Articles
Rebelling Against the World
Americans have a history of rebelling against what they perceive is wrong. From the Boston tea party through Rosa Parks to stadiums erupting in “Let’s Go, Brandon!” they find ways to let the status quo know how they feel. So, how does a Christian rebel? Perhaps in ways like 1 Thessalonians 5:18 begins by telling us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” We’re not just thankful when things are going our way–but even when there’s no earthly way the things we are going through can be good (Mark 8:34-35). Take that, world!
I. Matthew 5. To rebel against the world, we must choose man’s weakness. The Sermon on the Mount is a Christian’s Declaration of Independence! In it, Jesus turns all of man’s wisdom and weapons upside down. In it we are blessed if we are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. It’s only with God’s wisdom that we’re better off if we mourn or hunger and thirst for righteousness, and isn’t it weak to love our enemies, pray for those who persecute us, and turn the other cheek? Yet, Jesus showed us at the cross that this denying of ourselves works!
II. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22. We must also choose God’s strength. In the closing of his letter, Paul outlines actions that the Christians in Thessalonica could do to rebel against the world like admonishing the idle, encouraging the fainthearted, helping the weak, being patient and our brother’s keeper, doing good, rejoicing always, praying unceasingly, and giving thanks in all circumstances …. Just as Jesus chose the Father’s will over His own (Luke 22:41-43), so must we if we are a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). It is only by doing what is most difficult that we carry our crosses!
III. Matthew 27:28-31. Finally, we must choose Jesus’ path. We lose many, especially boys, when we only portray a meek and mild Jesus. Both the Jesus who loves and judges must be balanced. As the Lamb of God, He is concealed; as the Lion of Judah, He is revealed. The same Jesus who asked the little children to gather to Him is the Word of God on a white horse with a sword coming from His mouth to strike down the nations. We must be willing to drink His cup (Matthew 20:21-23) while we walk as He did (1 John 2:5-6). Only then can we live in true rebellion against the world!
If you only live a little different in degree but not character than the world, then you are in a very silent rebellion against it. How will you win souls for Christ with your example or your teaching if you’re not denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him?
