The definition of “rebellion” is: “an act of violence or open resistance to an established government or ruler.” This is a dangerous thing to do for someone to rebel against any established government. In the last two or so years rebellion against government authority has gone on with little resistance against anarchist. They have taken over government buildings, blocks of city streets and even burned down parts of the cities across our country. It seems that they have gotten away with it, and they may have, but when it comes to spiritual government there is a day of reckoning. Maybe one of the best definitions of rebellion is this: “Reserving for myself the right to make the final decision.” It seems like the most American thing to do is to have the right to make the final decision in your life. The problem is your “life” as a Christian does not belong to you. The Bible says “you have been bought with a price (the blood of Jesus) you are not your own.” (1 Cor. 6:20) You may have the present power to make the final decision but you do not have the present authority to make these decisions. We must fall under the authority of God and His Word if we are going to live in peace and harmony with our God.
Are you presently living faithfully under the authority of God? If not, let us look to our authority the Bible and run back under the authority of God’s Word and live the life we are called to live. May we not be the people the Bible mentions in Isaiah 65:2 “I have spread out my hands all day long to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own thoughts.”
Dear Church, if you are having difficulty finding peace and joy in your present situation the chances are it is an authority issue between you and God’s Word. Today during the sermon, pray that the Lord would open your heart to hear His voice and follow Him and he will have the final decisions in your life.
Pastor Mark