Using Extrabiblical Examples to Illustrate Obedience to God's Word
Obedience to God's Word and Extrabiblical Examples
The concept of obedience to God's Word is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of following divine commands and principles. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, obedience to God is commanded in Deuteronomy 13:4 and includes obeying His voice, law, and the gospel [1]. The biblical narrative provides numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated obedience, serving as models for believers.
The use of extrabiblical examples to illustrate obedience to God's Word is a practice seen in the New Testament. The Apostle James encourages believers to "take as an example of perseverance and endurance the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord" [3]. This reference to Old Testament figures demonstrates how early Christian writers drew upon the history and experiences of their religious heritage to exhort and guide their audiences.
In Hebrews 11, the author presents a series of examples from Jewish history, highlighting individuals who demonstrated faith and obedience to God. The conquest of Jericho is cited as an example of great faith, where the people acted in obedience to God's unusual instructions [7]. These examples serve to underscore the value of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of challenges.
The early Christian community also found examples of obedience within their own context. Acts 6:7 notes that "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith," illustrating how the message of Christianity was received and acted upon by certain groups within Judaism [2].
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin's commentaries, emphasizes the importance of understanding obedience within the context of faith and the operation of the Holy Spirit. Calvin notes that believers are transformed into God's image and that the Word is sealed upon their hearts by the Spirit, underscoring the internal dimension of obedience [6].
The biblical emphasis on obedience is not limited to direct commands but also encompasses a broader ethical and relational framework. I John 5:2 connects love for God and keeping His commandments as evidence of loving the children of God [5]. This holistic understanding of obedience is further reinforced by the Psalmist's declaration that God's statutes and laws are to be kept, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to following God's will [4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Obedience to God — Commanded -- De 13:4. Without faith, is impossible -- Heb 11:6. Includes Obeying his voice. -- Ex 19:5; Jer 7:23. Obeying his law. -- De 11:27; Isa 42:24. Obeying Christ. -- Ex 23:21; 2Co 10:5. Obeying the gospel. -- Ro 1:5; 6:17; 10:16,17. Keeping his commandments. -- Ec 12:13. Submission to higher powers. -- Ro 13:1. Better than sacrifice -- 1Sa 15:22. Justification obtained by that of Christ -- Ro 5:19. Christ, an example of -- Mt 3:15; Joh 15:20; Php 2:5-8; Heb 5:8. Angles engaged in -- Ps 103:20. A characteristic of saints -- 1Pe 1:14. Saints ”
- Acts “The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. -- Acts 6:7”
- James “James 5:10 (LEB) — Brothers, take as an example of perseverance and endurance the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”
- Psalms “Psalms 105:45 (BSB) — that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Hallelujah!”
- I John “I John 5:2 (Geneva1599) — In this we know that we loue the children of God, when we loue God, and keepe his commandements.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 21.26: from the certainty of our faith; because a full manifestation of Him has been made in Christ, with which it is right that we should be satisfied. Besides, although God does not daily ascend upwards in a visible form, yet, in this his majesty is not less resplendent, that he raises us upwards by transforming us into his own image. Further, he gives sufficient authority to his word, when he seals it upon our hearts by his spirit. 23. And Abraham took Ishmael Moses now commends the obedience of Abraham because he circumcised the who”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 11:30: 11:30 The conquest of Jericho (Josh 5:13–6:27) offers another example of great faith, as the people acted in obedience to God’s unusual instructions.”