Rebellion in our hearts

It's a human "disease" of the spiritual heart.

We've all got it. Psalm 51:1-5; Romans 3:9, 23; 5:12; 1 John 1:10

REBELLION.

You may believe that because you've been born of God, born anew, born again, made a new creation through the Lord Jesus Christ John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18 that you do NOT have rebellion.

Have someone follow you and record video and audio of your life for 2 days.

Then, have this played back and if you're honest, the evidence of rebellion will be noticed.

And this isn't recording rebellious thoughts, which would be more than words and actions.

The Bible says that rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. 1 Samuel 15:23

Rebellion implies that there are rules that should be followed in thought, word, and deed.

If we don't obey, we're in rebellion.

John wrote that all unrighteousness is sin. 1 John 5:17

Paul wrote that the works of the flesh [human nature] are manifest: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

We may not engage in these every 2 days in actions but maybe our thought life isn't pure.

Jesus said to males initially, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

Lusting or coveting, Exodus 20:17; Ephesians 5:3, 5; Colossians 3:5 which is idolatry, begins in the inner person, doesn't it?

James answered that question --

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. James 1:14-15

Jesus likewise affirmed this when He said that from within, out of the heart of people proceed evil thoughts and more. Mark 7:20-23

A spouse or other family member asks us to do something to help them.

But we're watching a show or reading and our first thought might be, "I'm busy. Can it wait?"

Some of us have said this and in meaner ways, haven't we?

We rebel against this request for help because we think that what we're doing is more important to us than what they want.

Paul wrote, For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. Galatians 5:13

"But can't I have some 'me time' where I get to do what I want?" someone complains.

Yes and No.

Yes, we're allowed leisure time, certainly to eat as Jesus knew His disciples needed. Mark 6:31

No, if we want to follow Jesus fully, He came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Do we want to obey the rule of love by serving others or rebel against it because it's "me time"?

This is one of the reasons that rebellion still affects us, no matter our spiritual standing or state.

Paul wrote again to Christians, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

But I [Paul] say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The things on the earth usually involve "me time" where we openly or subtly make provision for the flesh [human nature] to fulfill its desires. Romans 13:14

Our spirits may be willing but our flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

We want to obey in our inward person. Romans 7:22

We want to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. [human nature] Romans 13:14

If we become more aware of rebellion still in our hearts, it may become easier to subdue it under our spiritual hearts. 1 Corinthians 9:27

We fight, not beating the air, 1 Corinthians 9:26 against our old ways, words, and thoughts, Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10 being mindful that we wrestle against the devil, too. Ephesians 6:10-13

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. Galatians 5:17

Yes, the Holy Spirit, through Him, believers can put to death or paralyze Colossians 3:5 the sinful deeds of the body. Romans 8:13 because as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God. Romans 8:14

Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

If you're struggling to overcome evil in any form, which includes rebellion, Jesus says,

"Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:12-13

Your thoughts?

R. Jason