Sermon: Disobedience and it’s consequences
Disobedience, in a biblical context, refers to the refusal to follow God’s commands or the directives of spiritual authority.
Disobedience is the act of turning away or willful departure from God's commands and guidance.
Disobedience encompasses the failure to comply with a predetermined set of rules, which can lead to a breakdown in order and trust within a community. This violation of established norms not only disrupts personal integrity but also undermines collective harmony
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF DISOBEDIENCE
▪︎Adam and Eve's disobedience(Genesis 3).
◇God’s command was not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
-Genesis 2:16,"And the Lord God commanded man the man,saying,"Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat,but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
◇Disobedience:They ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil which God commanded them not to eat.
- Genesis 3:6,"So the woman saw that the tree was good for food,that it was pleasant to the eyes,and a tree desirable to make one wise,she took of its fruit and ate.She also gave to her husband with her,and he ate."
◇Consquence of disobedience:Explusion from the garden of Eden and sin entered the world.
-Genesis 3:23,"Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden."
-Romans 5:12,"Through one man sin entered the world,and death through sin,and thus death spread to all men,because all sinned."
▪︎Saul's disobedience(1 Samuel 15).
◇God's asked Saul to go and attack and utterly destroy the Amalekites.
-1 Samuel 15:3,"Now go and attack Amalek,and utterly destroy all that they have,and do not spare them.But kill both man and woman,infant and nursing child,ox and sheep,camel and donkey."
◇Disobedience:He was unwilling to utterly destroy all the Amalekites that God commanded him to but spared the best sheep and oxen.He also brought back Agag king of the Amalek.
-1 Samuel 3:9,"But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep,the oxen,the failings,the lambs,and all that was good."
◇Consquence of disobedience:Rejection as king.
-1 Samuel 15:26,"And the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel."
▪︎Jonah's flight(Jonah 1)
◇God asked Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and deliver a message of warning about their wickedness.
-Jonah 1:1-2,"Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,"Arise,go to Nineveh,.......and cry against it;for their wickedness has come up before Me."
◇Disobedience:Jonah resisted this mission to Nineveh and fled to Tarshish.
-Jonah 1:3,"But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord."
◇Consequence of disobedience:A great storm and being swallowed by a fish.
-Jonah 1:4,"But the Lord sent a great wind on the sea,and there was a mighty tempest on the sea,so that the ship was about to be broken up."
-Jonah 1:17,"Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."
▪︎Ananias and Sapphira's disobedience to the holy spirit (Acts 5:1-11)
◇Disobedience:Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of land and deceitfully kept back part of the proceeds while claiming to have given the entire amount to the apostles.
-Acts 5:1-2,"But a certain man named Ananias with Sapphira his wife,sold a possession.And he kept back part of the proceeds.....and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet."
◇Consquence of deceit and disobedience: Both Ananias and Sapphira faced immediate judgment from God, resulting in their deaths.
-Acts 5:5,"Then Ananias,hearing these words,fell down and breathed his last."
-Acts 5:10,"Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last."
▪︎The prodigal son(Luke 15:11-32)
◇Disobedience:In this parable,a younger son demands his inheritance,leaves home and wasted his possessions with prodigal living.This act of disobedience symbolizes a break in relationship with his father, reflecting a desire for autonomy over submission to parental authority.
-Luke 15:12-13,"And the younger of them said to his Father,'Father,give me the portion of goods that falls to me.'....And not many days after,the younger son gathered all together,journeyed to a far country,and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living."
◇Consquence of straying from the father:The son experiences physical and emotional hardship,illustrating how disobedience can lead to suffering and isolation.
-Luke 15:11:14,"But when he had spent all,there arose a severe famine in that land,and he began to be in want."
Disobedience leads to spiritual estrangement. The son’s decision to leave signifies a separation from his father’s love and protection.
-Luke 15:13,"The younger son gathered all together,journeyed to a far country"
ROOT CAUSES OF DISOBEDIENCE
◇Pride and Self-Reliance
Pride often leads individuals to believe they know better than established authority, including God’s guidance.Self-reliance fosters a sense of independence that can result in ignoring divine commands or wisdom.When one prioritizes their own understanding over God’s, it can lead to decisions that stray from His will.
◇Fear of the unknown or Doubt.
Fear of the unknown or doubt about God’s promises can drive individuals to disobey. When faced with uncertainty, people may choose to act against what they believe is God’s direction, seeking their own solutions instead. This fear can stem from a lack of trust in God’s plan, leading to choices that separate them from His guidance.
◇Desire for Control
A strong desire for control can manifest as a refusal to submit to God’s authority.This desire to maintain control can lead to disobedience, as they prioritize their own plans and desires over God’s will.
◇Misplaced Priorities
When individuals prioritize worldly concerns—such as success, approval, or material possessions—over their spiritual obligations, disobedience often follows. Misplaced priorities can divert focus from God, resulting in actions that contradict His teachings and lead to a disconnect from His presence.
◇Cultural Influences
Societal values that emphasize individualism, competition, and self-promotion can contribute to pride. In cultures that celebrate personal achievement above collaboration or humility, individuals may adopt a prideful attitude as a norm.
CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE
◇Disobedience can attract curses and divine judgment, indicating a loss of favor and blessing.
- Malachi 2:2," If you will not hear,and if you will not take it to heart,....I will send a curse upon you,and i will curse your blessings.
◇Those who reject the Son of God will face God’s wrath
- John 3:36,"And He who does not believe the son shall not see life,but the wrath of God abides on Him,"
◇Those who love God will obey His word. Disobedience signifies a lack of love and commitment to God,leading to spiritual estrangement.
-John 14:23,"If anyone loves Me,he will keep My word;and My father will love him."
◇Those who heed correction are on the path to life, while those who reject it go astray, reinforcing the idea that disobedience leads to spiritual peril.
-Proverbs 10:17,"He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,But he who refuses correction goes astray."
◇The curses for disobedience:The various calamities that may come upon those who turn away from God’s commands include; confusion,severe burning fever,tumors, inflammation,severe boils,scab,madness, blindness,prolonged sicknesses,trembling heart,failing eyes,anguish of soul, destruction of the produce of your land and death.(Deuteronomy 28:15-68)
◇Disobedience can result in physical illness or weakness as a consequence of failing to honor God.
-1 Corinthians 11:30,"For this reason many are weak and sick among you,and many sleep."
◇Emotional turmoil that results from unconfessed sin,suggesting that disobedience can lead to guilt, anxiety, and a heavy heart.
-Psalm 32:3-4,"My bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;my vitality was turned into the drought of summer."
◇Conflicts and quarrels among people often arise from unfulfilled desires and selfishness, which can stem from a disobedient heart.
-James 4:1-2,"Where do wars and fights come from among you?Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?You lust and do not have .You murder and covet and cannot obtain.You fight and war."
IMPORTANCE OF OBEDIENCE IN SPIRITUAL LIFE
•Alignment with God’s Will: Obedience allows believers to align their lives with God’s commands and purposes.
-Deuteronomy 5:33:"You shall walk in all the ways that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may go well with you..."
-Exodus 19:5:"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession..."
•Relationship with God: Obedience is a sign of love and commitment to God, deepening the relationship with Him.
- John 15:16:"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit..."
- 1 John 3:22: "And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him."
•Blessings and Prosperity:Obedience leads to blessings, both spiritually and materially.
- Psalm 128:1:"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!"
- Romans 5:19: "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous."
•Guidance and Wisdom: Obedience to God’s word provides guidance and wisdom for life decisions.
- James 1:25:"But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it,and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work,this one will be blessed in what he does."
- Proverbs 4:10:"Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,and the years of your life will be many."
•Strengthening Faith:Obedience cultivates a stronger faith and trust in God’s promises.
- Acts 5:32: "And we are His witnesses to these things and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
- 1 John 2:17:"And the world is passing away, the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever."
•Spiritual Growth and Maturity:Obedience is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
-1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..."
-Acts 10:35: "But in every nation anyone whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."
•Obedience leads to prosperity:The Lord causes a believer to prosper in all they do and wherever they go to.
-1 Kings 2:3,"And keep the charge of the Lord your God:to walk in His ways,to keep His statues,His commandments,His judgements,and His testimonies,......that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you turn."
•Obedience leads to healing:The Lord will not put any diseases upon you.
-Exodus 15:26,"If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight,give ear to His commandments and keep all His statues,I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.For I am the Lord who heals you."
•Whoever fears the Lord and keeps His commandments, it will be well with them and their children forever.
-Deuteronomy 5:29,"Oh,that they had such a heart in them that they would fear me and always keep my commandments,that it might be well with them and with their children forever!
•If you obey the Lord, things will go well with you and your children and the Lord will prolong your days.
-Deuteronomy 4:40,"You shall therefore keep His statues and His commandments which I command you today,that it may go well with you and with your children after you,and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time."
HOW TO IDENTIFY OBEDIENT BELIEVERS
Obedient believers can be identified by their active engagement with God’s word, their love for God and others, their commitment to sharing the Gospel, and their lifestyle that reflects adherence to God’s commands. They demonstrate a consistent effort to live out their faith, engage with Scripture, and participate in the church community.
◇Doers of the Word: Obedient believers actively apply God’s teachings in their lives.
- James 1:22: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
◇Love for God and Others:Their love for God is evident in their love for others, fulfilling the greatest commandments.
- Luke 10:27:"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart ,with all your soul,with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."
◇Commissioned to Share the Gospel: They actively participate in sharing their faith.
- Mark 16:15: "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'"
◇Value and Meditate on Scripture:They prioritize God's word in their lives.
- Proverbs 4:20-22: "My son,give attention to my words;...... For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh."
◇Commitment to God’s Commands: They show a clear adherence to God’s commandments.
- Leviticus 22:31: "Therefore you shall keep my commandments and perform them:I am the Lord."
◇ Acquaintance to God: They are aquainted to God by spending time in studying the word and praying.
- Job 22:21,"Now acquaint yourself to Him,and be at peace."
◇Living out faith through actions:Their lifestyle reflects obedience to God’s commands.
- Deuteronomy 8:6: "Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God,to walk in His ways and to fear Him."
◇Guarding God’s Word: They are careful to preserve and respect God’s instructions.
- Deuteronomy 4:2:"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it..."
◇Devotion to the Fellowship: They actively participate in community and learning with other believers.
- Acts 2:42: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,in the breaking of bread,and in prayers."
STEPS FOR CULTIVATING OBEDIENCE IN DAILY LIFE
○Study the bible Regularly:Make time for daily bible reading to understand God's commands and teachings.
○Prayer for Guidance: Seek God’s direction through prayer. Ask for wisdom and the strength to obey His commands.
○Reflect on God’s Word:Meditate on specific scriptures that encourage obedience.
○Engage in Community:Join a church or small group where you can discuss biblical teachings,and encourage one another in obedience.
○Practice listening to the Holy Spirit:Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in your decisions and actions. Cultivating a prayerful life helps in recognizing His voice.
○Set Intentional Goals: Identify areas where you struggle with obedience and set specific, achievable goals to improve in those areas.
○Serve Others:Actively look for ways to serve in your community or church. Serving others helps reinforce the principle of obedience to God’s command to love and serve.
○Examine Your Heart:Regularly assess your motives and desires. Confess any areas of disobedience and seek to align your heart with God’s will.
○Find a mentor:Find an accountability partner or mentor who can encourage you and hold you accountable in your spiritual journey.
○Commit to Consistency:Make obedience a consistent part of your life by creating habits that reflect your commitment to God’s ways.
PRAYERS OF REPENTANCE
Heavenly Father,I acknowledge my sins and the ways I have strayed from my ways; and i seek for your forgiveness.Cleanse me from my sins and renew my spirit.Help me to live in obedience to your will and to walk in your ways.In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
PRAYERS
1)Father if I have disobeyed you in any way, I ask for forgiveness,in Jesus name.
2)I will not live in disobedience to God or those in authority, in Jesus name.
3)Enemies of my salvation shall be confused and frustrated, in the name of Jesus.
4)Lord, help me to heed your words and obey your commands,that I may walk in your blessings and avoid the curses that come from disobedience,in Jesus name.
5)Heavenly Father,I pray for the wisdom to follow your Son and live in obedience, so I may experience your eternal love and not face your wrath,in Jesus name.
6)God, grant me a heart that is open to correction.Help me to stay on the path of life and away from the consequences of straying from your ways,in Jesus name.
7)Father, I ask for Your mercy and guidance. May I choose obedience so that I can avoid the physical burdens that come from disobedience,in Jesus name.
8)Lord, I seek your healing in my life.Help me to honor you in all things and to recognize the importance of living according to your truth,in Jesus name.
9)God,remove the heaviness of guilt from my heart and grant me peace as I choose to obey your ways,in Jesus name.
10)Lord, help me to seek unity and peace in my relationships.Guard my heart from selfish desires that lead to conflict and strife,in Jesus name.
11)Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me, so that I may live in obedience to you,in Jesus name.
12)Holy Spirit, guide my steps daily. Help me to recognize and resist temptations that lead me away from your commands,in Jesus name.
13)Lord, instill in me a deep desire to seek your will above my own, knowing that true fulfillment comes from obeying your Word,in Jesus name.
14)Father, teach me to be humble and to submit to your authority, understanding that your ways are higher than my own,in Jesus name.
15)Lord, grant me the strength to follow your commands even when it is difficult, knowing that your grace is sufficient for me,in Jesus name.
16)Heavenly Father, illuminate my path with your Word, so that I may walk in obedience and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience,in Jesus name.
17)God, help me to cultivate a spirit of obedience in my heart, recognizing that true freedom comes from submitting to your will,in Jesus name.
18)Father, I ask for restoration in areas of my life where I have strayed from you. Draw me back into fellowship with you and restore my joy,in Jesus name.
19.God, I pray for those who are struggling with disobedience.Open their eyes to the truth and lead them back to you,in Jesus name.
20.Lord, grant me the wisdom to be a source of encouragement for others, helping them to choose obedience over rebellion,in Jesus name
Thank you Lord for answering my prayers,in Jesus name.Amen
A good sermon on disobedience
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