DCLM Higher Everyday 1 December 2023 — Shun Sedition
Topic: Shun Sedition
Text: Galatians 5:19-26
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Key Verse: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies” (Galatians 5: 19-20).
Message
Sedition is generally considered as conduct or speech with the motive of inciting people to rebel against a constituted authority. It breeds rebellion and often violent protests, resulting in killings and destructions. We should consider the activities of people like Korah, Dathan and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and Aaron as sedition. They incited the people of Israel against God-ordained leaders for selfish purposes. However, their plan failed because it was not just against Moses and Aaron but indirectly against God. They died for it (Numbers 16:1-5, 26-32).
As a Christian, have nothing to do with sedition. The Scripture categorises it as a work of the flesh. It is therefore at variance with the character qualities of a Christian, whose behaviour should reflect the fruit of the Spirit. Not only should you avoid sedition, but you must reject every suggestion to join violent protests in your college or higher school campus. Do not join any politically motivated street protests, as it could be fatal. Many innocent youths have been killed in the process, thereby ending their great future and the family expectations.
Quote: Have nothing to do with sedition
Challenge: Stay away from protests.
Prayer for today: Dear Lord, Help me to overcome sedition.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
