Definition and Importance
Following instructions is a fundamental principle in the Bible, reflecting obedience to God's commands and the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is an act of faith and submission, demonstrating trust in God's wisdom and authority. The Bible emphasizes the importance of adhering to divine instructions as a pathway to righteousness, blessing, and spiritual growth.

Biblical Examples

1. Noah
Noah is a quintessential example of following instructions. In Genesis 6:22, it is recorded, "So Noah did everything precisely as God had commanded him." Noah's obedience in building the ark according to God's specifications saved his family and preserved the human race.

2. Moses and the Israelites
Moses received detailed instructions from God on Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments and guidelines for worship and community life. Exodus 19:5 states, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations." The Israelites' adherence to these instructions was crucial for maintaining their covenant relationship with God.

3. Joshua
Joshua's leadership exemplified the importance of following divine instructions. In Joshua 1:7, God commands him, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua's success in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land was contingent upon his obedience.

4. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate model of obedience, having followed the Father's will perfectly. In John 14:31, Jesus says, "But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father." His life and ministry were marked by complete submission to God's instructions, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross.

Teachings and Instructions

1. The Great Commission
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This command underscores the importance of teaching and following Christ's instructions as a central mission of the Church.

2. Obedience and Blessing
The Bible frequently links obedience to God's instructions with blessings. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 promises, "If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the LORD your God."

3. Warnings Against Disobedience
Conversely, the Bible warns of the consequences of failing to follow God's instructions. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Samuel rebukes King Saul, saying, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry."

Practical Application

1. Daily Life
Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer and Scripture, ensuring that their actions align with His will. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

2. Church Community
Within the church, following instructions involves adhering to biblical teachings and the guidance of spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:17 instructs, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you."

3. Spiritual Growth
Following God's instructions is integral to spiritual maturity. James 1:22 encourages believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Obedience to God's Word transforms lives and deepens one's relationship with Him.Matthew 11:1
And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed there to teach and to preach in their cities.
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Acts 3:19
Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
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Matthew 10:8
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give.
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Matthew 10:1
And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
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Of Charity, as it is the Same with Purity of Intention...
... to my small experience and the best light that God has given me, to yield the best
information and help I can in the following instructions, the which do ...
/.../chapter iv of charity as.htm

The Object of the Following Treatise. ...
... The Object of the Following Treatise ... again, "Bow down thine ear to the words of the
wise," [425] and once more, "My son, forget not these instructions, but let ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter i the object of.htm

How a Secular Person May Make Use of These Instructions...
... though not altogether equally) as any of a religious profession to the practice
of these substantial and essential duties and instructions following, viz.: 1 ...
/.../chapter ii how a secular.htm

Instructions to Catechumens.
... It is to those who were in the final stage, the competentes or elect as they were
called, that the following instructions are addressed. [493] Genesis 40:14. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/instructions to catechumens.htm

Of Mortification of Fear and Scrupulosity, which is the Most ...
... 5. But in the first place I must make this protestation, that these following
instructions (in which a great yet necessary condescendency is allowed in many ...
/.../chapter viii of mortification of.htm

A Preface to the Reader.
... Having thus, by declaring the insufficiency of these objections against the publishing
of the following instructions, opened the barriers to give this book a ...
/.../a preface to the reader.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... But with thee will I establish my covenant."[663] For the benefit of the human family
were given the following instructions:""And thou shalt come into the ark ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

A Strong Resolution Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... a resolution, and especially when any difficulty presents itself; and for that purpose
they will oft be put in mind thereof in these following instructions. ...
/.../chapter iv a strong resolution.htm

Introductory Note to the Instructions of Commodianus.
... Introductory Note to the Instructions of Commodianus. ... As a poetical work
the following prose version probably does it no injustice. ...
/.../the instructions of commodianus/introductory note to the instructions.htm

A Confirmation of what Hath Been Said, Particularly of the ...
... we see confirmed what is already written before, but also we have a draught and
scheme represented, according to which all the following instructions will be ...
/.../chapter vi a confirmation of.htm

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