THE SIDE EFFECTS OF DISOBEDIENCE IN GOD’S PEOPLE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Deuteronomy 28:15-20
Key Verse: “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.” (Deuteronomy 28:15)
Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15:22–23; Isaiah 59:1–2; Numbers 14:22–23; Judges 2:11–14
Description: Disobedience brings painful consequences that affect not only individuals but entire generations of God’s people.
INTRODUCTION:
Obedience to God has always been the foundation of a fruitful and blessed life. From the Garden of Eden, the principle was set: blessings follow obedience, while curses follow disobedience. Unfortunately, many of God’s people often underestimate the consequences of disobedience, believing that grace will shield them from all its side effects. While God is merciful, He is also just, and disobedience always attracts results.
Disobedience is more than breaking a divine rule; it is a rejection of God’s authority and love. Every time God gives a command, it is for our protection, progress, and preservation. When we disobey, we step outside His covering, making ourselves vulnerable to attacks, setbacks, and losses.
In this study, we will examine the side effects of disobedience among God’s people. These truths are drawn from Scripture and serve as warnings for us today. If we walk in obedience, we will enjoy God’s presence, blessings, and victories. But if we walk in disobedience, the consequences can be devastating.
1. DISOBEDIENCE SEPARATES GOD’S PEOPLE FROM HIS PRESENCE
When God’s people disobey, intimacy with Him is broken, and His presence withdraws. Without God’s presence, life becomes empty, vulnerable, and dry.
a) Loss of fellowship with God – Isaiah 59:1–2
Sin creates a barrier that hinders prayers and fellowship with God.
b) The Spirit departs – 1 Samuel 16:14
Saul’s disobedience caused the Spirit of the Lord to depart from him, and he was tormented instead.
c) Absence of divine guidance – Proverbs 3:5–6
When disobedient, God no longer directs our paths, and confusion sets in.
d) Vulnerability to the enemy – Judges 16:20
Samson discovered too late that the Lord had left him, and he became easy prey to the Philistines.
Biblical Example: Adam and Eve were driven out of Eden after disobeying God, losing direct fellowship with Him (Genesis 3:23–24).
2. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS LOSS OF BLESSINGS AND FAVOUR
God attaches blessings to obedience, but disobedience brings curses and missed opportunities.
a) Missed promises – Numbers 14:22–23
The Israelites missed entering the Promised Land because of unbelief and rebellion.
b) Withheld blessings – Deuteronomy 28:15–20
Disobedience turns blessings into curses, affecting every aspect of life.
c) Closed heavens – Haggai 1:9–10
The people disobeyed God in rebuilding His house, and their labour produced little.
d) Loss of favour before men – Esther 2:17 vs. Saul’s rejection
While obedience brings favour, disobedience causes men to reject us.
Biblical Example: King Saul lost the kingdom and God’s favour because of his partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23).
3. DISOBEDIENCE LEADS TO BONDAGE AND CAPTIVITY
When God’s people disobey, He sometimes allows enemies to oppress them until they repent.
a) Spiritual slavery – John 8:34
Whoever commits sin becomes a slave to it, losing freedom in Christ.
b) Oppression by enemies – Judges 2:11–14
Israel repeatedly fell into the hands of their enemies due to disobedience.
c) Loss of dominion – Genesis 4:7
Sin enslaves those who allow it to rule over them.
d) Captivity of nations – 2 Chronicles 36:15–17
Persistent disobedience led Israel into Babylonian captivity.
Biblical Example: Israel was carried into captivity because they continually rebelled against God’s commands.
4. DISOBEDIENCE BRINGS DESTRUCTION AND LOSS OF DESTINY
Disobedience can cut short lives and destinies that God originally planned to prosper.
a) Premature death – Genesis 19:26
Lot’s wife perished because she disobeyed God’s command not to look back.
b) Destruction of families – Joshua 7:24–25
Achan’s disobedience brought destruction upon his entire household.
c) Wasted destinies – Judges 16:21
Samson, anointed for greatness, ended up blind and grinding in captivity because of disobedience.
d) Loss of generational inheritance – 1 Samuel 13:13–14
Saul’s disobedience cost his lineage the throne of Israel.
Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira died instantly for lying to the Holy Spirit in disobedience (Acts 5:1–10).
CONCLUSION:
Disobedience is not a light matter—it carries severe side effects. It separates us from God, robs us of blessings, subjects us to bondage, and can ultimately destroy destinies. As God’s children, we must take obedience seriously, for it is the key to enjoying His favour, presence, and victory in life.
The call today is simple: choose obedience. When you obey God’s voice, you remain under His covering, enjoy His blessings, and walk in His purpose. May we be wise to learn from the failures of those who disobeyed, and instead live lives of obedience that glorify God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for Your Word that guides me into obedience.
2. Lord, forgive me in any way I have disobeyed Your commands.
3. Father, deliver me from every spirit of stubbornness and rebellion.
4. Lord, restore every blessing I have lost through disobedience.
5. Father, help me to hear and obey Your voice promptly.
6. Lord, keep me from choices that will separate me from Your presence.
7. Father, break every bondage in my life caused by disobedience.
8. Lord, help me to walk in obedience so my destiny will not be wasted.
9. Father, let my family and generation enjoy blessings through my obedience.
10. Lord, give me grace to obey You completely, no matter the cost.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall not miss your destiny through disobedience.
2. You shall walk in the fullness of God’s blessings.
3. The voice of God shall be clear to you, and you shall obey promptly.
4. Every curse of disobedience is broken in your life today.
5. You shall not be a victim of premature death.
6. Your family shall enjoy the blessings of obedience through you.
7. You shall not fall into captivity or oppression again.
8. The mercy of God shall restore every blessing you have lost.
9. You shall enjoy divine favour before God and men.
10. Your life shall be a testimony of obedience and fruitfulness.
