The Dangers of Rebellion By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth." (John 16:13)
Introduction
In a world where rebellion against the living God runs rampant, many have rejected His fear, turning instead to idolatry, self-love, and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. This rejection of truth leads people into greater delusion and eventual destruction. In the midst of this turmoil, God’s call remains clear: His people must return to Him in humility, resisting the flesh and submitting to His Spirit. This submission to God’s will is essential for maintaining spiritual health and avoiding the destruction that comes from living in opposition to His ways.
The Consequences of Rejecting God's Fear
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
Many in this generation have rejected the fear of God, choosing instead to follow their own desires and embrace rebellion. They are now enemies of God’s purpose and have chosen a path that leads to destruction. Their pride blinds them to the truth, and they foolishly consider God to be a fool, while in reality, it is they who will fall.
God, in His mercy, may allow individuals to walk down this destructive path, turning them over to the very forces of darkness they have chosen to follow. Those who have declared themselves enemies of God will experience the pagan curses and sorrows that come from living in rebellion.
The Danger of Delusion and False Teachings
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3)
The world is filled with false teachings that lead people into confusion. Many have allowed themselves to be deceived by seducing spirits, believing in teachings that align with their own desires rather than the truth of God. These individuals are deceived into thinking their own way is more important than God's commands, leading them further away from the truth.
Those who love themselves more than they love God will fall prey to this delusion, unable to distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of deception. The only way to avoid this trap is to be guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth, remaining steadfast in God's word and resisting the lies of the enemy.
The Need for Self-Control and Submission to God
"I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." (1 Corinthians 9:27)
God has called His people to live lives of self-control, resisting the lusts of the flesh and keeping their bodies in submission to His will. Many, however, have failed to do so, allowing their bodies to rule over them and leading them into sin. This failure to discipline the flesh results in spiritual weakness and distance from God.
To walk in truth, we must learn to buffet our bodies and bring them into submission to God's Spirit. This requires a daily commitment to resist the temptations of the flesh and align our desires with God's will. When we keep our bodies under control, we open ourselves to the strength, power, and glory of God.
The Consequences of Allowing the Flesh to Rule
"So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16)
When we allow our flesh to govern our lives, we become slaves to sin. Instead of being commanded by the Spirit of God, we are led by our carnal desires, resulting in anger, frustration, and sin. This carnal nature leads to spiritual death, as we allow our bodies to dictate our actions rather than obeying God's commands.
By refusing to keep our bodies in subjection to God, we open ourselves to the influence of sin, falling further from His truth. However, when we resist the flesh and submit to the Spirit, we gain victory over sin and walk in the righteousness of God.
The Call to Stand Firm in God's Truth
"Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12)
God has called His people to a life of victory, not defeat. This victory is only possible through submission to His will and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must resist the pull of our lower nature and fight against the forces of darkness that seek to drag us down.
Standing firm in God's truth requires effort and discipline, but the reward is worth it: eternal life, peace, and the strength of God’s presence in our lives.
Summary
The rejection of God’s fear and the pursuit of worldly pleasures have led many to destruction. Delusion and false teachings abound, but those who remain submitted to God’s will, disciplined in their flesh, and guided by the Holy Spirit will find the truth. The call to submission to God’s truth is a call to victory, strength, and eternal life.
Conclusion
God’s desire is for His people to walk in truth, resist the flesh, and be led by His Spirit. In a world full of distractions and deception, we must keep our bodies in submission, buffet our carnal desires, and submit to God’s will in all things. This is the way to victory and the path to eternal life. Let us reject the lies of the enemy, resist the temptations of the flesh, and walk in the light of God’s truth.
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
