Rom. 6:12-23, Hear and Obey, for There’s No Other Way

Both the NT and OT words for “obey” have the same idea: listen with the intent to respond to what we hear.  The picture to have in mind is that of a slave.  He is not inclined to do what he wants to do, but waits to hear the word of his master and then responds accordingly.  The Greek is hupakouō, having the verb “to listen” (akouō) with the prefix “under” (hupo).  One who obeys is one who listens and then does not ignore, much less reject or improve upon what he has heard, but “obeys.”

·       Mt 8:27: winds, sea obey Christ (Mk 4:41; Lk 8:25).  See what we mean?  The natural word knows who is their Creator and thus hears and does accordingly.

·       Mk 1:27: unclean spirits obey Christ.  Ah yes, even the demons and the devil.

·       Lk 17:6: someone w/faith can tell mtn to move & it would obey.

·       Ac 12:13: Rhoda "harkened" at door when Peter knocked.

·       Rm 6:12,16abc,17: don't obey sin in it's lusts; whoever you yield self to obey as servants, you are his servants to obey, whether sin to death or obedience to righteousness. Thank God you obeyed from heart the doctrine delivered to them.  This passage really hits the mark.  We were slaves to sin, but died to sin and now live for the Lord.  Thus we, like the winds and waves and unclean spirits realize we have a master and treat Him so.  It is interesting that the “obey” words in Rom. 6 are not commands.  The command is to reckon ourselves dead to sin and alive in Christ (v11) and then present or yield (submit) yourself to Christ.  The obedience will be automatic if that is how you are thinking.  You make yourself the slave of righteousness.

·       Rom 10:16: not all Jews have obeyed gospel.

·       Eph 6:1: children obey parents (Col 3:20).

·       Eph 6:5: servants to obey masters (Col 3:22).

·       Phil 2:12: Philippians had always obeyed Paul.

·       2 Th 1:8: those that obey not the gospel are those who do not know God and are thus under his judgment and vengeance.

·       2 Th 3:14: if any man obey not this letter don't have company w/him.  Paul had this king of authority from Christ.

·       Hb 5:9: Christ is author of salvation to all who obey Him (i.e. obey the gospel).

·       Hb 11:8: by faith Abraham obeyed God.

·       1 Pt 3:6: Sarah obeyed Abraham.  It means the same: hearkens, hears and heeds.

It’s simple.  According to these passages, who needs to develop the art of “listening?”  EVERYONE!  Abraham AND Sarah.  Jews AND Gentiles.  Apostles AND evil spirits.  First, a yielded heart, listening to the Master.  Only then can their be obedience.