Does Rebellion Equal Witchcraft?

by Richard Allen Kent
(Sullivan, Indiana, USA)

1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV) Says "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.

Consider this for a moment that God relates rebellion as the same or equal to witchcraft. The past few weeks we have been focusing a lot on unity and the spirit of Division and how it relates to the body of Christ. Now let us take a look at the spirit of rebellion and how it too has been a factor in the division of the body of Christ.

I don’t believe many of us have considered witchcraft being a part of our churches, homes, schools, and other functions but as we read the Word, we find if rebellion is found, then so is witchcraft. Or at least God considers it the same.

So let us look into this spirit of rebellion and ask ourselves if maybe it might be found. Odds are - we will indeed find it, whether it be within us or a family member or even a church member, maybe even someone in high office. Note that as I write of rebellion, I write of rebellion towards truth and God’s direct will.

Rebellion at times comes from ignorance of God’s word, meaning we don’t truly understand what we do, or even how it will affect our surroundings. God’s word says this is no excuse though, for if we read in 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Ignorance of truth is no excuse amen, God tells us to study his word.

But the rebellion that comes from the straight out refusal to submit to the will of God or to those he has placed in authority, God relates them to that of witchcraft. God has an order to all things. His plan has been in effect since the creation of man.

But man so many times gets ahead of God, or even disregards God’s will at times, feeling they have a better way or maybe feeling they know as much as God. Getting so caught up in playing church that they forget what it is they are doing or even doing it for.

“God” and his will seem to be filtered out of the body and replaced with the wants of man. They are a people that want the spiritual things, and the power that comes with it, but are unwilling to fully line up with the Word of God.

In Matthew 7:22 we read of God’s word towards these people - Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Rebellion is anything that is against God’s will or against his standard. If there is any part of our lives, whether it is in our homes, or our churches that does not line up with God, let us seek today to remove it. Simply put “if the Word of God says it - then do it”.

“If Jesus spoke it - live it”. If the Word says no, then our answer is no - not maybe. We can not live by a part of the Word, but must live by the whole Word. Meaning we must accept it all as truth, and apply it to our lives or we live in rebellion to that truth. Let us make the choice of truth, and live it today.