The heading above is a most remarkable statement spoken by Samuel the prophet, as moved by God, to Saul the king of Israel. It is remarkable in the fact that witchcraft and rebellion are linked together. On the surface there would appear to be no link at all, but His Word is infallible. We will discover the link from the scripture, and then look at its application in the New Testament.

First note, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to harken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry", 1 Sam. 15:22-23. We will now take a much closer look at the passage above and see what we can glean from it.

Obedience to the word of God is of utmost importance. It takes precedence over every christian thought and action. It is probably timely at this point to know what the voice of the Lord is. This seems to be a problem for some christians, especially the carnal, who think that whatever thought comes into their mind must be the voice of the Lord. This is not so!

In this same chapter we read, "now therefore harken to the voice of the words of the Lord", 1Sam.15.1. At that point the prophet Samuel is speaking to Saul as the mouthpiece of the Lord. In other words the message from God comes in the audible voice of the prophet. Today God has spoken to us in His Word, the written bible."...hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son" Heb 1:1-2.

The Son the living Word. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God", John 1:1. The Son has left us the written word which is neither to be added to nor taken away from. It is complete in entirety, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God be perfect, throughly furnished unto ALL good works." 2 Tim.3:16-17.

It would seem to be unnecessary to make this point except that evil men and women have "crept in unawares" who will, under no circumstances, be bound by the word of God. They believe that any thought that comes into their head is from the Lord. This is obviously not so, and that idea is totally unscriptural, Jer 19:9. The Lord does put thoughts into our heart by the Holy Spirit, but we MUST know if it is of the flesh or the Holy Spirit.

How can we know if the thought comes from God, and how can we prove it? Very simply! The thought from God coming to us by the power of the Spirit will NEVER, EVER be contrary to His Word. It will be impossible to find any scripture contrary to the thought, but rather ALL scripture will support AND NOT CONTRADICT THE THOUGHT. Not only so, but also other christians will see the thought to be right. That is the scriptural position, and is so simple. Why then the problems which beset us on every hand? The problems come from the unsaved or believers who are carnal, walk contrary to the word, and cause trouble in every group with which they are associated. They simply refuse to acknowledge their error nor will they submit to plain scriptural correction.

It is this refusal to be corrected by the Word of God, as was King Saul, which equates with rebellion and witchcraft. First, however, let us look at the word in the Hebrew language; "qesem" (noun) and "qasam" (verb) which is translated witchcraft once and "divination" at least eighteen times.

1. Num. 22:7 Rewards of divination see Jude 11

2. Num. 23:23 Even the diviner, Satan's messenger, is controlled by God.

3. Deut. 18:10 Divination Hated by the Lord and prohibited.

4. 1 Sam. 15:23 Disobedience of Saul same as witchcraft.

5. 2 Kings 17:17 Divination shown to be a sign of continuing departure from God.

6. Jer. 14:14* Divination equals false prophecy. It is in direct opposition to God as is

7. Jer. 27:9 Witchcraft of all kinds leads to direct opposition to God, rebellion.

8. Jer. 29:8 God warns His people not to listen to them.

9 Ezek. 13:6 Diviners, false prophets lie. They are not sent by the Lord, and He is against them.

10 Ezek. 13:9 Prophets divining lies God will judge.

12. Ezek. 13:23 God will deliver His people from divination thus demonstrating His power.

13. Ezek. 21:21 Here we see the Lord allows divination to be used against Israel.

14. Ezek. 21.22 God allows Babylonish divination to be used against evil Israel.

15. Ezek. 21:29 A continuation of the above two verses.

16. Ezek. 22:28 Equated with lies used by false prophets.

17. Micah 3:6 Divining prophet's lies make the people err

18. Micah 3:11* Diviners lie for GAIN.

19. Zech. 10:2 Diviners are liars, free to operate when there is no shepherd.

The following are the characteristics:

1. It is not the truth but lies

2. It is always contrary to the word of God

3. It is used by those who falsely claim to speak for the Lord

4. It strengthens the hands of the wicked

5. Diviners claim to be sent by the Lord

6. It is a deceit of their heart.

7. It is used for gain.

8. It can only succeed when there is no scriptural rebuke and discipline.

What is quite clear is that divination is diametrically opposed to the thought and mind of God. Not only so, but the diviner is extremely stubborn. It is this latter trait that puts obstinate disobedience in the category of witchcraft or divination. We have noticed King Saul, in his stubborn disobedience to the plain word of God, being told that this is the case.

The other dominant characteristic of divination, which is contrary to the word of God, is that it is used for GAIN! The word in the New Testament is "filthy lucre". The gain usually sought after is the gain of position and control. Self comes to the fore and all the evil associated with it. This self is controlled by Satan.

First it may not be recognised as divination both by those under attack and maybe even by the attacker. The word attack is used advisedly as the action can be both vicious and sustained against the Lord and those who hold to His word.

We can be sure, from the record in 1 Samuel, that King Saul would be unaware of the fact that he was categorised with the diviners. What was certain, however, was the fact that he exhibited all its traits. It is interesting to note that he refused to acknowledge his disobedience when confronted by the prophet Samuel but blamed others.

Above all it is disobedience to the clear word of God. It is also a disobedience which will not be reconciled to the word of God. The mark of self will. "Obedience is better than sacrifice" which implies that disobedience is rebellion and the same as witchcraft and divination. May God reveal to us our disobedience to His word if we are ever in that position.

The opposers of the scripture would say, "Look all you have shown is the Old Testament, we are in the New". That is perfectly true, but an absolute fact is that the principles of God do not change. Let us now look at 2 Timothy 2:24-26, where we see:

1. The verses follow strife in the church

2. The position of the servant of the Lord

3. The opponents of the truth oppose themselves

4. It is only PERHAPS God will enlighten those in error

5. That the ones in error are trapped by Satan.

The paragraph heading is labeled "Divination Today" as these verses are dealing with stubborn rebellion in our church or organisation.

The servant of the Lord (doulos) subjection without the idea of bondage

Must not strive (machomai) fight, quarrel, strive

but be gentle to all men apt to teach (didaktikos) skilled in teaching scripture

in meekness (praus) humble; not weak, Moses was meek but POWERFUL enough to lead a country of several million

instructing (paideuo) to instruct with the sense of discipline and/or correction

those that oppose themselves (antidiatithemi) oppose themselves - middle voice

if God peradventure (mepote) perhaps, maybe

will give them (didomai) grant

repentance (metanoia) to change one's mind

that they may recover (ananepho) to return to soberness, cease from opposing the truth

themselves out of the snare (pagis) trapped through the allurement of evil

These verses mean that there are some who oppose both the truth and those that hold it. It is only a perhaps they will ever accept truth

1. It is found in the world which is not a big problem as it is to be expected, and generally has the effect of solidifying the group under attack.

2. It may be found within the group where it may be most unexpected. It is a dangerous situation which must be handled immediately according to the word of God. The intention of the attackers of the second group is twofold:

a. To divide the group and conquer

b. To grasp power.

It is as simple as that. It is satanic effort whether the attackers are real or nominal Christians.

It is either covert or open opposition to authority, whether it is powers appointed by God, Rom 13:1, or authority within the church. The opposition may be:

1. Either false accusation or

2. plain disobedience to appointed authority.

The only defence is dependence on the scriptures, the direct assistance of God in giving wisdom, and a Holy Spirit fellowship. It is at the time of attack that each one must be absolutely certain of what the scriptures teach. Those in the position of authority and responsibility must be unanimous in their understanding of the scriptural point or points at issue, and act quickly.

The accusation coming from inside the group can be either personal or doctrinal. These attacks may either be completely false or a manufactured accusation. It behoves each christian in authority to be sure that they, "walk circumspectly" as every opportunity will be seized upon by the enemy. It matters not in the least if the accusation is frivolous as the old adage says, "sling mud and some always sticks". Furthermore, the chief attacker, as there is usually one ring leader, will diligently enlist every ally possible. His best ally is one who is disgruntled about even the most trivial matter. Unless quick action is taken the place may soon become a seething mass of unrest, the ring leader posing as the saviour of the moment.

Personal attacks from evil people never follow the true scriptural pattern. "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." 1Tim.5:19. That in itself is clear enough, and this absolute principle is outlined in. "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go tell him his fault between THEE AND HIM ALONE." Math. 18:15, 17. This is never done and usually the first thing the one under attack knows is that a whole pack (wolves in sheep's clothing) descends upon him. This in itself is absolute evidence that the accusers are in the WRONG. One will find that the attackers have been discussing the perceived fault between themselves for some time, and even working out strategy.

A second scriptural step MUST be taken. "But if he will hear thee, then take two or three more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses...". There is the principle. Now we will see how it is abused.

Instead of taking ones in authority as the one or two, the accusers are also the witnesses. This is done so that the accused has no means of defence. It is only on rare occasions where the accused is faced in any case, but it must be seen for what is by those who are in authority. You can be sure of one thing if scriptural principles are carried out then the attackers will be brought to task. Without question this passage in Matthew primarily concerns the church, but it sets out a principle of God which is immutable in His dealings with men. In fact the religious men in the Lord's day used false accusers, so it behoves us to closely scrutinise those who would dare to accuse one in authority.

That is straight out rebellion. It is a thing which God hates. It is a thing which He may well summarily judge. It is a thing which the word of God demands should be judged, and dealt with in the church. In the work place no self respecting manager can disregard disobedience to instructions and orders. In fact no business can run on such lines and survive.

If these two steps have not been taken then those in authority KNOW assuredly that the accusers are in the wrong. This being so they must be disciplined on the basis of tale bearing and slander. Prov 26:20 & 6:19. It is an evil to talk behind a persons back. Satan will not tolerate a christian organisations most particularly where there is an adherence to the truth and souls are saved to survive. He must destroy it!

Sooner or later the person in authority in a christian organisation will give legitimate instructions to an employee at which he, if in error, will take offence. It is the signal to go into action and rally the attacking troops. Usually the cry is, authority must go let us get the boss.

The scripture is crystal clear, "servants obey your master". The spiritual christian when faced with the word of God does not have a problem to obey. The unbeliever, or carnal christian may be a different. The former may not be recognised posing as a believer, and has "crept in unawares". The latter is diametrically opposed to the truth, and according to 2 Tim.2:24-26, may never accept the truth, having been taken captive by Satan at Satan's will. Those who operate in the flesh will stop at nothing to achieve Satan's purpose in the removal of spiritual christians in authority, and seize power for themselves. This is pure self will and gratification.

To this point we have noted the error of the attacker. Now a word of advice to those in authority both in the church, and in the work place note a particular passage which is very enlightening is Eph.5:13 & 15. "

But all things that are reproved (elencho) to expose, is the significance here

are made manifest by the light (phaneroo) to uncover, lay bare, reveal

Hence the verse means, "but all things having their true character exposed by the light are laid bare or revealed, for it is light that reveals things."

Gives the exhortation for the slumbering believer to wake up

See then that ye walk (peripateo) signifies the whole round of the activities of the individual life

circumspectly, (akribos) carefully, diligently, accurately, that is according to His Word.

not as fools, but as wise, (sophos) wise, spiritual and practical wisdom "conduct our lives carefully, not as lacking spiritual and practical wise wisdom, but according to the Word"

The message is, of course, that those in authority must be in a right spiritual position and condition. This being so then we have made another discovery, and that is that the Word of God assuredly exposes all things making them open and bare.

What is the light? It is, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psa.119:105. This is another aspect of the fact that the word of God is the sole and sufficient guide for all things. Again true spiritual fellowship is wholly and solely dependant upon strict obedience to the word of God. All else is sandy ground.

We are in the world but "not of it" in which the powers that be are ordained of God, and their authority for the christian is final. It does not mean that we can be forced to disobey God. Should that attempt be made we may resign after explanation. The problem is that trouble makers may argue that their dislike of an order is making them disobey God. In this case there is no alternative for "the powers that be" but to dismiss the errant one.

A christian organisation is different in that the bible is not the final authority unless the organisation's constitution declares it to be so. Notwithstanding the employee has no alternative but to obey the instruction or face dismissal. A christian organisation can not tolerate rebellion in its ranks as it is contrary to a good christian testimony. Finally the organisation MUST maintain discipline and the employee MUST obey scripture.

Unfortunately experience will tell those in authority that trouble makers come from certain organisations which they should note well, inwardly digest, and act accordingly.

True spiritual fellowship is based on walking in obedience to the word of God. When there are people holding a diversity of opinions there can only be a quantum of fellowship where there is mutual agreement, therefore there MUST be a loyalty to the organisation based on christian principles.

3052/3.4.95jeg