THE CALL TO REACH THE REBELLIOUS AND HELL-BOUND By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:19–20
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INTRODUCTION
The message presented in this lesson carries a solemn weight and a divine urgency. It reveals God’s heart toward those who are rebellious, resistant to the truth, and heading toward destruction. It also reveals the responsibility laid upon believers to become faithful messengers of righteousness, courageously declaring salvation to those who are lost. The rebellious and hell-bound are not beyond the reach of God’s mercy; rather, they are the very ones to whom God sends His servants. Throughout Scripture, we find that God continually pursued people who had hardened their hearts or turned toward sin, and He repeatedly sent prophets, apostles, and ordinary believers to call them back from the edge of destruction.
This lesson emphasizes that God’s call is not optional. When God sends His servant to confront rebellion, the servant must obey without fear. The story of Jonah stands as a warning to all believers: disobedience to God’s command brings unnecessary trouble, turmoil, and consequences. Yet the message also highlights the mercy of God, showing that even those living in wickedness or bound by demonic deception can still be transformed by the power of the Gospel if they repent.
Moreover, this lesson teaches that the rebellious are not always as they appear. Some live in misery, confusion, and deep spiritual hunger but have no knowledge of the truth or how to find it. Others resist the truth because of demonic influence, pride, or fear. Some hear the truth and immediately respond with repentance, while others reject it violently. Regardless of the outcome, the responsibility of the messenger is obedience.
This lesson will examine the realities of dealing with rebellious souls, the dangers of refusing God’s call, the divine protection promised to God’s messengers, and the transforming power of Christ. It will also explore how believers must keep the right attitude—serving God with gratitude, boldness, and compassion—and how they must never grow comfortable or complacent in a dying world. Instead, they must remain burning with the Holy Fire of God, proclaiming truth boldly and drawing lost souls into the Kingdom.
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THE CALL TO GO TO THE REBELLIOUS AND HELL-BOUND
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The message begins with a clear command from God: when He sends His servant to warn those who are rebellious and hell-bound, that servant must not fear. Fear is the first enemy of obedience. Many resist God’s call because they anticipate rejection, hostility, or persecution. But God assures His people that He never sends them alone.
The rebellious are not merely stubborn individuals but often people bound by demonic lies and deception. John 8:34 says, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” This means those who persist in rebellion are spiritually enslaved. They need someone who carries divine truth to awaken them and bring them into the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
God reminds us that many who appear hopeless and hardened eventually repent when confronted with truth. The Gospel is powerful enough to break even the strongest chains of rebellion. Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel… for it is the power of God unto salvation.” When the Gospel is proclaimed with boldness and love, it penetrates the darkest hearts.
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THE DANGER OF REFUSING GOD’S CALL: THE LESSON OF JONAH
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God uses the example of Jonah to show the consequences of disobedience. Jonah was commanded to go to Nineveh, a wicked and violent nation. Instead of obeying, he fled and caused storms, fear, and chaos not only for himself but for everyone around him.
His rebellion teaches several important spiritual truths.
First, refusing God’s command does not remove responsibility. It only delays obedience and multiplies suffering.
Second, disobedience affects others. Jonah endangered innocent sailors because he ran from God.
Third, rebellion leads to self-destruction. Jonah found himself in the belly of a fish—darkness, isolation, and despair—yet it was in this place that he finally surrendered to God.
Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word.”
Affliction often brings people back to obedience.
When God sends His servant, He supplies peace, protection, and purpose. Running from God leads to fear, confusion, and unnecessary complications. The believer must therefore embrace God’s assignments—even difficult ones—with humility and trust.
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GOD’S MERCY TOWARD THE REBELLIOUS
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God reminds us not to despise those who appear spiritually filthy, violent, or immoral. Human nature judges outwardly, but God sees the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
Many rebellious individuals have lived hard lives full of pain, rejection, and abuse. Their outward behavior often reflects deep inner wounds. Others have been deceived by false teachings, cultures of sin, or demonic oppression. God sees beyond their rebellion and desires their redemption.
The message declares that many who were once rebellious have already become faithful disciples of Christ. No one is too far gone for God. Saul of Tarsus—a murderer of Christians—became Paul, the apostle of grace. The thief on the cross entered paradise in his final moments. God’s mercy reaches even those who seem hopeless.
Isaiah 1:18 declares, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
This is the hope we carry to the rebellious: God can transform any life.
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THE REALITY OF REJECTION AND DEMONIC OPPOSITION
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Not all will respond positively to the message of truth. God reveals that some people will reject the truth fiercely because they are under demonic influence. Their spiritual blindness causes them to resist the very message that could save them.
2 Corinthians 4:4 states, “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.”
Some reject because they prefer sin and darkness. Others cling to their pride or the temporary pleasures of the world. Some even react violently against those who bring the truth. The believer must not take rejection personally. It is the truth they resist, not the messenger.
However, rejection does not exempt the believer from delivering the message. God requires obedience regardless of outcome. The rebellious who refuse to repent choose misery and spiritual desolation. They wander without peace because peace is only found in Christ.
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LIVING UNDER THE MIND OF THE SPIRIT
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The message urges believers to continually ask to be under the Mind of the Spirit. This means living in surrender, spiritual awareness, and obedience. A believer who lives under the Holy Spirit’s guidance walks in peace, confidence, and boldness.
Romans 8:6 teaches, “To be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
To walk in the Spirit means to follow God’s leading daily, to obey His promptings, and to refuse fear, doubt, or hesitation. The Spirit gives wisdom, discernment, and supernatural strength to confront difficult situations.
God promises that He will always be with His servants, no matter where He sends them. They are covered by the Blood of Jesus, shielded by the presence of angels, and guided by the Spirit of Truth.
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THE URGENCY OF TESTIFYING TO THE LOST
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As long as there are souls heading toward eternal destruction, believers must continue proclaiming Christ. It is not optional; it is a divine mandate. Life in Christ is immeasurably better than life under sin and demonic control.
Believers must boldly testify of their deliverance, transformation, and new life in Jesus. Their testimonies become powerful weapons against darkness and instruments of salvation to those who hear.
Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
A believer who once walked in rebellion but has been saved can speak with authority and authenticity. God uses such testimonies to convict, draw, and transform others.
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THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE AND HOLY FIRE
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A significant part of the message teaches believers to serve God with gratitude. A grateful heart stays humble, obedient, and joyful. Gratitude keeps believers focused on God’s goodness and prevents complacency.
God warns His people not to become comfortable, passive, or lukewarm. Instead, they must remain active, alert, and on fire for righteousness. When believers burn with holy fire, they influence others, stir hearts, and ignite revival.
Romans 12:11 instructs, “Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
The more believers stay filled with the Holy Spirit, the more powerful their witness becomes. Holy fire produces boldness, passion, and endurance.
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SUMMARY
This lesson teaches that God calls His people to reach those who are rebellious and hell-bound without fear. Rebellion brings destruction, but mercy is available through Jesus Christ. Jonah’s disobedience warns believers not to flee from God’s assignments. God desires that even the most hardened sinners repent and be saved. Some will accept the truth, others will violently reject it, but the messenger must obey regardless. Living under the Mind of the Spirit brings protection, peace, and divine guidance. Believers must testify boldly, stay grateful, and remain burning with holy fire as warriors in the Return to Righteousness.
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CONCLUSION
God has a mission for His people, and that mission includes reaching the rebellious, confronting darkness with truth, and declaring salvation with boldness. Fear must never hinder obedience. The world is full of people trapped in sin and demonically misled. Only the truth of Jesus Christ can set them free. The Gospel still transforms lives, restores the broken, and brings peace to troubled souls. God calls His servants to be faithful, courageous, and persistent in this mission. Those who obey will see the fruit of righteousness and experience God’s continual favor and protection.
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CALL TO ACTION
Rise each day with a determination to serve God wholeheartedly. Pray for the rebellious, witness boldly, and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Do not shrink back because of fear or rejection. Keep your heart burning with holy fire and your life surrendered to God’s purposes. Share Christ wherever He sends you and allow Him to use you as an instrument of salvation, hope, and transformation.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Be strong, courageous, and unwavering. God is with you. His angels surround you. His Spirit empowers you. His Word guides you. Nothing the enemy brings can defeat you when you walk in obedience and faith. Rejoice that He has snatched you from hell and now uses you to rescue others. Keep pressing forward. Keep speaking truth. Keep shining light. Heaven celebrates every soul reached through your obedience.
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SALVATION PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come to You today knowing that I am a sinner in need of salvation. I repent of all my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that You died for me and rose again to give me eternal life. I surrender my heart, my mind, and my entire life to You. Wash me with Your precious Blood and make me a new creation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in Your ways from this day forward. I confess You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me.
Amen.
