Those of us involved in Christian apologetics ministries are familiar with how atheists, other unbelievers, apostate "Christians" and others are in rebellion against God (see Romans 1:18-23). Rebellion is glorified in today's culture. However, God warns his people all through Scripture about rebellion. Indeed, God likens it to divination and witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:22-23)! Note that the Bible never condones rebellion.
How many rebellions, large or small, begin with grumbling to one another? We are warned against that, too (Prov. 11:13, Jer. 6:28, 2 Cor. 12:20). Not only does such grumbling help produce a rebellious spirit, but it shows lack of Christian love for one another. Grumblers recruit one another and the whole thing escalates, then there is discontent in the church.
I have to mention that, if you study on it, adding to God's Word is an act of rebellion. God don't cotton none to that (Rev. 22:18-19, 1 Cor. 4:6, Prov. 30:5-6). It's easy to add our opinions to Scripture, maybe it's human nature. A more systematic way is with cults like the Jehovah's Witness and Mormons who rewrite the Bible or add their own special books. Evolution and deep time are added by apostates and compromisers, since there is no legitimate way to get them out of the Bible; they must be put in first.
More serious rebellions in the church are often started by respected, prominent people. They seem to have valid concerns and act like they want to make things right, but there are often hidden motives rooted in pride. They get to yakking with one another about their dissatisfaction, and do not follow Biblical injunctions such as in Mat. 18:15-17. Then the pastor is bushwhacked by prominent people who twist Scripture in their seemingly valid claims.
I had a passel of notes on this, but I'd wind up preaching the sermon for you. Phil Johnson does a much better job, and I hope you'll spend some time hearing it. Free to download or listen online, just click on "Korah's Rebellion".
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| The Judgement of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, Maria Hadfield Cosway, 1801 |
I have to mention that, if you study on it, adding to God's Word is an act of rebellion. God don't cotton none to that (Rev. 22:18-19, 1 Cor. 4:6, Prov. 30:5-6). It's easy to add our opinions to Scripture, maybe it's human nature. A more systematic way is with cults like the Jehovah's Witness and Mormons who rewrite the Bible or add their own special books. Evolution and deep time are added by apostates and compromisers, since there is no legitimate way to get them out of the Bible; they must be put in first.
More serious rebellions in the church are often started by respected, prominent people. They seem to have valid concerns and act like they want to make things right, but there are often hidden motives rooted in pride. They get to yakking with one another about their dissatisfaction, and do not follow Biblical injunctions such as in Mat. 18:15-17. Then the pastor is bushwhacked by prominent people who twist Scripture in their seemingly valid claims.
I had a passel of notes on this, but I'd wind up preaching the sermon for you. Phil Johnson does a much better job, and I hope you'll spend some time hearing it. Free to download or listen online, just click on "Korah's Rebellion".