Disobedience is a recurring theme in the Bible, from Adam and Eve to the Israelites. What lessons can we learn from these stories, and how does God view disobedience? Let’s look at how the Bible addresses the consequences of turning away from God’s commands.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Complacent
What Does The Bible Say About Disobedience To God
1 Samuel 15:22-23
“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. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God. It teaches us that God values our obedience more than any external acts of devotion or sacrifice. Disobedience is equated with rebellion and arrogance, which are considered to be serious sins in God’s eyes. This verse also shows that disobedience has consequences, as seen in King Saul’s case where God rejected him as king because of his disobedience.
Ultimately, this verse reminds us that our relationship with God is founded on obedience, and that true worship involves not only external acts but also a willingness to submit to God’s will and follow His commands.
Proverbs 28:9
“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”
This verse highlights the connection between disobedience and prayer. God expects His people to not only listen to His instruction but also to live in obedience to it. When someone deliberately chooses to ignore God’s teachings and turns a deaf ear to His instructions, their prayers become detestable to Him.
Disobedience can hinder our communication with God and create a barrier in our relationship with Him. It reminds us that our actions and obedience are intricately linked to our prayers, and when we choose to disobey, it separates us from the intimacy and fellowship we can have with God.
James 4:17
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
This verse highlights the consequences of willful disobedience. It states that if someone knows what is right and chooses not to do it, they are committing sin. Disobedience, in this context, is not only about actively doing what is wrong but also failing to do what is right when one knows better.
It reminds us that obedience is not just about avoiding evil but also about actively pursuing what is good and pleasing to God. We are called to be obedient in both our actions and inaction, and failing to do so is considered sinful.
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
This verse encapsulates the relationship between love and obedience to God. Jesus, speaking to His disciples, states that loving Him is inseparable from keeping His commands. True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His will.
Disobedience, then, becomes an indication of a lack of love for God. It prompts us to examine our hearts and motives, to ensure that our actions are aligned with our professed love for Him. Obedience becomes a tangible expression of our affection for God and a way to deepen our relationship with Him.
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.”
This verse reiterates the connection between knowing God and obeying His commands. To truly know God and have a genuine relationship with Him, our lives must reflect our obedience to His will.
Merely professing to know God without an accompanying obedience to His commands is considered hypocritical and a falsehood. It emphasizes that our actions should align with our beliefs and that true knowledge of God results in a transformed life of obedience.
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?”
This verse draws a parallel between slavery and obedience. It teaches that when we offer ourselves as obedient servants, we become slaves of the one we obey. We can either be slaves to sin, which leads to death, or slaves to obedience, which results in righteousness.
Disobedience, in this context, is seen as voluntarily subjecting ourselves to the tyranny of sin. Obedience, on the other hand, leads to righteousness and a life that aligns with God’s will. It reminds us of the choice we have and the consequences that arise from our obedience or disobedience.
Deuteronomy 28:15
“However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you.”
This verse outlines the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. It states that if the people of Israel fail to obey God and do not carefully follow His commands, they will experience curses that will come upon them and overtake them.
Disobedience brings about adverse consequences as a result of breaking the covenant relationship with God. It serves as a warning, reminding us of the importance of obedience and the potential consequences of failing to heed God’s commands.
1 John 5:3
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.”
This verse emphasizes the relationship between love for God and obedience to His commands. It states that demonstrating love for God is manifested through keeping His commands.
Contrary to what some may believe, obeying God’s commands is not burdensome. Instead, it becomes an expression of our love and devotion. Obedience is an act of love and a way to honor and please God, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that come from living in obedience to Him.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse specifically addresses the importance of children obeying their parents. It instructs children to be obedient in everything, as it pleases the Lord.
Disobedience to parents not only shows a lack of respect but also reflects a disobedient attitude towards God. It teaches children the value of obedience and submission, and that their obedience is ultimately an act of reverence towards God.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’ which is the first commandment with a promise ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’
This verse further emphasizes the importance of children obeying their parents, stating that it is right to do so. It also references the fifth commandment, which instructs us to honor our father and mother.
Obeying and honoring our parents not only aligns with God’s commands but also brings blessings. It promises that by honoring our parents, things will go well for us, and we will experience long life. Obedience and honor are foundational principles that contribute to a healthy and flourishing life.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
This verse contains one of the Ten Commandments, specifically addressing the act of honoring parents. It commands us to honor our father and mother, promising that by doing so, we will live long in the land God has given us.
Honoring parents goes beyond mere obedience. It involves respecting, valuing, and caring for them. This commandment highlights the significance of honoring our parents and recognizes the role they play in our lives.
Jeremiah 35:18-19
“Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.“ Therefore, this is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Jonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.””’
This verse showcases the commendation and blessing that come with obedience. It refers to the Rekabites, who faithfully followed the instructions and commands of their forefather, Jonadab. As a result, God promises that Jonadab will always have descendants to serve Him.
It serves as a reminder that obedience not only pleases God but also carries generational blessings. By obeying God’s commands, we position ourselves to receive His favor and promises for both ourselves and future generations.
Acts 5:29
“Peter and the other apostles replied: We must obey God rather than human beings!”
This verse highlights the priority of obeying God over human authorities. It records the response of the apostles when commanded by the religious leaders to stop preaching about Jesus. Their unwavering commitment to God led them to declare that they must obey God rather than men.
It reminds us that obedience to God may sometimes clash with the expectations or commands of earthly authorities. In such situations, our allegiance to God should take precedence, and we should remain steadfast in our commitment to obeying Him.
1 Peter 1:14-15
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.”
This verse encourages believers to live obediently and to be holy, following the example of our heavenly Father. It teaches that as children of God, we should refrain from conforming to the sinful desires we had when we were unaware of God’s truth.
Obedience, in this context, involves consciously choosing to live in accordance with God’s holiness. It reminds us that our obedience is rooted in our identity as God’s children, and it should reflect the purity and righteousness of our Heavenly Father.
Joshua 1:7-8
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 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.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between obedience to God’s commands and success. God instructs Joshua to be strong, courageous, and careful to obey all the laws given by Moses. It promises that by remaining obedient to God’s Word, Joshua would find success and prosperity in all his endeavors.
It teaches us that obedience to God’s commands is not only a matter of following rules but also a pathway to abundant blessings and prosperity. Obedience to God’s Word brings about lasting success and guides us in making wise decisions.
Psalm 119:60
“I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”
This verse expresses the eagerness and urgency to obey God’s commands. It reflects the psalmist’s devotion and determination to promptly and wholeheartedly follow God’s instructions.
It serves as an inspiration for us to have a similar attitude and posture of obedience. When God’s commands are made known to us, we should be quick to obey, recognizing the significance of immediate obedience in our relationship with Him.
Romans 5:19
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of disobedience and obedience. It refers to the fall of humanity through Adam’s disobedience, resulting in many being sinners. However, it also highlights the redemptive power of Christ’s obedience, which makes many righteous.
It reminds us that while disobedience leads to sin and separation from God, obedience brings about righteousness and reconciliation with Him. Through Christ’s perfect obedience, we have the opportunity to be made righteous and experience salvation.
Hebrews 5:9
“And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
This verse speaks of Jesus as the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. It highlights the essential role of obedience in receiving and experiencing the salvation offered by Christ.
It emphasizes that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process that involves ongoing obedience to Jesus. It encourages believers to persevere in their obedience to Christ, understanding that salvation is intimately connected to a lifestyle of obedience.
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.”
This verse challenges the notion that mere profession of faith is enough for salvation. Jesus states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who actively do the will of His Father.
It underscores the importance of obedience as the evidence of genuine faith and discipleship. It invites us to examine our hearts and ensure that our actions align with our words, understanding that true salvation involves obediently following God’s will.
Luke 11:28
“He replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”
This verse highlights the blessing that comes from hearing and obeying the word of God. Jesus declares that those who hear God’s word and put it into practice are blessed.
It reminds us that obedience to God’s word should be our priority, as it leads to the abundance of God’s blessings in our lives. Obedience becomes a source of joy, fulfillment, and divine favor.
John 15:10
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
This verse emphasizes the connection between obedience and abiding in the love of Christ. Jesus states that by keeping His commands, we will remain in His love, just as He kept His Father’s commands and remained in His love.
It reveals that obedience is not solely about rules but about dwelling in a deep and intimate relationship with Christ. It signifies our loyalty, trust, and commitment to Him, and it ensures that we experience the fullness of His love.
Matthew 28:20
“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This verse highlights the Great Commission, which includes teaching others to obey everything that Jesus has commanded. It reassures believers that as they go out and make disciples, Jesus will be with them always.
Obedience to Christ’s commands becomes an essential element in discipleship and in fulfilling the mission of making disciples. It is through obedience that we can experience the continual presence and guidance of Jesus in our lives.