where does it stop?

Recently, an acquaintance–who is largely likable–stopped by.

Although the stated purpose of the visit (of a person NOT seen in over three years) was ostensibly ‘because I was in the area and wanted to see how you were,” almost the entire discussion focused on a plea for rebellion.

[And this is one sure way a follower of Jesus Christ can tell a pretender: the pretender does NOT obey the Word of God; the pretender advocates rebellion–and God’s Word is CRYSTAL CLEAR about where God stands on the subject of rebellion.

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
–1SAMUEL 15:23

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”
–Romans 13:1-2, 6-7

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
—1 Peter 2:13-16

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government [authority]. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
—2 Peter 2:9-10

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
–1 Timothy 3:1-2

MORE: DISOBEDIENCE and REBELLION: The Wisdom of Man OR the Word of God?]

Most of the discussion (as has been stated) centered around joining a (what the man claimed was a ‘coming’) rebellion against the civil authorities.

The discussion was not very clever.

One would 1SAMUEL 15:23, the other would answer with the words of man.

“But the Bible says that rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“Yeah, but are you a man or a measly mouse?”

“Well, God’s Word says rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“But it’s not really rebellion if the leaders are worthless.”

And so it went for perhaps fifteen minutes or so.

FINALLY, 1SAMUEL 15:23 was answered by what was apparently considered the crown jewel of arguments on this topic.

“Rebellion is the same as witchcraft.”

“Yeah, but where does it stop? At some point, you have quit talking and take some action!”