Obeying God and Keeping His Commandments for Primary 1

Jesus Wants Us to Obey and Keep God’s Commandments

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of obedience to God;
2. state the instance of obedience to God in the Bible;
3. recite the Ten Commandments of God;
4. describe rewards people receive for obeying and keeping God’s commandments.

Memory Verse

The memory verse for this lesson teaches us about the importance of obeying God.

“To obey is better than sacrifice.”

1 Samuel 15:22

Bible Reading

The following Bible passages help us understand what it means to obey God and keep His commandments:

1. Genesis 12:2-4a
2. Genesis 22:1-12
3. Exodus 3:5
4. Exodus 20:1-17
5. Deuteronomy 5:6-21
6. Luke 1:26-38
7. Philippians 2:6-8
8. Philippians 2:9
9. Deuteronomy 28:1-14
10. Deuteronomy 28:15-45

Meaning of Obedience to God

Obedience to God means listening to what God tells us to do and doing it. It means following His instructions and rules with a willing heart. When people obey God, they show that they love and trust Him.

God speaks to people in different ways, sometimes through His Word in the Bible, and sometimes through His Spirit in their hearts. To obey God means to do what is right in His eyes, even when it is difficult.

Instances of Obedience to God in the Bible

The Bible tells us many stories of people who obeyed God. These stories show us how important it is to listen to God and follow His commands.

Abraham Obeys God

God told Abraham to leave his home and go to a new land that He would show him. Abraham did not know where he was going, but he trusted God and obeyed. He packed his things and left with his family, just as God commanded (Genesis 12:2-4a).

Later, God asked Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. This was a very difficult command, but Abraham loved God and was ready to obey. As Abraham was about to offer Isaac, God stopped him and provided a ram instead. God saw Abraham’s great obedience (Genesis 22:1-12).

Moses Obeys God

One day, Moses saw a bush burning but not burning up. When he went closer to see, God called to him from the bush. God told Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Moses immediately obeyed God and took off his sandals (Exodus 3:5).

Mary Obeys God

An angel named Gabriel visited a young woman named Mary. The angel told Mary that she would have a special baby, who would be the Son of God. Mary was surprised, but she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Mary chose to obey God’s plan for her life (Luke 1:26-38).

Jesus Obeys God

Jesus, the Son of God, always obeyed His Father. Even though He was God, He chose to become a human being and live on Earth. He humbled Himself and obeyed God even to the point of dying on a cross to save people from their sins (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus showed us the perfect example of obedience.

The Commandments of God

God gave His people special rules to help them live good lives and to show their love for Him and for each other. These rules are called the Ten Commandments. God gave these commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

The Ten Commandments are:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour’s house, wife, or anything else.

Rewards for Obeying and Keeping God’s Commandments

When people obey God and keep His commandments, God blesses them. A reward is a good thing that happens because of something good a person has done. God promises many good things to those who obey Him.

Blessings for Obedience

God promised Abraham that because he obeyed, God would make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. Abraham received many blessings because of his obedience (Genesis 12:2-4a).

The Bible teaches that if people fully obey God and carefully follow His commands, God will bless them in many ways. They will be blessed in their homes, in their work, and in everything they do. God will protect them and give them good things (Deuteronomy 28:1-14).

Jesus’ Reward for Obedience

Because Jesus obeyed God perfectly, even to death on the cross, God highly exalted Him. God gave Jesus a name that is above every name, so that everyone would honour Him (Philippians 2:9). This shows that great obedience brings great rewards.

However, the Bible also warns that if people do not obey God’s commandments, they will face difficulties (Deuteronomy 28:15-45). It is always best to obey God because He knows what is good for us.