Authority & Obedience​

(Part #2)

by David G. Rose

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Today, we continue our study on Biblical Obedience. Our key verse is in Proverbs 6:16-19 NLT, “There are six things the LORD hates— no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.”

    When a person rejects God’s authority on His chosen leader, they open the door to hidden rebellion. Being hidden is what makes the initial stages of rebellion so insidious. The deception of hidden rebellion catches people off guard. It may be a casual whisper before it becomes an open statement. Hidden rebellion can wreck a marriage, family, church, or government. God hates or detests rebellion.

    The truth is, right now you are walking under one of two principles. Either you are submitted to God and are living under His authority. Or, you have placed yourself under Satanic rebellion. I know this sounds like overreach, but please keep reading. 

    Read 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10 NLT, “For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming. This man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them.”

    This is a preview of the End Times on earth. It is about the work of the Anti-Christ and the Beast of Revelation. “Lawlessness” refers to the hidden principle of rebellion that will precede the Tribulation. The truth is that rebellion against God and His Word is the underlying cause of most of our problems. 

    The Apostle Paul taught that there are many condemning consequences of living in the hidden principle of rebellion. Of course, the ultimate consequence of rebellion is perishing at the hands of God. Paul warned that not all signs, wonders, and displays of power are from God. Satan lies. Satan corrupts. And many who believe the lies will find that they will be lost. 

    Recently, a scam was uncovered where people were selling forged sports memorabilia. They faked signatures of sports heros and sold them on various products as if they were authentic. When the victim tried to sell these forgeries, they found out that they had been duped. Tricked! What they had bought at a high price was now virtually worthless.  

    Satan tries to trick us with counterfeits and phonies. He is a master at disguises. The wise Christian stays with the Word of God and finds an anointed authority figure who will be true to the teachings of Christ. It is the only way to continue living under the principles of God’s authority instead of the principle of ungodly rebellion. 

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Next week: Four Differences between living under God’s authority and living under satanic rebellion
 

If you would like a free digital copy of this study, send your request to parsonrose@aol.com.