THE POWER OF OBEDIENCE IN BATTLE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Joshua 6:15-20
Key Verse: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.” — Hebrews 11:30
Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 28:1-2; Isaiah 1:19; John 2:5; Luke 5:4-6; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
INTRODUCTION:
Obedience is one of the greatest weapons in the life of a believer. It is not enough to have faith or to pray; without obedience, the power of God remains unactivated. The story of Jericho’s wall shows that God’s power moves in response to full and exact obedience. When the Israelites followed God’s unusual instructions, the seemingly impenetrable wall collapsed without a single human effort.
In our journey of faith, obedience is the link between divine promise and physical manifestation. Many believers struggle not because God is silent, but because they have not followed His instructions completely. God’s miracles are not bound by logic; they are bound by obedience.
To walk in consistent victory, we must learn to obey even when the command seems strange or difficult. Obedience brings divine partnership, and divine partnership guarantees success in every battle. When man’s will aligns with God’s will, walls fall, doors open, and testimonies follow.
1. OBEDIENCE ACTIVATES DIVINE POWER
Obedience is the key that releases heaven’s power into earthly situations. Without obedience, faith is incomplete, and prayer remains powerless.
a) Obedience connects us to supernatural strength (Deuteronomy 28:1-2):
When we diligently obey the Lord, His blessings and power follow us. His authority is released into our lives as we walk in submission to His Word.
b) Disobedience breaks the flow of divine power (1 Samuel 15:22-23):
Saul’s disobedience disconnected him from God’s favour. God values obedience more than sacrifice because it reveals our loyalty and trust.
c) Obedience provokes miraculous manifestations (John 2:5-11):
The miracle of turning water into wine happened because the servants obeyed Jesus’ command without hesitation. Obedience activates transformation.
d) Divine power works through yielded vessels (Romans 6:16):
When we yield completely to God, His power flows unhindered through us. Surrender gives God access to demonstrate His might in our lives.
Biblical Example: Elijah’s obedience to God’s command on Mount Carmel released fire from heaven and turned a nation back to God (1 Kings 18:36–39).
2. OBEDIENCE BRINGS DOWN IMPOSSIBLE WALLS
There are barriers in life that cannot be broken by human might. Only obedience to divine instruction can pull them down.
a) God’s instructions may defy logic (Joshua 6:3-5):
Marching silently around a fortified city made no military sense, yet it was God’s divine method for victory. Obedience works even when logic fails.
b) Faith-filled obedience overcomes resistance (Hebrews 11:30):
The Israelites’ obedience, rooted in faith, caused the impregnable walls of Jericho to collapse without a weapon.
c) Unity in obedience multiplies divine impact (Joshua 6:10):
The people moved as one, followed as one, and shouted as one. Collective obedience releases corporate victory.
d) God’s Word always produces results when obeyed (Isaiah 55:11):
Every divine instruction carries the power for its fulfilment. Once obeyed, results must follow.
Biblical Example: Peter’s obedience to Jesus’ instruction to cast his net again after failure led to a miraculous catch (Luke 5:4-6).
3. OBEDIENCE ATTRACTS DIVINE PRESENCE AND FAVOUR
God dwells with those who obey Him completely. His presence is the guarantee of victory and favour.
a) Obedience invites God’s abiding presence (John 14:23):
When we obey His Word, God makes His home in our lives, guiding and empowering us.
b) Obedience unlocks divine favour (Genesis 22:16-18):
Abraham’s obedience brought generational blessings. Favour follows those who honour God through submission.
c) Disobedience repels God’s presence (Judges 16:20):
Samson lost his power because he broke his covenant. Disobedience always drives away divine covering.
d) God fights for those who obey Him (Exodus 23:22):
When we obey, God takes over our battles and ensures our victory without struggle.
Biblical Example: Noah’s obedience to build the ark preserved his household and established a new beginning for humanity (Genesis 6:22).
4. OBEDIENCE GUARANTEES COMPLETE VICTORY
Victory in life’s battles is certain when our obedience is total and our trust unwavering.
a) Complete obedience brings total victory (Joshua 6:20):
The Israelites’ total compliance to God’s command resulted in the total collapse of Jericho’s wall.
b) Divine timing matters in obedience (Ecclesiastes 3:11):
The Israelites obeyed God’s timing to march for seven days. Patience in obedience produces perfect results.
c) Partial obedience limits divine manifestation (2 Kings 13:18-19):
The king’s incomplete act of obedience reduced the extent of his victory. Partial obedience equals partial results.
d) Obedience ensures lasting peace and triumph (Psalm 119:165):
Those who walk in obedience enjoy peace that no enemy can disturb.
Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat’s obedience to God’s instruction to sing praises brought victory without physical battle (2 Chronicles 20:20-22).
CONCLUSION:
Obedience is the bridge between divine command and divine manifestation. When we obey fully, we make room for God’s power to work in and through us. No wall, no battle, and no adversary can withstand the force of divine obedience.
Every great victory in Scripture was birthed through an act of obedience. Therefore, to win your battles, listen for God’s instructions and follow them completely. The same God who brought down Jericho’s walls will make your impossibilities bow when you obey His voice.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to obey Your instructions completely.
2. Father, remove every spirit of disobedience and rebellion from my life.
3. Lord, open my ears to hear Your specific instructions for every situation.
4. Father, help me to trust You even when Your command defies logic.
5. Lord, by obedience, let every wall of Jericho in my life collapse.
6. Father, align my will with Your will so that I may walk in divine power.
7. Lord, help me to obey promptly without hesitation or delay.
8. Father, let my obedience bring generational blessings to my family.
9. Lord, restore the blessings I lost through disobedience.
10. Father, through obedience, make me a vessel of divine victory and testimony.
