“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many 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, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” 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 unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?”

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.

And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt offering to me, and peace offerings. And he offered the burnt offering. And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him. And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

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.