1. The Danger of Disobedience

2. Introduction Many would make a false distinction between faith and baptism, saying the former is obligatory and the latter is optional. However, the same Lord that requires belief (John 8:24; Acts 4:12) also commanded baptism (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16).

3. Relevant Greek Words The Greek verb apeitheō, occurring 14x, means “to disobey” or “be disobedient.” It refers to an “unwillingness or refusal to comply with the demands of some authority.” The root adjective apeithēs, occurring 7x, means “disobedient.” It pertains “to being continuously disobedient.” In this lesson, let us consider the various occurrences of these words. In addition to noting the nature of disobedience, let us also consider its curse, cost and cure.

4. The Nature of Disobedience Disobedience is the opposite of genuine faith (John 3:16, 36; Heb. 3:12-19). Contrast the differing response of those who believe and those who disbelieve (1 Pet. 2:4-10, esp. vs. 8).

5. The Curse of Disobedience Consider the example of rebellious children (2 Tim. 3:1-5, esp. vs. 2; Rom. 1:28-32, esp. vs. 30). Consider the example of the antediluvian world (1 Pet. 3:20; cf. Gen. 6:1-8). Consider the example of the Canaanites (Heb. 11:30-31; cf. Lev. 18:1-5, 24-30). Consider the example of rebellious children (2 Tim. 3:1-5, esp. vs. 2; Rom. 1:28-32, esp. vs. 30). Consider the example of the antediluvian world (1 Pet. 3:20; cf. Gen. 6:1-8). Consider the example of the Canaanites (Heb. 11:30-31; cf. Lev. 18:1-5, 24-30). Consider the example of the Jews (Acts 14:1-2; 19:8-10; Rom. 10:21; 15:30-32). Consider the example of lost humanity (Rom. 11:25-32; Titus 3:3). Consider the example of false disciples (Titus 1:10-16).

6. The Curse of Disobedience Consider the example of the Jews (Acts 14:1-2; 19:8-10; Rom. 10:21; 15:30-32). Consider the example of lost humanity (Rom. 11:25- 32; Titus 3:3). Consider the example of false disciples (Titus 1:10- 16). Consider the example of rebellious children (2 Tim. 3:1-5, esp. vs. 2; Rom. 1:28-32, esp. vs. 30). Consider the example of the antediluvian world (1 Pet. 3:20; cf. Gen. 6:1-8). Consider the example of the Canaanites (Heb. 11:30-31; cf. Lev. 18:1-5, 24-30). Consider the example of the Jews (Acts 14:1-2; 19:8-10; Rom. 10:21; 15:30-32). Consider the example of lost humanity (Rom. 11:25-32; Titus 3:3). Consider the example of false disciples (Titus 1:10-16).

7. The Cost of Disobedience Those who do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, store up for themselves wrath and indignation, tribulation and anguish (Rom. 2:5-11; Col. 3:5-7). If the righteous scarcely be saved, what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel of Christ (1 Pet. 4:17-18)?

8. Conclusion What is the cure for disobedience? The solution is reflected in the work of John the Baptist (Luke 1:16-17; cf. Mal. 4:5-6). The solution is reflected in the work of godly wives (1 Pet. 3:1-4). The solution is reflected in the work of gospel preachers (Acts 26:12-20).