Instruction

<<teaching, training>>

God says, “I will instruct and teach you in the way you should go” (Ps 32:8).

The complete Bible, as we have it today, is God’s foremost source of instruction and guidance for how He wants us to live, and the Ten Commandments, although given to the Israelites many centuries ago, are still relevant for us today. Any other thing God tells us to do will not be contrary to what the Bible teaches, either directly or in principle. As we will be judged by the Word, it makes good sense to live by its teachings (Jn 12:48).

Saul didn’t follow God’s clear instructions and as a result forfeited his kingship (1 Sam 15:23). There is a tendency in mankind that thinks, ‘I am the exception to the rule; I can disregard God’s direction and still be blessed’ (Rom 6:1,2; Gal 5:13). God’s instructions for taking Jericho were strange –

Obedience is following instructions, and results in blessing

just walking around the walled city; it required faith to follow these orders, yet it was God’s ordained method in this instance and brought the desired result (Josh 6:1ff).

Those more mature and knowledgeable are responsible to pass on sound advice and training, so others too can live upright lives before God and contribute positively to society and not flounder in ignorance (Deut 6:6-9, 11:18-20; Rom 15:14; Eph 6:4; 2 Tim 2:2).

One mark of a good employee is the ability to obey instructions from authorities. As with all communication, instructions should be clear and clarification sought if not. If those in authority instruct us to do what is against Bible instructions, humbly obey God rather than man but be prepared to take the consequences of such actions (Acts 5:29).