Examples of Disobedience: Rebellion

Driving home: Let leaders usurp spheres of authority not delineated by God, and there will be the disruption of unity. Let those whom they lead refuse to render proper submission to their leaders, and there is the disruption of unity.

Martin uses the analogy of a pyramid with a capstone, three stones beneath it, then 250 stones, and finally thousands of smaller stones at the base, to visually represent the hierarchical structure of the rebellion, from Korah at the top to the entire congregation at the bottom.

We have, first of all, in verses one to three, the rebellion described. And we are told, first of all, who was involved in the rebellion, and secondly, what the rebellion actually consisted of. First of all, then, who was involved? And you'll be able to remember the facts if you think of a pyramid.

13:42 - 14:04 Read in full sermon

The point: Beware of people who cloak their frustrated personal ambitions under the guise of pseudo pious talk.

To explain 'pseudo pious talk,' Martin uses the analogy of cardboard cakes in a Carvel window, which look real but are fake, illustrating how some people's talk appears pious but is actually false and driven by hidden motives.

simply means fake you kids it's like some of those cakes that are in the Carvel window they're nothing but cardboard they're pseudo cakes and if they had the real ones there they'd melt. So no taste of too good no good. Pseudo simply means fake sham false. Now beware of people who cloak their frustrated personal ambitions under the guise of pseudo pious talk.

39:34 - 40:07 Read in full sermon

The point: Don't you be caught up in the popular practice in our day of mouthing off about the president. We have no right to disobey that command, no matter who the leader may be.

Martin uses the contemporary example of disrespecting the President (referencing Nixon) to illustrate the pervasive spirit of rebellion against authority in society, urging believers not to participate in it.

God says, whosoever resists the authority structures ordained of God, resists the living God himself. My friends, don't you be caught up in the popular practice in our day of mouthing off about the president. I'm ashamed as an American that we have at the head of government men whose ethics and morals could even be questioned as far as they have been questioned. I'm not giving a polemic to defend Nixon, but I am saying the scripture says honor the king.

53:28 - 53:58 Read in full sermon