The Sin of Rebellion

The Sin of Rebellion — And the Grace That Overcomes It
By Rhys Demman

Rebellion isn't just a phase for angsty teenagers or defiant protestors. It's a deep-rooted sin that has affected my life in a wide variety of ways. As we continue our series on Christian living, I want to talk plainly about this sin—not as someone who has mastered it, but as someone who has wrestled with it for years.

Confessions of a Rebel

As a teenager, I cheated on every math test in Grade 11. I was homeschooled, and I knew where the answer key was. I copied every lesson and learned nothing. I told myself I’d just avoid math for the rest of my life.

Then God made me an electrician.

Years later, I was attending Bible college. Chapel attendance was required, so I’d sign in at the door—then leave. Later, I became the assistant to the dean of families, responsible for confronting students who were doing the same thing I had done. I had to reckon with my hypocrisy.

Rebellion feels justifiable in the moment. But it has consequences. And at its root, it’s not funny or harmless—it’s a spiritual rot.

What Is Rebellion?

I define rebellion as disobeying authority without biblical justification. That last part matters. The Bible requires us to disobey sinful commands (e.g., Acts 5:29), but we are never permitted to disobey simply because we dislike the person in authority or just because we don't feel like doing something.

You’re not allowed to disobey a command just because it comes from someone you think is bad. The question is: Is the command sinful? If not, submission is required.

Scripture's Witness

In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul disobeys God’s command and then justifies his rebellion by claiming he did it for the Lord. Samuel’s response is piercing:

“To obey is better than sacrifice… for rebellion is as the sin of divination” (vv. 22–23).

The Bible repeatedly condemns rebellion in all forms:

  • Against God – Deut. 9:7: “You have been rebellious against the Lord from the day you came out of Egypt.”

  • Against parents – 2 Tim. 3:2 lists “disobedient to parents” alongside brutal, arrogant, and godless behavior.

  • Against government – Rom. 13:1–2: “Whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed.”

  • Against bosses – Titus 2:9: “Bondservants are to be submissive… not argumentative.”

  • Against church leaders – Heb. 13:17: “Obey your leaders and submit to them.”

  • Wives against husbands – Eph. 5:22: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.”

  • Against nature itself – Rom. 1:26–27 speaks of rebellion against God’s design for sexuality.

Each of these areas touches a nerve. And yet, God's Word is clear: submission is a Christian virtue. Rebellion may feel empowering in the moment, but it leads to destruction.

The End of Rebellion — and the Hope of Return

The prodigal son (Luke 15) is the perfect picture. He rebels, runs, squanders—and ends up feeding pigs. But when he turns back, the father doesn’t lecture him. He runs to him. He throws a party.

God is like that father.

If you’re living in rebellion—against parents, leaders, God—there’s hope. Confess. Turn. God will not only forgive you, He’ll restore you. He may even take what your rebellion destroyed and build something beautiful with it.

I had to learn math as an adult. It was hard. But by God’s grace, I did it—and became an electrician. The Lord turned even that foolishness around for good.

So don’t justify your rebellion. Repent of it. Come back to the Father. He’s ready to receive you with joy.

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