Lord, Replace My Rebellious Attitude with Submission

Replace My Rebellious Attitude…

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” – Proverbs 16:25

Rebellion against proper authority reveals a deeper rejection of God’s authority, which brings devastating consequences to our lives. (Ex: Numbers 16:1-35)

Contrary to what most people might think, God-given authority is like an umbrella in our lives. It’s a protection against a lot of hurt in this world. Although God allows some in our lives, He protects us from much of what would hurt us by placing us under authority. No authority is perfect, but the powers that be are ordained by God. Unless they’re asking you to sin, you need to do what you’re asked to do. To choose not to obey is to put yourself in a position at great risk. Think about your life. How much pain have you experienced due to the bad decisions you’ve made to get out from under worthy authority?

Since the beginning of time, the Lord has reached out His hand to His children to direct them in the way they should go. Many times we disregard the wise instructions and go our own way; resulting in hurt relationships. By doing what’s right in our own eyes, we often miss God’s plan for good and fruitful lives. We can’t be thankful, we can’t worship, we can’t be content.

Biblical Examples of Rebellion:

· Lucifer: Angel of Light becomes Satan, Prince of Darkness

· Adam and Eve: Kicked out of Eden

· Saul: Going Down

· Jonah: Running from God

Rebellion is ultimately against God. Numbers 16:11 says “Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord.” That’s the way it is with every point of rebellion- God takes it personally. Whether in your family, marriage, work, government, or the body of Christ, examine your heart and ask God to reveal to you if you are playing the rebel’s role in any of those areas.

“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” –Hebrews 13:17

During trials and seasons of discipline, some believers develop an attitude of rebellion. Because one of these seasons is coming for all of us, we need to know how to handle it appropriately. Discipline is a painful circumstance allowed by God to transform a person’s character and conduct. The word ‘discipline’ in Hebrews 12 can be interchanged with “training.” Discipline should not be understood as punishment because Jesus paid the punishment for our sin by His sacrifice on the cross.

1. Discipline leads to discouragement.

2. Discouragement leads to dislocation.

3. Dislocation leads to bitterness.

4. Bitterness leads to profane living.

No matter what you face, no matter what discipline you go through, no matter what training you experience, no matter what hardship or trial God allows, no matter what refining furnace He runs you through, no matter how high the waters get, they will not overwhelm you. God’s grace will be enough for you if you draw upon it.

What is the Lord Teaching Me About Rebellion?

1. Rebellion is a dangerous, deadly slope, especially with God.

2. God takes rebellion toward His ordained earthly authorities very seriously.

3. We are natural born rebels all the way back to the Garden of Eden.

4. Pride is the root of every sin, especially the sin of rebellion.

5. Refusing to bend to the Lord’s training can lead you into an unrecoverable place with God.

6. You can turn today from your private rebellion and receive Jesus as your Savior.

7. The time to deal with personal rebellion issues is right now.

Rebellion is the complete start of anti-God, and it goes nowhere good. The only thing God can’t overcome (unless we surrender) is a rebellious will.

…With Submission

“…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” –Ephesians 5:20-21

Blessing and favor come to the person who lives in submission. Why? God’s will is “that by doing right, you may silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15). To “muzzle” people, it’s by doing right. Trusting Him. Waiting on Him. And living a life of Biblical submission.

Submission is like living under an umbrella. When we choose to submit, we put ourselves under God’s protection. That’s a wonderful place to live! Some bad things might be coming down, but submission is covering. It’s your place of protection. When you get out from under that, you become vulnerable The promised of God do not extend to you when you choose to live as a rebel. However, when you choose to live under the umbrella of God’s protection by submitting to His plans and doing what is right, all the promises and blessings of God are yours in abundance.

EXAMPLES of Biblical Submission:

· Mary! Jewish teenager, going about daily life. Knew about the Messiah. Interrupted by Gabriel and told she would carry the son of God. First question- how? (Logistics, not “why?”) Her critical response came in Luke 1:38.

· Sarah. One of the Bible’s most memorable women. Sarah was not a perfect woman (none of us are!), but you know what? She followed and obeyed her husband, Abraham. When they were a pretty old couple, Abraham told Sarah that God told him they needed to leave their home (Genesis 12:1-5 . . . if you’re checking my references, please know at this point in the Bible, their names are Abram and Sarai). Sarah agreed to go with her husband and follow God’s call, even though it meant leaving behind they life they knew. Hebrews 11:8-11 tells us both and Abraham and Sarah had faith.

· Think about Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of submission. He willingly took on the role of a human and willingly suffered for us all.  Philippians 2:7 tells us that Christ (once again, willingly) took on the role of a servant. He was obedient even to the point of death (Philippians 2:8) and God the Father exalted him for submitting to role and authority.

What the Lord is Teaching Me about Submission:

1. If you’re in a role where you need to submit, that’s a choice of heart God is asking you to make.

2. Submission to authority is like living under an umbrella.

3. Every step forward in the Christian life is a step of humility; every step of pride is a step backwards.

4. The cross is the greatest act of submission in the universe, when Jesus submitted to God the Father’s plan.

Reference: MacDonald, James. Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (April 1, 2008)