Dealing With Rebellion

 FARMER Missionary Baptist Church 12/1/04

 Ezekiel 20:2

I. All churches and almost all homes has experienced the pain of rebel. a. To rebel is to: to be hitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively to provoke):—bitter, change, be disobedient, disobey, grievously, provocation, provoke. b. Then to be rebellious is to be a bitter unpleasant person that is disobedient, provoking and grievously painful, resisting what you know is right! c. Rebellion in our children is a growing problem across America and in the church. d. The worst thing that can be done with a rebellious person is to do nothing. e. Then we must find ways to Biblically deal with rebellion. f. The Bible teaches us some things about rebellion. Rebellion is a natural act of the flesh: from Adam and Eve the flesh has rebelled against what is right and holy. g. Rebellion is not acceptable : God did not accept rebellion in Adam, Eve, Samson, Saul, or anyone else. h. Rebellion is not an acceptable behavior in the Christian life. i. Rebellion is the result of a deeper spiritual problem. j. Could be one is just not saved. k.Could be one has bitterness in their heart from another incident in their life. l. It could be pride, anger, selfishness, or other sin that has not be brought ought and put under the blood. Rebellion could be caused by the company one keeps. Wrong friendships will cause rebellion. Many time rebellion. comes from a friend being allowed to do something while your convictions will not allow your children to do that. Then how can we deal with rebellion in our homes and churches.

II. Adam & Eve As Examples CONFRONT THE REBELLION Genesis 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? God confronted Adam about where he was, how he knew he was naked and what he had done. a. Find the source of influence: no rebellion without influence. Adam had listened to Eve. Eve had listened to Satan express your disappointment. b. Discipline the behavior appropriately. c. Love them in spite of their rebellion. God hated Adams sin but loved Adam and provided for him. d. A rebellious son or daughter needs you to provide something for them. III. WORK AT IT a. The one thing you will soon learn that dealing with rebellion is a long term deal. b. You can not and will not put out rebellion quickly. c. Work at the problem. d. Work with the rebellious one. e. Work with those around them. f. Work with you pastor and youth leader. g. Do not give up work at the problem daily: do not take your eye off for one minute.

 III. BE COMMITTED TO HELP REGARDLESS OF THE COST Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. a. God sacrifice a animal to help Adam out of his rebellion. b. Commitment and sacrifices will always have to be made to overcome rebellion. c. A parent may have to: d. Move: to get away from evil influence. e. Change jobs: to have more time to spend with them f. Material things so they can have time to invest in their children. g. The pastor or youth leader make some commitments also to invest time and make calls on the phone or resort to sending notes to let them know you are praying for them and have not given up on them.

IV. CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND YOUR CHILD a. My dad keep us so busy we did not have time to rebel. b. Boredom is a big cause of rebellion and deliquesces. c. Do not allow the wrong influences to be present. d. Do not allow the wrong influences to be present. e. Keep in mind God completely changed Adam and Eve's environment when they rebelled.

V. SOME DO NOT'S IN DEALING WITH REBELLION: a. Do not constantly remind the child of their rebellion b. Instead focus on their potential and what rebellion is costing them. c. Do not yell or behave as the rebellious child would. d. Do not react to their behavior, control your own actions. e.You are not trying to make a child happy, you are trying to get them right with you and with God. f. Do not forget to pray for them and with them. g. Do not embarrass the rebellious child in front of his friends this only pushes them further away. h. Do not stop being their parents or pastor, or friend.

VI. WELCOME THEM BACK a. When repentance was made God always welcomed back the rebellious with open arms. b. You should also without penalty Conclusion: Rebellion will come to most homes God has give us some principles to deal with it. We must never compromise our Christian convictions for the sake of rebellion Stay with God and he will work it out.

 Pastor Jeff Lamb Farmer Missionary Baptist Church Asheboro, N.C.