ave you ever asked yourself why God demands obedience throughout the Bible? From Genesis to Revelation, one consistent expectation God places on His people is obedience. Whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament, this principle never changes. To be honest we are not comfortable with this heavenly demand! As parents we give instructions to our children “don’t eat food from strangers,” “ don’t keep wrong company “ etc . They feel we are unduly restricting them from what they can “enjoy. ” Is that not what we feel when God says “don’t steal, don’t commit adultery “ we feel he is preventing us from what we want to “enjoy “ is it?

Notice, every promise of God—whether financial provision (Deuteronomy 28), divine health (Exodus 15:26), or supernatural protection (Psalm 91)—is predicated on obedience. God doesn’t randomly pour out blessings; He responds to covenant alignment.

In Matthew 7:6 we read “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you”

God is saying “ I value those who value me enough to obey me”

This morning, as I waited on the Lord, the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to this truth more deeply: obedience is not about legalism—it is the foundation of relationship, reward, and rulership in the Kingdom.

Let’s examine two foundational reasons why God demands obedience:

1. Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice – It Protects Destiny

God doesn’t want religious activity as a substitute for spiritual alignment. Saul’s story in 1 Samuel 15 reveals the danger of selective obedience. He was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites, but he spared their king and the best of their livestock. This act of disobedience cost him his throne, and his descendants monumental economic and land losses.

It is believed that the land of the Amalekites—rich in natural resources and today recognized as part of the oil-rich region of Saudi Arabia—was originally intended to be annexed to Israel. Saul’s failure to fully obey forfeited what could have become part of Israel’s economic inheritance.

Even more sobering is this: the very Amalekite Saul spared eventually contributed to his death. Forty years later, in 2 Samuel 1, it was an Amalekite who came to claim responsibility for ending Saul’s life. Disobedience opened the door for the enemy to return and destroy him.

Take from me today, it is more in your interest that you obey God . You earn more blessings and prosperity when you obey God and loose more prosperity when you disobey God it is your choice .

2. Obedience Establishes God’s Lordship—and Our Credibility

To call Jesus “Lord” but ignore His commands is hypocrisy. Obedience validates our confession. But beyond that, it affects our witness in the world.

People no longer respect the church as they once did. Many no longer desire to become Christians or attend services because Christians—through disobedience—have compromised their testimony. Lives of crime, corruption, and double standards have replaced holiness and integrity.

There was a time when the presence of a church in a neighborhood reduced crime. There was a time when Christians in political offices were the standard of truth, justice, and righteousness. Not anymore. Our disobedience has tarnished the Lord’s name and weakened the church’s influence.

The question this morning is what has God instructed you to do whether through the Bible or direct like Saul? What is the Amalekites you are to totally destroy have you destroyed it? Do you know you can be causing yourself a generational damage? Do you know if you just obey you can be leading your generation to stupendous wealth? Don’t delay obey God today and enjoy the great things he has packaged for you forever!

Stay tuned next Saturday for Part 2, where we explore how obedience reflects trust, unlocks blessings, matures us spiritually, and welcomes God’s presence.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at [email protected]