COLOSSIANS 3:6

For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,”

Have you ever encountered a disobedient child? I have. I worked over thirty years in the Foster Care system and dealt with a lot of children who had never been taught how to obey. They rebelled against any authority figure. It was quite difficult to turn these behaviors around. The secret? Jesus!

Paul warns the Colossian believers and us that God will not tolerate outright rebellion. The Greek word for “disobedience” is apeitheia. “In the New Testament, “apeitheia” primarily refers to a state of disobedience or unbelief, particularly in relation to God’s commands or the gospel message. It denotes a willful refusal to be persuaded by divine truth, often resulting in a hardened heart and rebellion against God.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

APPLICATION

This word is used seven times in the New Testament. Let’s look at a couple of them and see how it applies to us. In Romans 11:32 we read, “For God has shut up all in disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.” God deals with disobedience so that He may show mercy. What?! Listen, God wants everyone to come to Him. So, He will deal with the disobedient so that they may be drawn to Him.

How about Ephesians 2:1-2? “1 And you were dead in your offenses and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” It is Satan who spurs us towards disobedience. God did not make you that way. He desires obedient children.

How are you obeying today? Is your heart turned toward Him or your own pleasure. Decide today you will obey your King and Master. He longs for fellowship with you. We obey because we love Him, not to get His love.

O Lord, lead me in a way to obey You in all things.