The Blessings of Obedience
Rewards for those who submit to authority
God promises rewards to those who submit to authority. The following Bible verses reveal that this concept affects many aspects of life.
Things will be well with you.
“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee” (Ephesians 6:2–3).
You will have a long life.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother . . . that . . . thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1–3).
You will bring delight to the Lord.
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).
You will avoid fear of condemnation.
“For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same, for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:3–4).
You will maintain a good conscience.
“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake” (Romans 13:5).
You will bring joy to your authorities.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).
You will receive God’s reward.
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:18–24).
You will avoid blaspheming God and His Word through rebellion.
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed” (I Timothy 6:1).
You will be given clear direction.
“My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee” (Proverbs 6:20–22).
You will be protected from evil people.
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman” (Proverbs 6:23–24).
You will gain discernment.
“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5).
You will receive praise from your authorities.
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well” (I Peter 2:13–14).
You will honor those whom God has placed in authority over you.
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves” (I Thessalonians 5:12–13).
You will escape the destruction of pride.
“And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise . . . he is proud, knowing nothing” (I Timothy 6:2–4).
You will receive the grace God gives to the humble.
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:5–7).
Copyright © 1999–2007, Advanced Training Institute International The Advanced Training Institute International has been developed by the Institute in Basic Life Principles
