Obedience in the Old Testament

Text: Leviticus 26:3–14

Introduction

Obedience has always been central to God’s relationship with His people. As Bobby reminded us in the previous lesson on atonement, the blood of Christ only benefits those who are obedient. From Genesis to Revelation, God calls His people to listen, believe, and obey. Today we will look at obedience in the Old Testament, where God made clear both the blessings for obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

The Necessity of Obedience

Throughout scripture, obedience is not optional. In our world today, even within groups calling themselves the church, there is a growing resistance to the necessity of obedience. People want salvation, but not accountability. They want heaven, but not sacrifice. Yet scripture says plainly, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Obedience is the dividing line.

Blessings for Obedience

Leviticus 26:3–13 shows God’s promises: fruitful harvests, peace in the land, victory over enemies, and His presence dwelling among them. Obedience was tied to covenant blessings. When Israel obeyed, they prospered. God walked with them and made them His people.

Curses for Disobedience

But starting in Leviticus 26:14, the opposite is given: terror, disease, defeat, famine, and ultimately captivity. Israel’s history confirms this—because they disobeyed, they suffered Babylonian captivity. God warned them repeatedly, but disobedience brought judgment. Deuteronomy 28 echoes these warnings with even stronger language. The principle is clear: disobedience always brings consequences.

Examples of Disobedience

Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1–3): Offered unauthorized fire before the Lord. God consumed them with fire. A small act, but disobedience cost them their lives.
Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6–7): With good intentions, he steadied the Ark of the Covenant when it was carried improperly on a cart. He touched it and died. Good motives do not cancel disobedience.
Achan (Joshua 7): Took forbidden spoils from Jericho, hid them in his tent, and brought destruction on his family.
The young prophet (1 Kings 13): Commanded not to eat or return the same way, but listened to a lying old prophet. A lion killed him. God’s command was clear—he disobeyed.
Moses (Numbers 20:7–12): Told to speak to the rock, but struck it twice. He was denied entry to the promised land. Even a great leader was not exempt from consequences.

The Principle Taught

In each case, disobedience—large or small—brought judgment. God was teaching His people then, and us today, that He is holy. He expects His word to be followed, not altered, excused, or explained away. To claim belief without obedience is false; true faith always acts. Belief and obedience are inseparably connected.

Obedience in the Old Testament Sermon Outline:

Introduction

Theme: God requires obedience in every age.
Text: Leviticus 26:3–14

I. The Necessity of Obedience

Obedience required for atonement to benefit us (Matthew 7:21)
Modern resistance to accountability

II. Blessings for Obedience (Leviticus 26:3–13)

Rain, harvest, safety, victory
God’s presence among His people

III. Curses for Disobedience (Leviticus 26:14–39; Deuteronomy 28)

Terror, famine, captivity
Israel’s history proves it

IV. Examples of Disobedience

Nadab & Abihu: strange fire (Leviticus 10:1–3)
Uzzah: touching the ark (2 Samuel 6:6–7)
Achan: theft from Jericho (Joshua 7)
The young prophet: disobeying God’s word (1 Kings 13)
Moses: striking the rock (Numbers 20)

V. The Principle Taught

Even “small” disobedience matters
God does not change (Malachi 3:6)
Belief and obedience are inseparable

Conclusion
From Adam and Eve to Moses, the Old Testament testifies that obedience is essential. God blesses obedience, but punishes disobedience. Faith without obedience is not faith at all.

Call to Action

Obedience to God is not optional. The same God who demanded obedience in the Old Testament demands it today. Let us examine ourselves. Are we doing His will, or excusing ourselves with opinions and traditions? If our hearts are right, our actions will follow. Let us be faithful and obey the Lord in every command, great or small, so that His promises of blessing and salvation are ours.

Key Takeaways

Obedience is required for atonement to benefit us (Matthew 7:21)
God promised blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Leviticus 26)
Examples like Nadab, Uzzah, Achan, the young prophet, and Moses show the seriousness of disobedience
God does not change—He still requires obedience (Malachi 3:6)
True faith is always expressed through obedience (Numbers 20; Hebrews 11)

Scripture Reference List

Leviticus 26:3–39 – Blessings and curses of obedience/disobedience
Deuteronomy 28 – Parallel curses for disobedience
Matthew 7:21 – Only those who do the will of the Father enter the kingdom
Leviticus 10:1–3 – Nadab and Abihu consumed for strange fire
2 Samuel 6:6–7 – Uzzah struck dead for touching the Ark
Joshua 7:20–26 – Achan’s sin and punishment
1 Kings 13:11–24 – The young prophet killed by a lion
Numbers 20:7–12 – Moses struck the rock and was denied the promised land
Malachi 3:6 – The Lord does not change
Hebrews 11:7 – Noah condemned the world through obedience

Prepared by David Hersey