Disobedience

TCR Topic: 2620-2621 Disobedience

“For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.”

Romans 5:19

Webster’s dictionary defines disobedience as, “Neglect or refusal to obey; violation of a command or prohibition; the omission of that which is commanded to be done, or the doing of that which is forbid; breach of duty prescribed by authority.” Disobedience is non-compliance to God. To disobey God we defy his law and Word.

First Act of Disobedience

Genesis 3:6 says, “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.” The temptation to sin is always something that is desirable. Eve disobeyed God because she believed that she was missing out on something and that only by disobeying God could she have what she yearned for. Satan will go after our weakness and tempt us with things that are pleasant. Disobedience is born out of unbelief. Numbers 14:11 says, “And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst?

Lot’s Wife & Examples

Lot’s wife is a good example of someone who disobeyed God. You can read about her disobedience in Genesis 19:17-26. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron were devoured before the Lord by fire as a judgment for their disobedience (Leviticus 10:1-2). Jonah is also a good example to read. God gave Jonah a clear message and work to do. Jonah disobeyed God and spent 3 days and nights in the belly of a large fish as a judgment from God.

Something to consider

Read this account from 1 Sam. 13:9-13.

So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. And it came about as soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, that behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.

What is the lesson to be learnt here?

God’s punishment was Just

God is a just Judge. He must punish sin and all forms of disobedience (Psalm 7:11). His punishment of Adam and Eve was just for the following reasons.

1. Man’s Pride - They sought to gain without God.

2. Unbelief - They did not believe nor trust in God’s Word.

3. Disobedience - They did not listen to the warnings of God.

4. Justice - God must punish wrong because He loves truth and righteousness.