How Disobedience Blocks God’s Blessings

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Eric Otchere I http://www.livingourbible.com I Sunday 24th August 2025

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Introduction
Obedience to God is never easy when our hearts wander or when pride blinds us to His will. In Deuteronomy 9, Moses reminds Israel of their rebellion in the wilderness and their resistance to God’s command to take possession of the Promised Land. Instead of trusting in His power, they chose disobedience.

This chapter underscores three crucial lessons: victory comes by God’s strength, rebellion hinders God’s will, and intercession can bring mercy even in failure.

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1. God Equips Us to Fulfill His Will—We Cannot Do It on Our Own (Deuteronomy 9:1-6)

Moses reassured Israel that their victories were not because of their righteousness or strength but because of God’s power. Israel was facing nations greater and stronger than themselves, yet God promised to drive them out.

Scripture: “Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.” (Deuteronomy 9:6 NIV)

For us today, this is a reminder that success in fulfilling God’s will never comes from self-reliance but from dependence on Him. Our confidence is not in our ability but in His unfailing strength.

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2. Disobedience Prevents Us from Fulfilling God’s Will (Deuteronomy 9:7-29)

Moses reminded Israel of their history of disobedience—the golden calf, complaining in the wilderness, and refusing to enter the land. Their rebellion exposed their lack of faith and caused them to miss God’s blessings.

Scripture: “Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness.” (Deuteronomy 9:7 NIV)

In our lives, disobedience carries consequences. When we resist God’s leading, we delay His promises and invite unnecessary struggles. Obedience, however, positions us to walk in His blessing and purpose.

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3. Moses Intercedes for Israel (Deuteronomy 9:7-29)

Despite Israel’s rebellion, Moses interceded on their behalf. He prayed for God’s mercy and reminded the Lord of His covenant promises. This powerful act of intercession turned away God’s anger and spared Israel from destruction.

Scripture: “Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights… because the Lord had said he would destroy you.” (Deuteronomy 9:25 NIV)

Here we see the power of intercession. Even when people fall short, prayer can open the door for God’s mercy. As believers, we are called to intercede for others, standing in the gap for our families, communities, and nations.

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Conclusion

Deuteronomy 9 highlights three important truths: victory comes by God’s strength, rebellion hinders God’s will, and intercession releases His mercy. Israel’s history is a cautionary tale for us—obedience matters, rebellion has consequences, and prayer can change outcomes.

Take Action: Choose obedience so you can fulfill God’s will in your life. Depend on His strength, avoid the trap of rebellion, and commit to interceding for others in prayer.

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