The tragedy of disobedience

Scripture: Leviticus 26:14-46

Sermon notes 

Leviticus #38: The sad consequences of disobedience     Lev 26:14-46

The warnings of God to Israel about disobedience of His commands had a special application to that nation. Its course: past, present, future, is affected by this simple matter of whether or not they will obey God.

However, there are lessons here for all men and especially for the Christian. Cp Rom 15:4, 1Cor 10:11.

I  GOD’S VIEW OF DISOBEDIENCE.

The style of this chapter means that there are a number of sections in which God begins with describing their disobedience and then detailing the escalating consequences.

1. Terms God uses. Note the language in: v14-15,18, 21, 23, 27. See also iniquity, trespass, v40-41. There are also several specific examples of disobedience given: idolatry, v30; Sabbaths, v34.
2. Developing. Disobedience develops and increases. It is the natural tendency of sin to do so. Cp Rom 6:19, 1Cor 5:5. Moses speaks of their sin increasing despite Divine chastisement. Cp v18. The power of sin to produce stubborn defiance of God in the heart of the rebellious is unbounded!

II  THE PENALTY OF SUCH DISOBEDIENCE.

1. A Divine response. Please note the insistence that the consequences are inflicted by God. Cp v16 as an example, I will… He is bound by covenant to do so. The punishment of Israel’s sin was a contract obligation. Cp v15, 25, 42, 44, 45.
2. The Divine response described. We need hardly do more than read the language of v16-17, 18-20, 21-22, 25-26, 28-33, 36-39. In any and all of these ways God can visit sin upon a disobedient people.
3. The consequences became more severe with increased disobedience. Cp v18, 21, 24, 28.

III   RECOVERY FROM DISOBEDIENCE.

1. Punishment is designed for reform and recovery. Cp v23. Reformed = to be corrected by the chastisement.
2. Recovery begins with confession of sin, v40-41. The nature of genuine confession is seen here. It is seen to include a recognition of personal sin; the wickedness of the course adopted by their fathers; an acknowledgement/acceptance of God’s displeasure.
3. A humbling of the unregenerate heart, v41. At this point the Lord is specially dealing with the nation in an unconverted state. That is always the product of disobedience! The generation that knew God but backslid into disobedience raises a generation that are unsaved. There is a work of grace envisaged here to produce such a heart. Cp Ezek 36:24-26.
4. Covenant mercy, v42. Here is the basis upon which God works in mercy and grace. The nation of Israel is specially in view here. Cp Rom 11:28. God has mercy on sinners generally, and the nation of Israel in particular, on account of the covenant revealed to Abraham etc.
5. Israel’s future. As far as Israel is concerned, God will not abandon His purpose for that nation in spite of what they have done. Cp v44-45, Is 31:36-37, 33:19-26.