For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because thou hast rejected the word of Jehovah, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (NAS) 1 Samuel 15:23
The biggest mistake we can make is to assume we can be in blatant rebellion without punishment from God. We are responsible for our actions and God warns us for our own protection.
Galatians 5:19-21 says, “Now the deedsof the fleshare evident, whichare: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Not inheriting the Kingdom of God is a severe consequence of our sins. That’s why 1 Cor 10:14 warns us to flee from idolatry.
If you find yourself in a situation that everything seems to be going wrong, there is a possibility God may be speaking to you about your lifestyle. If, for example, you are having an affair, and you continue with your affair despite warning signs, then you will experience a serious fall sooner or later. Rebellion will be punished.
The Lord expects obedience from his children. In fact, the very essence of Deuteronomy 28 is to hear, obey, and live. God doesn’t change (Mal 3:6) nor does his Word go away (Matt 24:35). Why would we expect anything different today? We shouldn’t. That’s why when things go wrong, we should always first stand back and assess our lifestyles. We are children of God lead by His Spirit (Rm 8). As children of God, we are “lead by His eye” (Ps 32:8-9) and we, as His sheep, hear and know His voice (Jn 10:27).
We want to hear about all the wonderful blessings and happy things
God will do for us. But we struggle with those things that are corrective. It isn’t an easy message. But we need to make a change in our lives to experience the fullness of His blessings; because He does desire to bless you (Jer 29:11).
What are the Three “Rods of God?
1. The first Rod is Conviction
a. Conviction is Godly sorrow until repentance.
b. Chastening: Greek – Paideuo (Heb 12, Gal 6): to train up a child; discipline by punishment; instruct teach. It is a slap on the hand.
c. God first speaks to our hearts – through scriptures, or a message that is preached, visions, dreams, music, etc.
2. Receiving correction from others.
a. Rebuke – Greek: Elegcho – Admonish; convict; tell a fault; reasoning; convincing; present evidence before a jury.
b. Fathers to children
c. Families correct one another such as in Ephesians 3:18-20 and in Proverbs 27:6
d. Covenant friends such as in Proverbs 27:6
e. Leaders to the Church as described in Hebrews 13:17
f. Employers to their employees.
3. Diseases and Confusion (Note: Not all diseases and confusion are forms of correction)
Deuteronomy 28
4. Generational Curses
a. Exodus 20:1-6
5. Destruction of the flesh.
a. As described in 1 Corinthians 5
b. Death is the ultimate destruction of the flesh
What do we do to break free from the chastening of God? Fall on the rock (Matt 21:21-24) – don’t let the rock fall on you. Repent (turn away from, don’t agree with any longer) and be spiritually and symbolically cleansed (Mikveh/Baptism – symbolic cleansing of your sins).
Note: For more information on the Mikveh, please Contact Us.
