The Real BattleSample

Dealing with Disobedience

"And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete." — 2 Corinthians 10:6

What it says

Paul concludes this passage of 2 Corinthians 10 by emphasizing his (and, by extension, God's) readiness to deal decisively with disobedience, but only after the Corinthians demonstrated complete obedience to Christ. In the Corinthian church, Paul faced false teachings and rebellion against his authority as an apostle. He assured the Corinthians that he would address any remaining disobedience within their faith community once they fully submitted to God's truth and aligned their lives to it. This position reflects Paul's priority of leading with grace and correction rather than immediate judgment in maintaining church accountability.

What it means

Obedience is the foundation of spiritual growth and maturity. Scripture consistently teaches that God values obedience over outward displays of religiosity (1 Samuel 15:22). James 1:22 warns us not to merely listen to God's Word but to do what it says. Matthew 7:24 describes the wise person as hearing and acting on Jesus' teachings. Paul highlights that confronting sin and rebellion in others begins with personal submission to God's authority. Once believers walk in obedience, they are better equipped to address disobedience in a spirit of humility and truth.

Furthermore, Paul's focus on correction reflects the discipline God uses to shape His people (Hebrews 12:11). Spiritual readiness involves living in obedience and being prepared to confront sin, both in ourselves and within the church, with a goal of restoration rather than condemnation.

What to do

Examine your heart. Are there areas where you are still resisting God's authority? Commit to surrendering those areas and aligning your life with His Word. Additionally, consider how you approach disobedience in others. Are you quick to judge, or do you wait until your own obedience is evident before addressing others' shortcomings? Today, ask God for the wisdom and humility to live obediently and lead others toward Christ with grace. Consider how you might model readiness to obey Jesus in your own life.