WHAT ABOUT DISOBEDIENCE?

"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:1-2, NKJV)

The word "disobedience" does not elicit strong reactions in the nominal Christian environment. It appears to be viewed casually, as though it were not a serious circumstance. The Word of God, however, is unusually clear on the subject of disobedience. Our text identifies it as the area in which the devil himself is found "the prince of the power of the air." Those who are disobedient are individuals in whom Satan works. They are also people who live in synch with a cursed world. Disobedience is found in the realm of spiritual death the place of insensitivity to God, Who is the source of life.

If obedience is a favorable response to Divine requirements, disobedience is an unfavorable response. If obedience is accepting heavenly benefits, disobedience is rejecting them. If obedience is submission to God, disobedience is rebellion against Him. Those who obey do what God requires of them. Those who disobey refuse to do what God requires of them. Disobedience is an act of insurrection, a reaction of hostility toward the Lord of all. It is never right, nor is it excusable.

Scripture apprizes us that s single act of disobedience made many people sinners (Rom 5:19). That act of disobedience--Adam's sin--is appropriately called the "offense" (Rom 5:15,17,18,20). It was an offense, crime, transgression, and affront to the Lord. If a single act of disobedience could thrust an entire race into spiritual darkness and disgrace, how terrible is our involvement in disobedience!

The wrath of God will come upon "the children of disobedience" (Col 3:6), i.e., those who insist on disobeying the Lord. With alarming clarity, the Spirit informs us of the return of the Lord Jesus. "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." The judgment of God all such is affirmed: "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thess 1:8-9).

There will come temptations to disobey God to refuse to yield to His will. Satan will energetically attempt to influence you to ignore His commandments and count the words of His Son as inconsequential. There is abundant grace to enable you to resist his attempts, and obey the Lord from your heart. I implore you to culture a life of obedience of instant response to the Lord. It will bring great benefits to you now, and a place with the Lord in the world to come.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I seek for grace to be obedient to Your word, and sensitive to Your voice. Work in me, to will and to do, of Your own good pleasure.

-- TOMORROW: OBEYING AND LOVING THE TRUTH --