Matthew 18:17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Today’s Gospel captures three stages of reconciliation. First, one on one, then with two to three witnesses, and then the church. However, today, the phrase I want us to focus on is ‘if they still refuse to listen‘ – That is the description of rebellion: making an intentional decision to resist or defy established authority.
Regardless then of the setting, whether in marriage, government or across systems, you can not be right if you are operating in rebellion. Thus, for anyone who identifies as a Christian, submission to established authority is a requirement. Refusal to submit sets you outside the boundaries of the authority.
Beloved, at the heart of all rebellion is ‘disobedience’ and a hardened heart. The outcome of all such rebellion therefore is destruction. The book of proverbs offers a simplified summary:
“A person who will not bend after many warnings will suddenly be broken beyond repair.” (Proverbs 29:11)
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