SEDITIONS
The word
“sedition” can be defined as dissension, insurrection, resistance or rebellion
against the established governmental authority. The Gospels record that Pilate
desired to release Jesus when he was imprisoned, but the crowd desired that he
release Barabbas, a man guilty of sedition. A man known for insurrection and
rebellion was chosen for freedom over a man who was an example of peace.
“And they
cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us
Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was
cast into prison)” (Luke 23:18, 19).
“And he
released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom
they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will” (Luke 23:25).
It should
be noted that in the secular world those guilty of sedition would be charged
and tried for rioting or even perhaps treason. When sedition is created in the
church, it often appears that those guilty of it are not punished. Often people
will incite sedition under the pretext of defending the gospel by leading those
who follow them out of what they label as spiritual misconduct.
The early
church had to deal with sedition. Paul warned about people who enter into the
midst of the saints to destroy the flock. These people generally seek to create
controversy and in the process to elevate themselves to a position of
leadership, drawing people away from the church to follow them. Often
individuals will cause sedition when they are not satisfied with the
governmental authority, whether it is secular or religious. These individuals
desire to have their own way and when things do not agree with their own goals
and they cannot change the authority or leadership, they resort to sedition.
The scriptures reveal that those who are involved in sedition will not enter
the kingdom of heaven.
“For I
know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you,
not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29, 30).
The Bible
bears record of several examples of sedition. One example of the spirit of
sedition is seen in the account of the rebellion staged by Korah against Moses
and Aaron. Numbers, chapter 16, records the rebellious actions of Korah and his
companions, Dathan, Abiram and On. Korah wanted to assume the authority God had
given Moses. Korah was jealous of Moses because he was also a Levite and he
felt he could do the same work Moses was doing by virtue of being of the same
tribe. None of the reasons and motives Korah had for his rebellion were
justified. God will punish those who engage in sedition as evidenced by the
fate Korah and those who followed him suffered for challenging the God-given
authority of Moses and Aaron.
“Now
Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and
Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, Sons of Reuben, took men:
And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two
hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of
renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron,
and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are
holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up
yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? And when Moses heard it, he fell
upon his face: And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even
tomorrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to
come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near
unto him. And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of
Israel followed him. And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray
you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye
be consumed in all their sins. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of
speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them:
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and
all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all
that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit (Hell), and the earth
closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation” (Num 16:1-5,
25, 26; 3 1-33).
God has
always been angry at rebellion and those who participate in it. Rebellion is
sedition which results in destruction. Samuel told Saul that rebellion was as
evil as the sin of witchcraft. God rejected Saul as king of His people, Israel,
because of his rebellion against God’s will.
“For
rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and
idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected
thee from being king” (1 Sam. 15:23).
The
Scriptures indicate that sedition and rebellion manifests the desire for self-exaltation.
Those who participate in sedition despise government unless they are the ones
doing the governing. Rebellion against the Word of God will always result in
God’s wrath on those who are guilty of the insurrection.
“He ruleth
by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious
exalt themselves. Selah” (Psa. 66:7). “God setteth the solitary in families: he
bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a
dry land” (Psa. 68:6).
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
If you enjoyed this blogpost and believe some else can be helped and may be blessed pass it along:
If you have never accepted or if you have fallen away from Jesus Christ here are three steps you need to take to be saved:
You must admit you are a sinner, confess your sin to Jesus, repent (turn from all you know is wrong), ask Jesus to come in your heart, and begin to follow Jesus by reading and obeying his word and go to a bible believing church that teaches his word. And tell someone what Christ Jesus Has Done For You (Rev 12:10)
May God through Christ bless you!
If you enjoyed this blogpost and believe some else can be helped and may be blessed pass it along:
If you have a prayer request or have questions that need clarification please contact me at: neverstoppraying8@gmail.com
