OBEY FIRST OR SEEK KNOWLEDGE FIRST?
I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us carefully examine the Scriptures and understand God’s eternal principles.
When it comes to our eternal destiny, humans often face a fundamental question: Should we obey God first, or seek knowledge first? When God commands, “Do not sin,” should we immediately obey, or first investigate the reasons behind His command before making a choice?
The truth is that human nature tends to desire knowledge first. We want to understand why something is forbidden before submitting. Yet the Bible consistently teaches that obedience precedes understanding. Obedience is the foundation of spiritual life, and knowledge follows.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
Even without understanding every detail, fearing God and obeying His commandments is the first step toward righteousness.
In the Garden of Eden, God planted the trees and gave Adam a clear command:
Genesis 2:16–17 (KJV)“And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Adam and Eve, however, wanted to know why they should not eat from the tree. They sought knowledge first—curiosity before obedience.
Genesis 3:4–6 (KJV)“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”
Instead of gaining wisdom, the knowledge they sought brought death. Their desire to understand before obeying led to sin, separation from God, and ultimately the curse of mortality for all humanity.
Theological Note: This shows that seeking knowledge outside of God’s command can lead to pride and rebellion. Human reasoning alone cannot substitute for God-given instruction (Proverbs 3:5–6).
We are not created to gain knowledge first, but to obey first. Walking in obedience keeps us safe; understanding comes afterward.
Abraham exemplified this principle. When commanded to sacrifice his son Isaac, he obeyed without questioning God. Only later did he understand God’s ultimate purpose (Genesis 22:1–14).
Hebrews 11:17–19 (KJV) – “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac… accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”
Similarly, Jesus warns that sin has eternal consequences:
Revelation 21:8 (KJV) – “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Theological Note: Obedience to God’s Word is non-negotiable. Delay in obedience, in favor of curiosity or rationalization, can lead to eternal separation from God.
Jesus declared:
John 14:6 (KJV) – “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
This is absolute truth. We do not need alternative paths to salvation, nor should we question the reality of sin or hell based on human reasoning. Human philosophies that deny judgment or life after death are lies.
2 Timothy 3:1–5 (KJV) – “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come… having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
In perilous times, we must grow in knowledge of God’s Word, not in endless questioning. Doubting God’s commandments as Adam and Eve did will lead to destruction.
When we are called to forsake worldly pleasures, our first response should be obedience, regardless of cost. When instructed to dress modestly, reject corruption, or turn from sin, we obey first. Understanding and discernment will follow in God’s timing.
James 1:22–25 (KJV) – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only… for if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass… But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
Receiving God’s Word with obedience is the first step in salvation and spiritual growth. Curiosity and reasoning without submission only lead to ruin.
ConclusionObey first. Trust God. Understanding will come in due time. Cling firmly to the Word of God, for it alone brings life, wisdom, and eternal security.
Maranatha — the Lord is coming soon.
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