Obedience - Decision or Law?

The root word for obey in Hebrew is shama which also means hearing. In the case of Abraham who heard and hearkened to God, shama can mean to obey. Listen to my words and obey me.

Remember Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:6 he persuaded everyone to listen as he told his dream. Using the root word shama for hearing, and persuading his brothers to hear the dream. This was a request for their undivided attention. "Please listen to this dream which I have had."

Now the Greek word for obey is peitho (pi-tho) when used in the active voice its meaning is to convince by analogy or persuasion. Therefore you are not submitting blindly to authority in reaction to a command. You are being persuaded that this is the best way. God does not want us to blindly obey Him.

Since obedience is a conduct and may be observed, when we obey we give the only possible evidence that we believe in God. Also, in reality it is the persuasion of truth that results in faith.

When you obey you are making a quality decision based on truth. After learning the truth you develop faith. 

"But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed."  (Romans 6: 17) NASB

In summary, the word obey is not negative or bad. To obey is good. It means we have made a decision to have faith in the truth.

Blessings to all,

Carma

Faith is About Relationship

When Jesus commanded Peter to come on the water to Him, Peter did not hesitate. He didn't care if it was stormy or waves were tossing the boat up and down. He got out of the boat with his eyes on Jesus. His faith was unshakable until a huge gale wind came up and Peter took his eyes off Jesus. He began to sink. The choppy water was slapping against Peter and he was more afraid of drowning than trusting.

Peter cried out to Jesus "Lord, save me!" (Matthew 14: 30-31)  Jesus said oh "you of little faith, why did you doubt me?"

Peter's answer is not recorded but I can imagine he didn't say much of anything.  He realized his fear of drowning overshadowed everything else, even the presence of Jesus. Peter experienced a great humbling experience and a tough lesson in faith.

Faith grows through various tests as we continue to trust God and He continues to teach us. Faith is about the relationship with Jesus and it cannot grow in any other way. It cannot be worked up in a formula or emotion.

Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'. 

We can have victory in Jesus
Carma