The Curse of Disobedience
The sermon emphasizes the critical importance of obedience to God and the dire consequences of disobedience as illustrated by biblical examples.
John Hames emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian walk, highlighting how disobedience can lead to destruction and separation from God. He warns that past obedience does not excuse present disobedience, stressing the need for continual submission to God's will. Hames draws examples from the Bible, showcasing the consequences of disobedience from Adam and Eve to Saul, illustrating the severe outcomes of rebellion. He echoes Jesus' words that true entrance into the kingdom of heaven is through doing the will of the Father, not just professing faith.
Text
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Sam. 15:23).
There is no theme in the blessed Book of God which converts need to be impressed with more frequently than the "Curse of Disobedience." It matters not how thoroughly we are saved or how high up the ladder of piety we may ascend, our continuance in the way of God depends wholly and solely upon our constant obedience. There is no place along our Christian pilgrimage where past obedience will atone for present disobedience. The Word tells us: "When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling-block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered" (Ezek. 3:20).
It will be of infinite benefit to newly converted souls to frequently take a retrospect of the disastrous trail of disobedience and notice how it destroyed the unclouded bliss of Adam and Eve; drowned the old world; burned the cities of the plain; turned Lot's wife into a pillar of salt; buried Korah, Dothan and Abiram alive; slew Nadab and Abihu; stoned Achan; slew Balaam, the disobedient prophet; and wrecked Saul, the pioneer king of Israel, and brought disaster upon all who practiced it.
Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21).
Reader, your future success and happiness wholly depend upon your constant obedience to God.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The significance of obedience in the Christian life
- Consequences of disobedience
- Biblical examples of disobedience
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II
- The curse of disobedience in the lives of Adam and Eve
- The destruction of the old world
- The fate of Lot's wife
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III
- Lessons from the lives of Korah, Dothan, and Abiram
- The downfall of Nadab and Abihu
- The story of Achan and Balaam
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IV
- The importance of doing the will of the Father
- The relationship between obedience and future success
- The call to constant obedience
Key Quotes
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” — John Hames
“When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, he shall die.” — John Hames
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — John Hames
Application Points
- Reflect on the consequences of past disobedience to avoid repeating mistakes.
- Commit to constant obedience as a foundation for future success and happiness.
- Understand that true faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's will.