Topical Encyclopedia Rebellion against God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often characterized by a deliberate turning away from His commandments and a refusal to submit to His authority. Those who engage in such rebellion frequently resort to hypocrisy as a means of concealing their true intentions and actions. This entry explores the nature of this rebellion and the use of hypocrisy as a cover for sin, drawing on scriptural examples and teachings.Nature of Rebellion Rebellion against God is fundamentally an act of pride and self-will, where individuals or groups choose their own desires over God's will. This rebellion can manifest in various forms, including idolatry, disobedience, and moral corruption. The Bible consistently warns against such behavior, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God. Hypocrisy as a Cover Hypocrisy is a common tactic used by those in rebellion to mask their true motives. By outwardly displaying piety and righteousness, they attempt to deceive others and, at times, themselves. Jesus Christ frequently condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, as they were more concerned with appearances than with genuine obedience to God. In Matthew 23:27-28 (BSB), Jesus declares, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Biblical Examples 1. The Pharisees and Religious Leaders: The Gospels provide numerous accounts of the Pharisees' hypocrisy. They were meticulous in observing the law's minutiae but neglected the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23, BSB). Their rebellion was not in the form of overt disobedience but in their failure to understand and live out the spirit of the law. 2. Ananias and Sapphira: In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and deceitfully withheld part of the proceeds while pretending to donate the entire amount to the apostles. Their hypocrisy was an act of rebellion against the Holy Spirit, resulting in their immediate judgment and death. 3. King Saul: Saul's disobedience to God's command in 1 Samuel 15 is another example of rebellion masked by hypocrisy. Saul spared King Agag and the best of the livestock under the pretense of offering sacrifices to God, despite being instructed to destroy everything. His actions revealed a heart more concerned with appearances and personal gain than with true obedience. Warnings and Teachings The Bible warns that God sees through hypocrisy and judges the heart. In Isaiah 29:13 (BSB), the Lord says, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me, and their worship of Me is but rules taught by men." This passage highlights the futility of attempting to deceive God with outward displays of piety while harboring rebellion within. The Apostle Paul also addresses hypocrisy in Romans 2:3 (BSB), stating, "So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?" This serves as a reminder that God's judgment is impartial and based on truth, not appearances. Call to Genuine Repentance The antidote to rebellion and hypocrisy is genuine repentance and a sincere commitment to follow God's ways. The Bible calls believers to examine their hearts and align their actions with God's will. In James 4:8 (BSB), it is written, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This call to purity and sincerity underscores the importance of living authentically before God, free from the deceit of hypocrisy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 7:14And they have not cried to me with their heart, when they howled on their beds: they assemble themselves for corn and wine, and they rebel against me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. A Few Sighs from Hell; An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... The Pilgrim's Progress part ii Resources Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.orgWas the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13:1-7? | GotQuestions.org Why is obedience better than sacrifice? | GotQuestions.org Rebellion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rebellion Against God: Connected With: Contempt of God Rebellion Against God: Connected With: Injustice and Corruption Rebellion Against God: Connected With: Man is Prone To Rebellion Against God: Connected With: Stubbornness Rebellion Against God: Connected With: The Heart is the Seat of Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Departing from Him Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Departing from his Instituted Worship Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Departing from his Precepts Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Despising his Counsels Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Despising his Law Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Distrusting his Power Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Murmuring Against Him Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Rebellion Against Governors Appointed by Him Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Refusing to Hearken to Him Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Rejecting his Government Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Revolting from Him Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Sinning Against Light Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Unbelief Rebellion Against God: Exhibited in Walking After Our own Thoughts Rebellion Against God: Forbidden Rebellion Against God: Forgiven Upon Repentance Rebellion Against God: God Alone Can Forgive Rebellion Against God: God is Ready to Forgive Rebellion Against God: Guilt of Aggravated by God's Fatherly Care Rebellion Against God: Guilt of Aggravated by God's Unceasing Invitations to Return to Him Rebellion Against God: Guilt of To be Confessed Rebellion Against God: Guilt of To be Deprecated Rebellion Against God: Heinousness of Rebellion Against God: Ingratitude of-Illustrated Rebellion Against God: Israelites Rebellion Against God: Jeroboam Rebellion Against God: Kingdom of Israel Rebellion Against God: Ministers: Cautioned Against Rebellion Against God: Ministers: Sent to Those Guilty of Rebellion Against God: Ministers: should Remind Their People of Past Rebellion Against God: Ministers: should Testify Against Rebellion Against God: Ministers: should Warn Against Rebellion Against God: Moses and Aaron Rebellion Against God: Pharaoh Rebellion Against God: Promises to Those Who Avoid Rebellion Against God: Provokes Christ Rebellion Against God: Provokes God Rebellion Against God: Punishment For Rebellion Against God: Punishment for Teaching Rebellion Against God: Religious Instruction Designed to Prevent Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Aggravate Their Sin By Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Brought Low For Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Cast out in Their Sins For Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Cast out of the Church For Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Delivered Into the Hands of Enemies on Account of Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Denounced Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Have God As Their Enemy Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Have God's Hand Against Them Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Impoverished For Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Increase In, Though Chastised Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Persevere In Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Practise Hypocrisy to Hide Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Restored Through Christ Alone Rebellion Against God: They Who are Guilty of Warned not to Exalt Themselves Rebellion Against God: Vexes the Holy Spirit Rebellion Against God: Zedekiah Rebellion: Revolt of the Ten Tribes Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) |