When Obeying becomes hardest thing to do?

Obedience- Compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority.

Faith- Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

What is the Biblical Definition of Obedience?
The general concept of obedience both in the Old and New Testament relates to hearing or
hearkening to a higher authority. One of the Greek terms for obedience conveys the idea of
positioning oneself under someone by submitting to their authority and command. Another
Greek word for obey in the New Testament means "to trust."
According to Holman's Illustrated Bible Dictionary a succinct definition of biblical obedience is
"to hear God's Word and act accordingly.
What is the Biblical Definition of Faith?
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJB)
Obedience is an act of worship, while the bible places strong emphasis on obedience, it's important to
remember that believers are not justified by our obedience. Salvation is a free gift of God, and we can
do nothing to merit it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
True Christian obedience flows from a heart of gratitude for the grace we have received from the Lord:
When does obedience becomes the hardest thing to do?
When Gods command defy human logic.
When we choose to follow our own decision, thinking what will benefit us the most.
When we let our emotions take control of ourselves.
When we dont trust God enough.
How can believers demonstrate faith in God?
Genesis 22:1-19
Abraham proved his trust in the Lord by his willingness to follow the Lord's commands, no matter how
difficult they were. In this study, we'll examine the story of Abraham and the command to sacrifice
Isaac.
Why would God's command in verse 2 have been especially difficult for Abraham to obey?
Genesis 17:19
Then God said, Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish
my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
What indicates Abraham's immediate obedience?
Genesis 22:3
Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants
and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God
had told him about.
What did he expect God to do?
Verse 5
He said to his servants, Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship
and then we will come back to you.
Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the
promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, It is through
Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.

Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and
so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
Verse 6
Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the
fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together
Why is Abraham's answer to Isaac's question so wise?
Verse 8
Abraham answered, God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son. And the two of
them went on together.
What does Isaac's submission demonstrate about him?
Verse 9
When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the
wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood.
When did Abraham showed his total surrender in Gods command to sacrifice his own son?
Verse 10
Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
How is his faith-filled statement fulfilled, both immediately, and ultimately?
Verse 13
Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram

caught by its horns. He went over and took the
ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.
John 1:29-30

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the
sin of the world!

This is the one I meant when I said, A man who comes after me has surpassed me
because he was before me.
How could Isaac be considered Abraham's only son, despite the birth of Ishmael?
Verse 16
and said, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld
your son, your only son,
Genesis 15:4-5

Then the word of the Lord came to him: This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh
and blood will be your heir. He took him outside and said, Look up at the sky and count the starsif
indeed you can count them. Then he said to him, So shall your offspring

be.
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son is paralleled by God's love to us
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not
perish but have eternal life.
Romans 8:32
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us allhow will he not also, along with him,
graciously give us all things?
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for
many.
What are two reasons God tests us (Ex. 20:20; Deut. 8:2)?
Exodus 20:20
Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be
with you to keep you from sinning.
Deuteronomy 8:2
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble
and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
What does obedience requires?
Believe that God is sovereignHe controls all things at all times.
Psalms 103:19
The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Trust that He will work for our good in every situation and circumstance .
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been
called according to his purpose.
Love the Lord. The Bible says we show our love for Him by obeying His commands, and not just
when they are convenient and desirable.
1 John 5:3
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,
Listen to Him. When you pray, make time to hear what He has to say.
Be courageous. Obeying God takes courage because following His will often leads to conflict.
You must be willing to do what is right anyway.
Fully surrender to Him.
The Results of obedience
You will experience personal victory if you follow His will, even if the world does not consider
you a success.
Josh 1:8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditation it day and night, so that you may be careful to
do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Obedience leads to supernatural peace and joy in every circumstance.
Spiritual growth and maturity results when believers continue to walk with God in the midst of
suffering.
Application
God may ask you to do something that doesnt make sense from a human perspective.
The Father may lead you to give up a hobby or donate a valuable item.
He may prompt you to give financially when money is scarce.
The Lord might want you to serve in your church or take a leadership role although you feel
inadequate.
Conclusion
When you need to make an important decision, dont rely primarily on your own reasoning, the
opinions of others, or even what worked in the past. Get on your knees before the Lord and
pour out your heart. Spend time prayerfully reading His Word. Listen for His voice, and then
follow His specific guidance for your life.
Trusting God sometimes requires us to follow Him when His commands defy human logic. The
good news is that if we pass the test of faith, we will reap the benefits of relying on the Lord and
experience the Father's best for our lives.
Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. If you will take to heart this one principle, you
will have the awesome privilege of watching the Lord accomplish great things in and through
you.