In the end, Abram received no benefits from disobedience. At first glance, what happened to Abram wasn’t so bad. After all, God seems to have forgiven him, and he gained a lot of wealth from the incident. Genesis 12: 16 Then Pharaoh gave Abram many gifts because of her (Sarai)—sheep, goats, cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels…13:2 Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.[1]
Everything that Abram received in Egypt caused problems later. Abram and Lot had so much livestock they had to part ways. Lot had experienced the good life in Egypt and replicated this by choosing a similar place to reside (Genesis 13:5-11). An Egyptian maid, Hagar, would bring division and threaten the chosen line of Jesus (Genesis 16).
Disobedience Harms Others
Abram’s disobedience harmed not only his household but also the Pharaoh’s. God had told Abram that he was going to be blessed so that he could bless nations. But Abram’s actions resulted in harm. Genesis 12: 17 But the Lord sent terrible plagues upon Pharaoh and his household because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. [2] Instead of a blessing, Pharaoh received a curse. Sin creates harm that extends beyond ourselves to those around us.
A pagan king rebuked Abram. Genesis 12: 18 So Pharaoh summoned Abram and accused him sharply. “What have you done to me?” he demanded. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ and allow me to take her as my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and get out of here!“[3] Abram does not have any defense of his actions recorded in Scripture.
The Pharaoh seems to have had a higher view of marriage than Abram. This was fortunate because Pharaoh did not violate Sarai and cause harm to the divine promise. Pharaoh simply returned Sarai to Abram and commanded that they leave the country. It is a sad state of affairs when an unbeliever has higher moral standards than a believer.
Act With Integrity
Abram’s disobedience and lack of integrity harmed his witness to the true God. God had given His promises to Abram in order to use a family to demonstrate who He was to the world. Abram failed. We also fail, but we have a Savior who provides forgiveness and a path to the right way.
Jesus’ ministry was rooted in obedience and still provides a cornerstone for our faith. When we repent of our disobedience, He promises forgiveness. 1 John 1: 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[4]
Even though disobedience may seem to be to our advantage, it never works out that way. That is why God desires that we live with integrity. 1 Peter 3: 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.[5]
To learn how there are no benefits of disobedience, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-faith-meets-fear
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.