How can we recognize and address similar attitudes of defiance in our lives? The Moment of Defiance “Pharaoh replied, ‘Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.’” (Exodus 5:2) Pharaoh’s words drip with arrogance: “Who is the LORD? Why should I obey?” He isn’t confused—he’s refusing. The same attitude still lurks in human hearts today. Spotting the Pharaoh in Us • Rationalizing disobedience • Delaying clear commands (“I’ll deal with that later”) • Selective hearing—embracing only the parts of Scripture that feel comfortable • Excusing pride: “That’s just my personality” • Dismissing godly counsel as irrelevant or outdated If any of these habits show up, Pharaoh’s attitude is closer than we think. Warning Lights from Other Passages • 1 Samuel 15:23 – “For rebellion is like the sin of divination.” Defiance is not a small flaw; it’s spiritual mutiny. • Psalm 95:8 – “Do not harden your hearts.” The hard heart starts with small refusals. • James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Pride invites God’s resistance. • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” True lordship demands obedience. Self-Inspection Questions to Ask the Heart • Am I instantly obedient, or does God get negotiation first? • Are there commands I explain away because they cost too much? • When Scripture confronts me, do I bend or brace? Replacing Defiance with Obedience 1. Humble admission • Psalm 139:23-24 – Invite God to search and expose hidden rebellion. 2. Align the will • Romans 12:1 – Present your body “as a living sacrifice.” Willful surrender dethrones self. 3. Renew the mind • 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.” Replace lies with truth. 4. Immediate action • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Act promptly on what you know. 5. Accountability • Hebrews 3:13 – “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Invite trusted believers to speak candidly. 6. Ongoing vigilance • Galatians 5:17 – The flesh and Spirit are at war; daily choose the Spirit. • Jonah 1 serves as a cautionary tale: running from God never ends well. Walking It Out Today • Start each morning with surrender: “Your will, not mine.” • Memorize short verses that confront pride (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). • Keep short accounts—confess quickly when conviction comes. • Celebrate obedience victories; they train the heart to delight in God’s authority. Encouragement for the Journey Pharaoh’s story ended in judgment, but ours need not. God delights to replace stone hearts with responsive ones (Ezekiel 36:26). Every yes to His voice softens us further and opens the door to deeper fellowship and freedom. |
    |