CENTRAL THOUGHT
Rebellion is rejection of Gods authority.
HYMN: I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR
TEXT: Numbers 16:1-33, 40-45, 1 Samuel 15:1-23
Reading text: 1 Samuel 15:1-23
INTRODUCTION
Rebellion is standing in opposition to God and His word. In the Scriptures, the sin of rebellion is likened unto the sin of witchcraft, which is an abomination before the Lord. It manifests itself as stubbornness, wickedness and gross disobedience.
Satan rebelled against the authority of God from the beginning and is actively recruiting men and women who make themselves available to do the same. Sadly, some believers have yielded themselves to the subtle allurements of Satan to rebel against God and His constituted authority on earth. Church ordinances are flagrantly disobeyed in the name of modernization; the Bible, which is God’s infallible word/constitution for mankind, is relegated to the background, among others. No generation has probably been more willing to disobey God’s word than the present, and it is a trend we must check.
Rebellion incurs the wrath of God, (1 Samuel 15:23) and brings calamities/death/destruction.
God expects total obedience and anything short of this is abhorrent to Him. Believers must guard against rebellion in every way and resist its manifestations. In this lies the blessing of God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
It is aimed that at the end of this lesson:
- To understand the meaning of rebellion.
- To know how rebellion manifests.
- To know the consequences of rebellion.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT IS REBELLION?
It means to fight against, resist authority, refuse allegiance to constituted authority, refuse to submit to legal, civil or spiritual authority etc. Rebellion begins with disobedience and if not curbed, soon leads to a way of life that rejects instruction or authority. It manifests in several ways and against authorities such as:
A. The Church: (Matt. 18:17-18, 16:18).
The church is God’s institution and authority on earth. God has given to the church authority to bind and loose. Therefore, believers must see the church as God’s agency and submit themselves under her authority as a way of submitting to God. The church is the body of Christ and the Lord Jesus Christ is the head. However, some believers do not have this understanding and thus disregard Church leaders and ministers and the ordinances of the church. Believers are encouraged to desist from this practice which is displeasing to the Lord and capable of attracting His wrath.
B. The Family: (Eph. 6:1-4,Gen. 2:24).
This is another of God’s constituted authorities on earth; the duties and responsibilities of every member of the family unit is spelt out by God in His word. These are often abused today. Prominent among them is that children no longer want to submit to the authority of their parents, who are God ordained leaders of the home. In choice of marriage partners, friends, dressing, church attendance etc., children rebel against their parents and by extension, God.
C. the Government: (Rom. 13:1-7).
Every government is ordained by God and it behooves every believer to obey its laws. Believers should not be truce breakers. They must obey government agencies, obey traffic lights, pay taxes, electricity, water bills etc. This also is a service unto God.
Q2. FORMS OF REBELLION IN THE CHURCH.
As earlier discussed, rebellion manifests in divers’ ways in the church, from a seemingly innocuous comment to a vociferous challenge of the authority of the church. In what ever way or form it takes, it is an act of rebellion and thus, believers must abstain from all its appearances.
Here are some of the ways it manifests in the church:
A. Accusations-(Numbers 12:11-12).
As it was in the time of Moses, some church members still have the habit of raising unfounded accusations against the pastor, group leaders, etc. in a bid to achieve a selfish end. This is a devilish and ungodly “ministry” which believers must be wary of. God did not spare Miriam and her collaborators of Moses neither will He spare anyone today.
B. Murmuring/complaining- (Exodus 16:2-5, Ps. 78:17-19).
Murmuring and complaining is talking about a problem that exists without proffering a solution. Rather than murmur or complain, God expects us to rely on Him for wisdom to solve problems and address situations (James 4:6). Murmuring and complaining are negative forces that never allows for advancement. Little wonder the Israelites spent forty years in their journey in the wilderness that should have lasted forty days; God saw their murmuring and complaints as rebellious.
C. Disloyalty- (3 John vs 9,10).
This is an unwavering resolve to set one’s self against authority. People in this category are not easily controlled and therefore, constitute a stumbling block. They also have a way of winning new converts and soon become a force that retards the church from growth.
Only repentance can avert the wrath of God for such individuals or groups.
Q3. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION?
Throughout Bible history, God punished rebellion whether directly against Him or His representative. Korah, Abiram and company were buried alive (Num. 16:31-33). Miriam became leprous, Saul’s’ Kingship was rejected (1 Samuel 15:23). Rebellion attracts the wrath of God and brings about division, confusion, set back and even death, if allowed to thrive in the church. No church or other organization can grow or make a meaningful impact when her members are rebellions (Amos 3:3). Only in an atmosphere of loyalty and unity can the church truly experience the move of God.
People who engage in rebellion cannot fulfill their purpose or God given destinies. God’s face is against them and He withholds good things from them (Ps. 68:6b). Rebellion does not only destroy organization but also the individual who engages in it.
The ultimate consequence of rebellion is eternity with Satan in hell. God loves us all but hates rebellion. The rebellious are the enemy of God and God has reserved them for destruction if they do not repent.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
God demands obedience and absolute loyalty to His authority as a prerequisite for His blessings, protection, guidance etc. (Job 36:16) and thus is the hallmark of a truly yielded life.
Rebellion is evil and has destroyed many church organizations. It retards growth, inhibits the move of God, withholds blessing, divides, breeds distrust and disunity and attracts the wrath of God. Believers must therefore be vigilant and watchful in order not to be a part of the canker worm of rebellion.
Daily study of God’s word, prayers and regular fellowship with other believers, will help the believer to overcome the temptation of rebellion.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Monday: Ways of rebellion
Num. 12:1-12
Tuesday: God is against rebellion
Num. 16:1-33
Wednesday: Obedience in the home
Eph. 6:1-4, Gen. 2:24
Thursday: Obedience to government
Rom. 13:1-7
Friday: Obedience to Church authority
Matt. 16:18, 18:17, Col. 1:18, 1 Tim. 3:15
Saturday: Consequences of rebellion
Psa. 68:6b, 105:15, Jer. 5:23,25