Summary:

Rebellion can rear its ugly head in any church, business, or organization. Like an infection, it spreads quickly. Therefore, we must know how to recognize it and stop it before it gets out of hand. Rebellion cannot be taken lightly; it must be dealt with and uprooted immediately after it is discovered.

  1. When we tolerate rebellion, we lose. Rebellion and sedition can cause an entire city to be destroyed (Ezra 4:14-15, 19).
    1. Rebellion, sedition, and disloyalty are one and the same.
      1. Rebellion is the refusal to obey; it is resistance to authority.
      2. Sedition means to stand apart, usually in discontentment.
    2. We must be able to discern the motives of people serving as leaders.
      1. Loyalty must always be evaluated. Disloyalty will cause division in any organization.
  2. Characteristics of Loyalty:
    1. Loyalty is adjusting our schedules to meet the needs of those we are serving.
    2. Loyalty is being reliable messengers to those we are serving.
    3. Loyalty is knowing and following the wishes of those we are accountable to.
    4. Loyalty is standing with those whom we are serving in their time of need.
  3. Nine Stages of Disloyalty. A disloyal person:
    1. Possesses an independent spirit.
    2. Desires personal recognition from the leader.
    3. Exalts the importance of his own ideas above the leader’s ideas.
    4. Develops a critical attitude toward spiritual leaders.
    5. Distorts the views of his or her spiritual leader.
    6. Gives recognition to others who are dissatisfied.
    7. Justifies his opposition to spiritual leaders.
    8. Emphasizes minor points.
    9. Will form a splinter group, which may then evolve into another church.
  4. Characteristics of a critical spirit—sins of the mouth:
    1. Murmuring is always born in the context of a bad report or a wrong interpretation of circumstances.
    2. A murmuring person is quick to jump to the wrong conclusions.
    3. Murmuring leads to beguilement, which is the sin of sharing false conclusions.
    4. Bad decisions are the result of being in a murmuring environment.
    5. Discontentment is ignited by murmuring and complaining.
    6. Murmuring grows out of offense (Acts 6:1).
    7. Murmuring will lead to self-pity and thrives in an atmosphere of fear.
    8. Murmuring deflates our capacity to have faith.
    9. A slothful spirit is fertile ground for murmuring.
    10. Murmuring that goes unchecked will breed rebellion.
  5. Characteristics of a legalistic person:
    1. Maintains strict adherence to the law; an inclination to the doctrine of works as opposed to the doctrine of grace.
    2. Is easily offended.
    3. Does what is required, but his heart is rebellious and not submitted to the principles of the Word of God.
    4. Desires to live for God rather than from Him.
    5. Constructs systems that guarantee acceptance from God.
    6. Obeys the Word of God out of insecurity, tradition, people bondage, and pride rather than a love for God.
    7. Pretends to be holy and spiritual.
    8. Creates a self-made religion; makes the law the standard.
    9. Gives lip service and double standards.
    10. Strives to become what he or she already is in Jesus Christ, which is the righteousness of God.
    11. Legalism will eventually incubate into rebellion, causing the person to be a divisive entity within an organization.

Scripture References:

  • Ezra 4:14-15, 19
  • Numbers 16:41-50
  • Acts 6:1

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org