INTRODUCTION

As it is with all sin, rebellion originates within the heart. Long before it manifests itself in the individual’s actions, it finds life by taking root within his heart. The Lord described a rebellious generation by saying that they were “a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.” A man with a wicked heart and the wrong spirit cannot enjoy sweet fellowship with the Lord. As rebellion takes root in his heart, the rebellion pushes out the desires for prayer and for God’s word. Humility is crowded out because of pride and self-will to the extent that a man justifies, perhaps even with scripture, his rebellious spirit. His once soft heart becomes hardened because of the deceitfulness of sin.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Satan was the first one recorded in scripture to rebel against God. His rebellion started in his heart (Isaiah 14:12-14 [12] How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! [13] For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: [14] I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
  See All...). This is true of the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. It too started in their hearts (Acts 5:3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
  See All...) as did the sin of Judas (John 13:2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him;
  See All...). Guard your heart (Psalm 119:10-11 [10] With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. [11] Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): How does a rebellious heart affect those around you? How does it affect you? How can it begin to destroy the joy and peace that the Lord wants you and others to enjoy?
• How can you catch rebellion in its early stages? What indicators can you watch for to suggest that rebellion might be taking root within your heart?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to examine your heart.
• Ask God to protect you from rebellion.

HYMN

NOTHING BETWEEN

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