December 15
The Spiritual Problem Of Rebellion
Rebellion is as the sin of divination (witchcraft), and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry
If you fail to bring your child under control during his early years, problems may not show up until he hits the age of identity, around 12. Most parents respond at this time by trying to control the child. But the authoritarian parent is most likely to produce a rebel. "But we have to reprove rebellious kids, don?t we?" Actually, the Bible tells us not to reprove a scoffer (Proverbs 9:7-9). Why? Because rebellion is a spiritual problem, and it requires a spiritual solution.
Saul, the first king of Israel, rebelled against God by doing his own things, making his own rules, and worshiping the way he wanted to. God sent a prophet to confront him. Part of the prophet?s stinging rebuke was, "Rebellion is as the sin of divination [witchcraft], and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23). As a result of Saul?s disobedience, "an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him" (1 Samuel 16:14).
God can use any means He chooses to discipline His children. Even Satan and his evil spirits can be an instrument in the hands of God (1 Corinthins 5:5). I?m not suggetsing that you turn your child over to Satan. But willful disobedience usually cannot be dealth with by human reasoning. have you ever tried to reason with a rebellious child? Prayer is our weapon for bringing down stronghoolds raised up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthins 10:3-5).
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