Why Do They Rebel?

I. THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD

Romans 3:18

• The fear of God = reverence, authority, awe
• When fear disappears:
  • Wisdom collapses
  • Boundaries dissolve
  • Self becomes supreme
• Culture does not reject God because it lacks intelligence
• It rejects Him because it lacks reverence

II. PRIDE — THE ROOT SIN

Romans 1:21–22

• They knew God
• They did not honor Him
• They became futile
• Claiming to be wise, they became fools

Genesis 3:5 — “You will be like God.”

• First sin was pride
• Desire for autonomy
• Redefining good and evil

Modern parallels:

• Redefining design
• Redefining covenant
• Redefining worth

Pride always refuses to kneel.

III. SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS

2 Corinthians 4:4

• The god of this world blinds minds
• Rejection is not neutral
• There is spiritual influence

Ephesians 2:1–2

• Following the course of this world
• Following the prince of the power of the air

Alignment happens — knowingly or not.

This is not insult.
This is Scripture.

IV. SELF-WORSHIP — THE REAL RELIGION

Romans 1:25

• Exchanged truth for a lie
• Worshiped the creature rather than the Creator

Modern language:

• My truth
• My body
• My choice
• My identity

If God is removed from the throne, self takes His place.

Worship does not disappear.
It redirects.

V. THE CONSEQUENCE — CONDEMNATION

John 3:18

• Whoever does not believe is condemned already
• Not future only
• Present reality

Condemnation is not caused by preaching.
It is caused by rejecting Christ.

This is not about cultural loss.
It is about eternal loss.

VI. DO WE FLIP TABLES?

John 2

• Jesus overturned tables because:
  • Worship was corrupted
  • God’s house was exploited

Righteous anger exists.

Ephesians 4:26 — “Be angry and do not sin.”

Anger must defend:

• God’s holiness
  Not:
• Ego
• Business
• Reputation

Matthew 5:10

• Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake

Examine motive:

• Zeal for God?
• Or resentment toward culture?

Preach from zeal — not bitterness.

VII. THE BALANCE — BOLD BUT BROKEN

Ephesians 2:3

• We all once lived in rebellion
• We were children of wrath

Without grace:

• We would be just as blind
• Just as proud
• Just as rebellious

So:

• Preach boldly
• Warn clearly
• Do not dehumanize

They are not merely fools.
They are sinners who need rescue.

VIII. THE CALL

Two Groups:

1. The Rebellious

• Repent
• Stop suppressing truth
• Fear the Lord
• Bow now

2. The Complacent Believer

• Stop being intimidated
• Stop apologizing for Scripture
• Stand firm

Romans 8:31
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Not a slogan.
A reality.

IX. FINAL LANDING

God is not threatened.
His throne is not shaking.

But souls are at stake.

Culture fights God because surrender is required.

Philippians 2:10–11
Every knee will bow.

The only question:

Bow now in repentance
Or bow later in judgment.