17. What effect did the preaching of the apostles have upon the hearers? “And the word of God increased; and _the number of the disciples multiplied_ in Jerusalem greatly; _and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith_.” Acts 6:7. 18. What effect did the preaching of the apostle Paul have upon the Gentiles? “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, _to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed_.” Rom. 15:18. 19. How highly does God regard obedience? “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 harken than the fat of rams_.” 1 Sam. 15:22. 20. With what sins are rebellion and stubbornness classed? “For rebellion is as _the sin of witchcraft_, and stubbornness is as _iniquity_ and _idolatry_. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.” Verse 23. [Illustration.] Ruth And Naomi. "Thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." Ruth 1:16. 21. Whose voice had more weight with Saul than had the commandment of God? “And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because _I feared the people, and obeyed their voice_.” Verse 24. 22. What charge did Jesus bring against the Pharisees? “And He said unto them, Full well _ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition_.” Mark 7:9. NOTE.—Human tradition is simply the voice of man preserved in the church. To follow the traditions of men instead of obeying the commandments of God is to repeat the sin of Saul. 23. What will be the fate of those who do not obey the gospel of Christ? “And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire _taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ_.” 2 Thess. 1:7, 8. 24. What condition is attained in obeying the truth? “Seeing ye have _purified your souls in obeying the truth_ through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” 1 Peter 1:22. 25. What promise is made to the obedient? “If ye be willing and obedient, _ye shall eat the good of the land_.” Isa. 1:19. 26. Whose example are we urged to imitate? “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them _who through faith and patience inherit the promises_.” Heb. 6:12. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ To obey is better than sacrifice, the Lord hath said; To harken when He commandeth, than an offering made. All ye who say, “There is naught to do since Christ doth save,” Remember what He commands you in the Book He gave.