Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:1-28 I. Introduction: God has our best interests in mind. His commands are for our benefit, not to keep us from enjoying life. Disobeying the Lord usually makes our lives more difficult and complicated. Only when we are submitted to Him can we be assured of the full measure of His blessing. II. The Nature of Rebellion A. Definition: Rebellion is an act against established order and authority. It can be defiance against God’s will or resistance to leadership He has ordained. When we insist on doing things our way, we reveal our pride and selfishness. B. Biblical example: Saul, the first king of Israel, paid a price for his rebellion against God. The Lord wanted to punish the nation of Amalek for how they had treated the Israelites. He commanded Saul to destroy the nation completely—putting to death not just their army, but all the people and animals as well. However, Saul spared the king and the best of the livestock. III. God’s View of Rebellion A. Disobeying God is as serious as idolatry and witchcraft. Scripture says, “Rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Sam. 15:23). B. Rebellion isn’t limited to disregarding the Lord’s specific commands to us. It includes transgressing the moral guidelines given in His Word. They are designed to protect us in every area of our lives. C. God has ordained two primary types of authority. He is the ultimate authority (Matt. 28:18). However, the Lord delegates authority to governments, business leaders, parents, pastors, coaches, and other leaders. Otherwise, we would have anarchy. IV. We rebel against God by . . . A. Refusing to obey His calling. Instead, we should follow the specific instructions God gives us.
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 05:36:40 +0000
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