What are practical ways to "not rebel against the command of the LORD"? Anchoring Verse 1 Samuel 12:14: “If you fear the LORD and serve and obey Him and do not rebel against His command, and if both you and the king who reigns over you follow the LORD your God, then it will be well.” What Rebellion Looks Like • Ignoring or rationalizing away clear commands (Deuteronomy 1:26) • Selective obedience—doing only the parts that suit us (James 2:10) • Grumbling, which signals an unyielded heart (1 Corinthians 10:10) • Trusting human wisdom above God’s revealed Word (Proverbs 14:12) Heart Postures That Guard Against Rebellion • Holy fear: an awe that keeps us mindful of His authority (Proverbs 9:10; Hebrews 12:28-29) • Love-driven obedience: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15) • Tender conscience: quick to repent when convicted (Psalm 32:5) Daily Practices That Keep Us Aligned • Stay in Scripture – Read, meditate, and memorize (Psalm 119:11; Joshua 1:8) – Compare every decision to the Word before acting • Obey promptly and completely – Partial compliance is still rebellion (1 Samuel 15:22-23) – Act on what you already know while you learn more • Cultivate a lifestyle of repentance – Confess sin as soon as the Spirit exposes it (1 John 1:9) – Ask the Lord to create a clean heart (Psalm 51:10) • Keep godly company – Seek accountability with believers who love truth (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Welcome correction; it spares you from straying (Proverbs 27:6) • Pray for wisdom and strength – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God” (James 1:5) – Depend on the Spirit’s power, not mere willpower (Galatians 5:16) • Submit to God-given authorities – Honor leaders at home, church, and civil spheres (Romans 13:1-2; Hebrews 13:17) – Trust God’s sovereignty even when leadership is imperfect • Remember His past faithfulness – Rehearse testimonies of deliverance (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 103:2) – Gratitude fuels fresh obedience and stifles complaint • Reject murmuring – Choose praise and thanksgiving (Philippians 2:14-15) – Convert complaints into petitions before God (Psalm 62:8) Living the Promise Israel was told, “then it will be well.” Blessing follows obedience because God’s commands flow from His loving heart. Holding fast to these practices keeps us from the subtle slide into rebellion and positions us to enjoy the fullness of His favor (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). |
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