REBELLION AGAINST RIGHTEOUSNESS By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Romans 1:18 - "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
________________________________________
Introduction
God has always desired that His people walk in righteousness and obedience. However, many have chosen rebellion, resisting His righteousness and inviting His wrath upon themselves. The consequences of rebellion are dire, leading to suffering, distress, and ultimately separation from God. The Bible repeatedly warns that those who reject the righteousness of God will experience His indignation, while those who submit to Him will walk in His favor and blessing.
In our generation, just as in the past, people are trusting in their own righteousness rather than seeking God's righteousness through Jesus Christ. This has led to deception, false confidence, and eventual destruction. The Word of God calls us to examine our ways and align ourselves with His truth. In this teaching, we will explore the dangers of resisting God's righteousness, the judgment that follows, and the hope available for those who choose to submit to His will.
________________________________________
The Consequences of Resisting God's Righteousness
Romans 2:8-9 - "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile."
Those who resist God's righteousness are setting themselves up for His wrath. Many suffer unnecessary pain, sorrow, and affliction because they have rejected His ways. The world system is designed to deceive people into believing they can live independently of God, but such rebellion leads to spiritual, emotional, and even physical destruction.
When individuals choose sin over righteousness, they invite consequences such as economic distress, health issues, depression, and despair. The enemy uses rebellion to ensnare people in perpetual cycles of suffering. However, God calls His people to repentance so that they may escape His wrath and receive His mercy.
________________________________________
The Deception of Self-Righteousness
Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
One of the greatest deceptions in the world today is self-righteousness. Many believe they can establish their own standard of morality and goodness, rejecting the righteousness of God. This is a lie from the enemy that keeps people from true salvation. The carnal mind is enmity against God and will always resist His Spirit.
True righteousness comes only through faith in Jesus Christ and repentance from sin. Those who trust in their own righteousness are, in fact, rebelling against God and positioning themselves under His judgment. The religious leaders of Jesus' time exemplified this error. They outwardly followed the law but inwardly resisted the truth, and as a result, they faced God’s condemnation.
________________________________________
The Danger of Pride and Boasting
Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Pride is one of the primary characteristics of those who resist God's righteousness. Many boast of their achievements, wealth, and power while disregarding the fact that all they have is from God. They exalt themselves above others and, worse, above God Himself.
The Bible warns that pride leads to destruction. Those who lift themselves up in arrogance will ultimately fall. The proud boasters of the world are blind to their own vulnerability, and because they reject humility before God, they become victims of their own delusions. True believers must reject pride and instead live in humility, acknowledging that all righteousness comes from God alone.
________________________________________
God’s Call to Repentance and Righteousness
2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
God’s desire is not to pour out His wrath upon people, but rather to bring them to repentance. He is merciful and willing to forgive those who humble themselves before Him. However, He does not force anyone to obey Him. Each person must choose either the path of righteousness or the path of rebellion.
Believers must be vigilant, resisting the temptations of the world and standing firm in God's truth. By submitting to His Spirit, they will be led into righteousness and avoid the destruction that comes upon those who resist Him.
________________________________________
Summary
God’s righteousness is the standard by which all people will be judged. Those who resist Him will face His wrath, while those who submit to Him will experience His blessings. The deception of self-righteousness leads many to destruction, but those who humble themselves and seek God's righteousness through Jesus Christ will be saved. Pride and rebellion bring devastation, but repentance brings restoration.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The world is full of rebellion, but believers are called to stand apart. We must continually examine our hearts, ensuring that we are walking in obedience to God. There is no life apart from Him, and those who resist Him are only inviting disaster upon themselves. Let us, therefore, choose to walk in righteousness and avoid the wrath that comes upon the disobedient.
________________________________________
Call to Action
If you have been walking in self-righteousness or rebellion, it is time to repent and turn to God. Seek Him with all your heart and submit to His Spirit. Choose His righteousness over your own and walk in the path of life.
________________________________________
Final Word of Encouragement
God is merciful and desires that all come to repentance. No matter how far you have strayed, His arms are open to receive you. Reject the deception of self-righteousness and embrace the truth of Jesus Christ. Be counted among those who walk in righteousness and experience His everlasting love and grace.
________________________________________
Salvation Prayer
If you have never given your life to Jesus or if you want to rededicate yourself to Him, pray this prayer with sincerity:
Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner. I have resisted Your righteousness and walked in my own way. Today, I repent of my sins and turn to You. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior, and I ask You to cleanse me and fill me with Your Spirit. Help me to walk in righteousness and to follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
