Defiant

<<insolent>>

It is what we sinful humans do, when we don’t want to do what we ought or what we are instructed. It manifests as resistance, opposition, disobedience and rebellion.

Pharaoh defied God saying “Who is the Lord that I should obey Him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go” (Ex 5:2). However God, the all-powerful one, always has the last word and things go His way as Pharaoh and the people of Egypt found out (Ex 14:4,17,18). No one can blatantly rebel against God’s known ways and get away with it (Rom 1:18-32). Goliath defiantly spoke against the Lord God, however, his size and armour was no match for David who came against him in the Lord’s name (I Sam 17:23,45,50).

We are not to act or speak derogatory words against God or His servants (Num 12:8; 2 Sam 1:16; Ps 2:2; Act 4:27). God will judge everyone for the defiant words they have spoken against Him (Jud 1:15). No one can sin and

Defying God has serious consequences

get away with it for, “God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction…” (Num 32:23; Gal 6:7). God has given us His Word to obey and a conscience to guide us – neither are to be ignored.

Although claiming to be followers of Christ, many live in defiance arrogantly believing they know better than God or believe that God isn’t trustworthy. Mistakenly thinking they can follow both Jesus and be their own god, living a lifestyle that constantly isn’t in line with the Bible and even rationalizing their disobedience. Our response to His Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit reveals if we are living in submission or defiance.

See also: disobedience, rebellion , submission.