Steps to Freedom in Christ: Rebellion versus Submission
1 Samuel 15:23 (NLT) Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping
idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.”
What is it like to have Freedom in
Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
In Christ, I am accepted In Christ, I am secure In Christ, I am significant
Steps to Freedom in Christ
Step One
Counterfeit versus the Real
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by
philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition,
according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to
Christ. ESV
Step TwoDeception versus Truth
Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) — 23 Search me, O God, and know
my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out
anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the
path of everlasting life.
Step ThreeBitterness versus Forgiveness
Ephesians 4:31–32 (ESV) — 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Step 4-Rebellion Versus Submission
We live in rebellious times Rights movements Sit in movements Unions against Corporation Children against parents Rebellion over those in authority Submit to governing authorities
Pray for those in authority over us.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) — 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet
life, godly and dignified in every way.
Submit to governing authoritiesRomans 13:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from
God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Rebelling against God and His authorities leaves us spiritually vulnerable.
Is there ever a time when we can rebel without sin?
Is there a difference between rebellion and disobedience?
Disobey when it requires you to do something morally wrong
Disobey when attempting to rule outside the realm of their authority
Examples today of living outside their authority
Law requiring people to live in violation to God’s Word
God has set up specific lines of authority to protect us and give order in society.
Without governing authorities every society would be chaos.
Ways that we rebel and need to confess our sin
Civil government Parents, stepparents, legal guardians Teachers, coaches, school officials Employers, past and present Husbands or wife Church Leaders God
Story of King Saul
Rebellion will destroy us.
Are you rebellious against God?
Are you rebellious against God’s authorities?
Are you submissive to God’s direction and leadership?
Ultimate submission is to Jesus Christ, the king of Kings and Lord of lords.