are not sufficient alone. The due acknowledgment before others of our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/regester/the worship of the church/worship.htm

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... half a shekel for 'a ransom for his soul,' an acknowledgment that his ... points of
Pharisaical righteousness, would be likely to recognise the obligation of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the coin in the fishs.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Confession is an humble acknowledgment of our sins and unworthiness. ... The great and
eternal God has condescended to lay himself under obligation to hear and ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The Christian --A Debtor
... All we can do for God is but a trifling acknowledgment of an infinite obligation;
yea, more, our good works are gifts of his grace, and do but put us under ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the christiana debtor.htm

"If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ...
... is just and faithful to forgive." He lieth under some obligation to pardon us ... wrong
or injury, suppose your servant, or inferior, what acknowledgment would you ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvii if we confess.htm

Objections Prevented. ...
... either indifferent, or at least to the which we have no obligation by virtue of ... way
of directing is by His inspirations, which, by the acknowledgment of all ...
/.../chapter ix objections prevented .htm

Romans x. 13
... Assemblies of Christians were instituted, and appointed, for the united Acknowledgment
of God, and their Saviour; for the more solemn Obligation of themselves ...
/.../sermon x romans x 13.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... The merchant, as the reader may infer from his own acknowledgment, was one of those
men whose ... His misfortunes had long ago cancelled the obligation in my eyes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

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