by Ester yusufu | 6 June 2023 08:46 am06
Many believers struggle spiritually, not because God is far from them, but because their obedience to Him is incomplete. In Scripture, obedience isn’t optional—it is the gateway to spiritual power, intimacy with God, and victory over the enemy.
Let’s begin with 2 Corinthians 10:3–6
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”
Paul is teaching that spiritual authority does not come from human strength, but from God’s divine power. Notice the condition at the end:
“…when your obedience is fulfilled.”
This shows that spiritual effectiveness depends on personal obedience. You cannot demolish strongholds, refute false ideologies, or discipline spiritual disobedience in others if your own obedience to God is lacking.
The Bible consistently reveals that obedience is central to covenant relationship with God. From Genesis to Revelation, God blesses those who obey His voice and resist sin (Genesis 22:18, Deuteronomy 28:1-2, John 14:15).
In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel tells Saul:
“Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”
This means God prefers a life surrendered to His will over external rituals. Without obedience, spiritual power is diminished—even if religious activity is present.
Let’s apply this practically:
If you refuse to stop sinning when God convicts you, how can you expect to have authority over spiritual oppression?
If you reject baptism—an act of obedience and identification with Christ (Acts 2:38)—how can you expect to break family curses or ancestral bondage?
If you ignore modesty, holiness, and godly conduct (1 Peter 1:15-16), how can you expect long-standing struggles to be resolved?
You cannot expect spiritual breakthrough while disobeying the very God you’re asking to intervene. Disobedience opens doors to the enemy, while obedience shuts those doors and invites God’s power.
Obedience must be ongoing and growing, not a one-time act. Paul’s phrase “when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:6) implies a process—a journey of growing surrender.
This aligns with James 4:7–8
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Spiritual victory follows submission to God. If you’re only resisting the devil without first submitting to God, your efforts will be in vain. Submission (obedience) is what activates resistance.
Jesus said:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15
Genuine faith is always accompanied by obedience. Obedience does not earn salvation (Ephesians 2:8–9), but it proves salvation (James 2:17). A faith that doesn’t obey is dead.
If you’ve been struggling spiritually, take time to examine your level of obedience.
Have you obeyed the call to repent and believe the Gospel?
Have you been baptized in obedience to Christ?
Are you living daily in submission to His Word?
If not, start there. Complete obedience unlocks complete authority.
The Lord is coming!
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/06/06/47344/
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