Bible Verse About Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

We’ll dig into a passage from 1 Samuel that explores the concept of obedience being more valuable than sacrifices. Let’s see what this verse teaches us about following God’s will. One of the most striking examples of this principle is found in 1 Samuel, where the prophet Samuel declares to King Saul: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).

Throughout the Bible, obedience is emphasized as being more important than performing outward acts of sacrifice.  While sacrifices were a common practice in the Old Testament, God ultimately desires obedience from His people. Colossians 3:20 “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” 1 John 2:5-6 “But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 5:3 “This is love for God: to obey His commands.

Here Are 10 Bible Verses that Highlight the Importance of Obedience Over Sacrifice:

1. 1 Samuel 15:22

“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'”

2. Hosea 6:6

“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

3. Micah 6:6-8

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

4. Hebrews 10:8-9

“First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second.”

5. Matthew 9:13

“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

6. Mark 12:33

“To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

7. Romans 12:1

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

8. 1 Corinthians 13:3

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

9. James 1:22

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

10. 1 John 5:3

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”

Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice New Testament

Throughout the New Testament, the theme of obedience being more important than sacrifice is emphasized. The concept of obedience encompasses following God’s commands, living according to His will, and prioritizing His desires above our own. Sacrifice, on the other hand, involves giving up something valuable or important as an offering to God. While sacrifice has its place in the Christian faith, obedience is ultimately the key to pleasing God and growing in our relationship with Him.

Bible Verses Emphasizing Obedience Over Sacrifice

• • Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

• • John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

• • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'”

• • Hebrews 5:9 – “And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

• • Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

• • Deuteronomy 28:1 – “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 on earth.”

• • Romans 6:16 – “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

• • James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

• • 1 John 2:3-6 – “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.”

• • Romans 12:1 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

A Story About Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice

In the Bible, we find numerous accounts of individuals who faced the choice of either obeying God’s commandments or offering sacrifices as a form of appeasement. Time and time again, we see that obedience to God’s will is always preferred over empty sacrifices. Let us explore some key Bible verses and stories that illustrate this important truth.

1. 1 Samuel 15:22

“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'”

2. Hebrews 11:8

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

3. Genesis 22:2

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.'”

4. 1 Kings 20:35-42

“In the story of the prophet who was disobedient to God’s command to deliver a message to King Ahab, we see the consequences of disobedience. The prophet was killed by a lion on his way home, highlighting the importance of obeying God’s instructions.”

5. Matthew 21:28-31

“In the parable of the two sons, one son initially refused to work in his father’s vineyard but later obeyed, while the other son agreed to go but did not follow through. Jesus uses this parable to teach the importance of obedience over empty promises.”

As these verses and stories demonstrate, God values obedience above all else. Sacrifices, rituals, and offerings are meaningless if they are not accompanied by a heart that is truly committed to following God’s will. May we always strive to obey God’s commands diligently, knowing that true obedience is better than any outward display of devotion.

Verse

Summary

1 Samuel 15:22

To obey is better than sacrifice

Hebrews 11:8

Abraham obeyed God’s call by faith

Genesis 22:2

Abraham’s obedience tested through sacrifice of Isaac

1 Kings 20:35-42

Consequences of disobedience to God’s command

Matthew 21:28-31

Parable of the two sons emphasizing obedience

Examples of Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice

Obedience is a theme that is prevalent throughout the Bible. It is emphasized that obedience to God’s word is more important than outward displays of sacrifice or religious rituals. The concept of “obedience is better than sacrifice” is highlighted in various passages of the Bible, encouraging believers to prioritize following God’s commands over performing empty acts of worship.

Here are 12 Bible verses that emphasize the importance of obedience over sacrifice:

• • 1. 1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) – “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”

• • 2. Micah 6:6-8 (NIV) – “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

• • 3. Hosea 6:6 (NIV) – “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

• • 4. Matthew 9:13 (NIV) – “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

• • 5. Mark 12:33 (NIV) – “To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

• • 6. Hebrews 10:5-10 (NIV) – “Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am–it is written about me in the scroll– I have come to do your will, my God.””

• • 7. James 1:22 (NIV) – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

• • 8. 1 John 2:3-6 (NIV) – “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

• • 9. Luke 11:28 (NIV) – “He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'”

• • 10. Romans 6:16 (NIV) – “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey–whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice Sermon

Obedience is a fundamental principle in the Christian faith. The Bible is filled with verses that emphasize the importance of obeying God’s commands. One popular sermon topic that highlights this principle is “Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice.” This sermon focuses on the idea that God values our obedience more than any outward display of piety or sacrifice.

Here are 10 Bible verses that explain why obedience is better than sacrifice:

• • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’

• • Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

1. 1. James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” </>

1. 1. Romans 6:16 – “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

1. 1. 1 Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”

1. 1. Psalm 119:60 – “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”

1. 1. Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

1. 1. Proverbs 3:1-2 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”

1. 1. John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

1. 1. Deuteronomy 28:1 – “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 on earth.”

1. 1.  As these verses demonstrate, obedience is a central theme in the Bible. God desires His followers to obey His word and commands, rather than relying solely on outward acts of sacrifice. When we choose to be obedient to God, we demonstrate our love for Him and experience His blessings in our lives.Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice Psalms Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that obedience is more important to God than sacrifices. In Psalms, we see this theme emphasized in various verses that highlight the importance of obeying God’s commands. Here are 10 to 12 Bible verses that explain why obedience is better than sacrifice:

1. 1. 1. Psalm 40:6 – “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.”

1. 1. 2. Psalm 51:16-17 – “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”

1. 1. 3. Psalm 119:34 – “Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”

1. 1. 4. Psalm 119:57 – “You are my portion, O Lord; I have said that I would keep Your words.”

1. 1. 5. Psalm 119:60 – “I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.”

1. 1. 6. Psalm 119:127 – “Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold.”

1. 1. 7. Psalm 119:136 – “Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law.”

1. 1. 8. Psalm 119:176 – “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.”

1. 1. 9. Psalm 143:10 – “Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”

1. 1. 10. Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”

1. 1. Illustration: DisobedienceObedience  Leads to consequencesLeads to blessings  Makes us distant from GodBrings us closer to God  Shows lack of trust in GodShows trust and faith in God  By meditating on these verses and understanding the importance of obedience, we can strive to live a life that pleases God and brings glory to His name.Obedience Is Better than Sacrifice Scripture KjvObedience is a fundamental principle in the Christian faith. The Bible emphasizes the importance of following God’s commands and living according to His word. One well-known verse that highlights this concept is found in 1 Samuel 15:22 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, which states, “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”Scripture Verses on ObedienceHere are 10 additional Bible verses that further emphasize the importance of obedience:

Deuteronomy 28:1 – “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 on earth.”

Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

John 14:15 – “If you love me, keep my commands.”

Romans 6:16 – “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?”

Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”

Hebrews 5:9 – “And, once made perfect, he [Jesus] became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

1 John 2:3-4 – “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.”

Obedience is a key aspect of the Christian walk. As believers, it is important to not only hear God’s word but to also act upon it. By obeying His commands, we show our love and devotion to Him. May we strive to exemplify the principle that “to obey is better than sacrifice” in all areas of our lives.