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A Life of Obedience
THE BELIEVER'S SECRET OF OBEDIENCE is a thorough Bible study of obedience to God. Though the subject sounds exacting and demanding, the tone of this inspiring devotional classic is warm and encouraging. Murray leads us into both Testaments to discover the importance of obedience in the life of a believer. He looks at the issue of obedience in the stories of various Bible characters. Next he draws our attention to the obedience of Christ, who makes the believer's obedience possible. And finally, he shows us the secret of obedience as the pivotal point for the whole Christian life!
106 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2004
517 people are currently reading
1180 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Murray
1,293 books559 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
Murray was Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Murray became a noted missionary leader. His father was a Scottish Presbyterian serving the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, and his mother had connections with both French Huguenots and German Lutherans. This background to some extent explains his ecumenical spirit. He was educated at Aberdeen University, Scotland, and at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. After ordination in 1848 he served pastorates at Bloemfontein, Worcester, Cape Town, and Wellington. He helped to found what are now the University College of the Orange Free State and the Stellenbosch Seminary. He served as Moderator of the Cape Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church and was president of both the YMCA (1865) and the South Africa General Mission (1888-1917), now the Africa Evangelical Fellowship.
He was one of the chief promoters of the call to missions in South Africa. This led to the Dutch Reformed Church missions to blacks in the Transvaal and Malawi. Apart from his evangelistic tours in South Africa, he spoke at the Keswick and Northfield Conventions in 1895, making a great impression. upon his British and American audiences. For his contribution to world missions he was given an honorary doctorate by the universities of Aberdeen (1898) and Cape of Good Hope(1907).
Murray is best known today for his devotional writings, which place great emphasis on the need for a rich, personal devotional life. Many of his 240 publications explain in how he saw this devotion and its outworking in the life of the Christian. Several of his books have become devotional classics. Among these are Abide in Christ, Absolute Surrender, With Christ in the School of Prayer, The Spirit of Christ and Waiting on God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
February 10, 2023
I've picked another theme to study. For the start of 2023, it's obedience, so I picked up this book knowing nothing about it or the author.
It's a fascinating read on an important (and often unpopular) topic. Murray's perspective on obedience (that Jesus came not only to save us but to be the ultimate example of obedience, as his entire life was an act of obedience) is both fascinating and thought provoking. This is a short book, but rich in information. It's not something I suggest rushing through, and it's most likely something to be read several times.
If you're interested in a thought-provoking, biblical perspective on obedience, I highly recommend this book.
It's a fascinating read on an important (and often unpopular) topic. Murray's perspective on obedience (that Jesus came not only to save us but to be the ultimate example of obedience, as his entire life was an act of obedience) is both fascinating and thought provoking. This is a short book, but rich in information. It's not something I suggest rushing through, and it's most likely something to be read several times.
If you're interested in a thought-provoking, biblical perspective on obedience, I highly recommend this book.
April 16, 2020
This is my first Andrew Murray book, and God willing, it won't be my last.
Life changing for me. From my humble perspective, there's not enough talk of obedience as the point of the Christian life. As Christians, through the power of Jesus who lives in us, we are now free to obey.
Life changing for me. From my humble perspective, there's not enough talk of obedience as the point of the Christian life. As Christians, through the power of Jesus who lives in us, we are now free to obey.
January 8, 2015
Murray traces the theme of obedience from Genesis to Revelation. We all know that sin was introduced into the world through Adam and Eve´s disobedience. And we know that the Israelites were given constant commands to walk in God´s ways or else suffer the consequences.
But isn't that just for the Old Testament? Don´t we now live in a state of grace, light years away from all that legalism? Murray would say no. At every single point in Jesus´ ministry He was 100 percent obedient to his Father. We are to do nothing less than follow his example. "If you love me, keep my commandments."
Lest we fall into the trap of seeing this as salvation by rule-keeping, Murray elaborates on the blessings of living in such intimate relationship with Christ that it is our joy to live unreservedly for his honor and glory. Whereas the Jews of the Old Testament did their best to follow God´s commands and kept failing, New Testament Christians were given not only Christ´s example, but Christ´s enabling presence. The Holy Spirit changes our rebellious, stony hearts into "hearts of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26) as we yield ourselves completely to God. Some traditions call this "sanctification" or "complete surrender;" Murray contends that without it, we are doomed to a life of mediocre Christianity.
A very worthwhile book!
But isn't that just for the Old Testament? Don´t we now live in a state of grace, light years away from all that legalism? Murray would say no. At every single point in Jesus´ ministry He was 100 percent obedient to his Father. We are to do nothing less than follow his example. "If you love me, keep my commandments."
Lest we fall into the trap of seeing this as salvation by rule-keeping, Murray elaborates on the blessings of living in such intimate relationship with Christ that it is our joy to live unreservedly for his honor and glory. Whereas the Jews of the Old Testament did their best to follow God´s commands and kept failing, New Testament Christians were given not only Christ´s example, but Christ´s enabling presence. The Holy Spirit changes our rebellious, stony hearts into "hearts of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26) as we yield ourselves completely to God. Some traditions call this "sanctification" or "complete surrender;" Murray contends that without it, we are doomed to a life of mediocre Christianity.
A very worthwhile book!
June 27, 2019
this is not a long book and basically the book is a perfect accompanied book for morning watch. The book explained obedience in accordance to holistic growth, faith, and redemption.
January 23, 2024
Simple and deep
February 8, 2018
Has some good insight
I hope my 3 stars does not indicate a “bad” book. It wasn’t. There is definitely insight and scripture to help you get deeper into the will of God with your obedience. I enjoyed traversing the testaments, and reading the authors wisdom on obedience from the chapter studies. I realize that obedience is not a “sexy” topic, no one is eager to die to self, my rating reflects only my personal state of mind at the moment. :)
I hope my 3 stars does not indicate a “bad” book. It wasn’t. There is definitely insight and scripture to help you get deeper into the will of God with your obedience. I enjoyed traversing the testaments, and reading the authors wisdom on obedience from the chapter studies. I realize that obedience is not a “sexy” topic, no one is eager to die to self, my rating reflects only my personal state of mind at the moment. :)
March 6, 2017
This short and simple book reminds us that as believers we are to live in obedience to God's commands, especially His last command to make disciples of all men. By our sinful nature, we cannot live a life of obedience under our own power. The Holy Spirit does it through us when we submit our will to God and develop deep, personal relationship with Him.
August 21, 2018
As with all of Andrew Murray's books, he has a way of relaying Jesus' message that's deeply convicting. A truly amazing author and disciple of Christ.
March 31, 2020
Sacrifices make strong men
September 16, 2025
This book is only 8 chapters long. In it I could see that Murray knew God more than most people. He speaks of a closeness not everyone finds.
Murray says obedience to God and His commands can only come the power of God's Spirit, and learning to obey as our Lord did. By continual fellowship with God, a person can have the power to obey rather than sin. Our Lord prayed often and depended on God for strength and instruction. He did nothing on His own, but spoke what the Father gave Him to say. By being a branch of God's vine, we also can do nothing for God on our own. The vine gives the life and energy for the branches to produce fruit.
Obedience is not an occasional thing. Murray says it's a vow to be fulfilled daily by choosing God's will over our own. A very serious, instructional take on obedience.
Murray says obedience to God and His commands can only come the power of God's Spirit, and learning to obey as our Lord did. By continual fellowship with God, a person can have the power to obey rather than sin. Our Lord prayed often and depended on God for strength and instruction. He did nothing on His own, but spoke what the Father gave Him to say. By being a branch of God's vine, we also can do nothing for God on our own. The vine gives the life and energy for the branches to produce fruit.
Obedience is not an occasional thing. Murray says it's a vow to be fulfilled daily by choosing God's will over our own. A very serious, instructional take on obedience.
September 30, 2024
Do you realize just how highly God holds obedience? Just think of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Josiah, and our ultimate example, Jesus the Son of God (obedient unto death). As this book shows, obedience has nothing to do with getting or staying saved, but it has everything to do with faithful growth in sanctification.
There are a few points where it gets a little formulaic, but over all a very good reminder to study the Word and obey it in the strength and grace of the Lord.
Read it!
There are a few points where it gets a little formulaic, but over all a very good reminder to study the Word and obey it in the strength and grace of the Lord.
Read it!
July 9, 2024
This book fail in my hands in the right period of my life as I started asking myself why cannot I fulfill Jesus' commands and the answer is in this book. I thank God that he answered my questions yet again in His own way. This book is for the ones that want, wish in a desperate way to fulfill God's will.
August 20, 2025
This helps me to have obedience with God, not out of duty but out of love for Him. The step I must take is to surrender and give wholly myself to Him, to become a vessel to pour His life and love to others. I must remember that I'm one with the body of Christ, so I'm to partake in proclaiming His name to everyone.
September 29, 2023
Inspiring and encouraging as usual for Andrew Murray books. But for some reason I didn't feel like I got into it as much as some of his other books. It could just be where I am mentally/spiritually at the moment, rather than a fault of the book.
June 3, 2025
Brilliant & Timeless
This is a timeless reminder of the invitation of Christ for His disciples to come and follow Him in loving obedience and surrender in order to receive and experience the life of Christ.
This is a timeless reminder of the invitation of Christ for His disciples to come and follow Him in loving obedience and surrender in order to receive and experience the life of Christ.
December 31, 2023
Excellent! Highly recommend!
I’ve set a reminder for me to read this at least once a quarter this coming year!
I’ve set a reminder for me to read this at least once a quarter this coming year!
January 12, 2024
Great book, I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RrYR...
November 8, 2024
Such a good read and im ready to join the morning watch!
January 20, 2026
This is sooo important to grasp as a believer. It is challenging. It is scriptural. And it is encouraging to those who want to live a life doe Christ
March 15, 2020
The Book Has Changed My Life
I have heard of Andrew Murray, and I have even tried to read a book or two of his. He didn't grab my attention as much as others have. Certainly not as much as exciting fiction and TV shows, not even as much as Facebook.
I started reading this determined to get through it because Floyd McClung, a man I respect a lot, had recommended Murray's book on Humility. I tried that one and didn't follow through on it. This time, I vowed to have a better outcome.
At first, I grew jittery as I read because it seemed to me that Murray kept repeating himself in circles. But I decided that repetition was probably good for me, so I kept reading. I found out that Murray was not repeating. He was drilling down on one of the most essential teachings we all need.
And I had a problem with obedience.
I realized how much I have drifted away from listening to God and doing what He tells me to do.
When I got to the chapter on The Great Commission, I expected to read what I already knew since I was a missionary for fifteen years. Well, I did read what I already knew. But it convicted me.
I'm a public school teacher and, for the last four years, I've been especially discouraged in my work. Students are more distracted than ever, and very little seems to stick in their heads. I think they're so used to having every bit of knowledge available to them on The Internet that they don't think they have to remember anything. And they keep entertainment with them 24/7, which distracts them a lot.
But I now remember that I'm not teaching because the content of the subject I teach is so important (which it is) and not because teenagers need to be reassured that they are fine people, need to be parented because their parent (if they have them) are falling down on the job. They need Jesus. And the opportunities to share Christ with them abound (without breaking any laws of separation of church and state). Years ago I saw one former student of mine who told me that he was a youth minister, desiring to be the kind of Christian man I was. I protested because it seems to me that I was impatient a lot and made a fool of myself shouting at them. He got this earnest look and said, "But you waited a long time before you did that! I want to be patient like you were."
I had that student a long time ago. How many students have I neglected in these last four years that I let discouragement overwhelm me? Obedience is the key, not my idea of success.
Andrew Murray wrote this over a century ago, but it still has the power to change lives. It certainly did mine, and I'm glad I wrestled with my own stubborn inattention to get a little bit of it into my head and heart.
I have heard of Andrew Murray, and I have even tried to read a book or two of his. He didn't grab my attention as much as others have. Certainly not as much as exciting fiction and TV shows, not even as much as Facebook.
I started reading this determined to get through it because Floyd McClung, a man I respect a lot, had recommended Murray's book on Humility. I tried that one and didn't follow through on it. This time, I vowed to have a better outcome.
At first, I grew jittery as I read because it seemed to me that Murray kept repeating himself in circles. But I decided that repetition was probably good for me, so I kept reading. I found out that Murray was not repeating. He was drilling down on one of the most essential teachings we all need.
And I had a problem with obedience.
I realized how much I have drifted away from listening to God and doing what He tells me to do.
When I got to the chapter on The Great Commission, I expected to read what I already knew since I was a missionary for fifteen years. Well, I did read what I already knew. But it convicted me.
I'm a public school teacher and, for the last four years, I've been especially discouraged in my work. Students are more distracted than ever, and very little seems to stick in their heads. I think they're so used to having every bit of knowledge available to them on The Internet that they don't think they have to remember anything. And they keep entertainment with them 24/7, which distracts them a lot.
But I now remember that I'm not teaching because the content of the subject I teach is so important (which it is) and not because teenagers need to be reassured that they are fine people, need to be parented because their parent (if they have them) are falling down on the job. They need Jesus. And the opportunities to share Christ with them abound (without breaking any laws of separation of church and state). Years ago I saw one former student of mine who told me that he was a youth minister, desiring to be the kind of Christian man I was. I protested because it seems to me that I was impatient a lot and made a fool of myself shouting at them. He got this earnest look and said, "But you waited a long time before you did that! I want to be patient like you were."
I had that student a long time ago. How many students have I neglected in these last four years that I let discouragement overwhelm me? Obedience is the key, not my idea of success.
Andrew Murray wrote this over a century ago, but it still has the power to change lives. It certainly did mine, and I'm glad I wrestled with my own stubborn inattention to get a little bit of it into my head and heart.
Read
June 21, 2017Direct and to the point, but putting Murray's words into practice takes a lot of soul searching abd discipline. This book says many things I have never heard preached before, and I've heard a lot of sermons.
The main new concept for me is that living a life of full, complete obedience is not only the will of God, but also possible and something that every christian should believe and strive for. Murray says at one point that it's no wonder why the church is generally weak and ineffective. Our sole purpose is to obey the will of God, like organs of our body do not have an independent will and when they are healthy complete their sole purpose. Yet very few christians believe this to be possible "in this life". If your immediate reaction to this idea is "Wellll...." then maybe you should read the book.
It took me a long time to get through a relatively short book because the material is very practical, not very repetitive, and asks for immediate application. The final two chapters challenged me in ways that I believe will benefit me in the long term. Like I said, I've never heard this kind of teaching before.
The main new concept for me is that living a life of full, complete obedience is not only the will of God, but also possible and something that every christian should believe and strive for. Murray says at one point that it's no wonder why the church is generally weak and ineffective. Our sole purpose is to obey the will of God, like organs of our body do not have an independent will and when they are healthy complete their sole purpose. Yet very few christians believe this to be possible "in this life". If your immediate reaction to this idea is "Wellll...." then maybe you should read the book.
It took me a long time to get through a relatively short book because the material is very practical, not very repetitive, and asks for immediate application. The final two chapters challenged me in ways that I believe will benefit me in the long term. Like I said, I've never heard this kind of teaching before.
June 12, 2012
What an amazing little book that my sister shared with me. I’ve used it for my devotions for the past couple weeks. Each chapter is brimming with soul-searching teachings on what a life of obedience looks like in a follower of Christ. It will have you truly looking at areas in your life that you might think are OK, but need to be surrendered to God. Pastor Murray reminds us that, “From the very outset of the Christian life, let us avoid the fatal mistake of calling Christ Master but not doing what He says.” Using easy to understand language and Christ as our example for obedience, he brings challenging theological concepts within reach of implementation. The author shares the secret to true obedience, “It is God’s holy presence, consciously abiding with us, that keeps us from disobeying him” I've gone back to reread several passages. This is an excellent resource for those wanting a more intimate relationship with God our Father.
January 16, 2013
The Blessings of Obedience.
Bob Fraley
195 Pages
Biography
The book The Blessings of Obedience by Bob Fraley (The one I have is a different version and it is not on goodreads.) is about his life being lead by GOd. He first lies in Ohio then he moves to Phionix and starts a new life there with his wife and children. Bob goes through a lot of stress and excitment. Bob goes on to find his future.... WHat do you think God will do in his life?
This book isn't the best but it isn't the worst either. I liked that God let him do so many thngs and led him to do the right choices. When they were in a trailer park, Bob didn't feel safe there and it was maybe 11:00 p.m. and he said lets keep going so, they did. Bob figured out that there were robbers there that same NIGHT. So God lead him to do the right thing and leave.
Bob Fraley
195 Pages
Biography
The book The Blessings of Obedience by Bob Fraley (The one I have is a different version and it is not on goodreads.) is about his life being lead by GOd. He first lies in Ohio then he moves to Phionix and starts a new life there with his wife and children. Bob goes through a lot of stress and excitment. Bob goes on to find his future.... WHat do you think God will do in his life?
This book isn't the best but it isn't the worst either. I liked that God let him do so many thngs and led him to do the right choices. When they were in a trailer park, Bob didn't feel safe there and it was maybe 11:00 p.m. and he said lets keep going so, they did. Bob figured out that there were robbers there that same NIGHT. So God lead him to do the right thing and leave.
March 30, 2015
"Obedience" a difficult subject
This book helped me see my own resistance to obedience! It has achieved in me the opportunity to examine my heart and to ask myself some tough questions! I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about following Christ as your Shepherd. He does have expectations of us weather we are willing to admit it or not! LORD I do need Your strength to overcome my weakness...in Jesus name, Amen...God is a faithful King!!
This book helped me see my own resistance to obedience! It has achieved in me the opportunity to examine my heart and to ask myself some tough questions! I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about following Christ as your Shepherd. He does have expectations of us weather we are willing to admit it or not! LORD I do need Your strength to overcome my weakness...in Jesus name, Amen...God is a faithful King!!
October 28, 2021
Audiobook
2&3 star rating for me.
Not a horrible book, could help some.
Does goes into detail about being more obedient to God.
A lot of it reminds me of being in church and listening to a priest talk about this.
Not the easiest to keep listening to, and other reviewer s mention that reading it wasn't that easy as well.
I've listened to several of this author books already, but there's other authors i would rather recommend than this one.
2&3 star rating for me.
Not a horrible book, could help some.
Does goes into detail about being more obedient to God.
A lot of it reminds me of being in church and listening to a priest talk about this.
Not the easiest to keep listening to, and other reviewer s mention that reading it wasn't that easy as well.
I've listened to several of this author books already, but there's other authors i would rather recommend than this one.
August 20, 2025
Brilliant book. Plan to listen again. Not what I thought it would be.
I listened on audible where the recording was way too fast. And the narrator did not seem to comprehend the content. For those who want to listen on audible I recommend listening at 0.7 or 0.8 speed. It’s absolutely a 3hr read not a 2hr read. Take your time with this one.
In my opinion this book is Essential for Christians who are serious about pleasing the Lord.
I listened on audible where the recording was way too fast. And the narrator did not seem to comprehend the content. For those who want to listen on audible I recommend listening at 0.7 or 0.8 speed. It’s absolutely a 3hr read not a 2hr read. Take your time with this one.
In my opinion this book is Essential for Christians who are serious about pleasing the Lord.
June 28, 2011
Great book on obedience. As with Humility, The True Vine, etc., Murray is always simple and to the point, and always reminds you how much you depend on God.
Confidence in surrender...
The secret to true obedience--trust...
Final chapter on the Great Commission...
I have read many of his books and my favorite so far is The Blood of the Cross.
Confidence in surrender...
The secret to true obedience--trust...
Final chapter on the Great Commission...
I have read many of his books and my favorite so far is The Blood of the Cross.
August 11, 2012
I LOVE Andrew Murray. I haven't read anything by him (yet) that I didn't like. I've been feeling lately like the root of all the problems people face is because they don't obey God's Word. Murray shares the blessings that come from obedience. He also helped me see why I fail at being obedient and what to do about that.
January 14, 2014
what is obedience like under the new covenant? coming close to Jesus through the word and prayer, i see my disobedience, i confess my disobedience, and receive his grace to teach and empower my gospel obedience! sometimes Murray is a bit perfectionistic, but over all he leads us to look and depend on Christ in whom we have all we need!
April 8, 2015
Should have been edited down better. He repeats himself quite a bit. It's also full of generalizations, I was looking for a bit more practical writing, such as examples, anecdotes, and instruction. But there was some good in it. I skimmed parts and highlighted what will actually inspire me in my spiritual walk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews