Part 1: The Dangers of Rebellion: What the Bibles Says About Riots and Lawlessness!

Contrast between Chaos and Divine Guidance

Lately, the word "riot" has been ringing in my ears like a doorbell, refusing to be ignored. It weighs heavily on my heart. After a long, exhausting day—driving for hours, sitting in traffic, sweating, feeling anxious, and praying just to make it home safely—I finally pull into my garage. I set my keys on the counter, kick off my shoes, and turn on YouTube to catch the latest news. And what do I see? Riots, boycotts, and hate-filled speeches.

In times like these, I turn to the Word of God for guidance. 2 Peter 2:13 (KJV) says:

"And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you."

This verse is a clear warning. Peter speaks about those who indulge in lawlessness, those who take pleasure in destruction and chaos. They are described as "spots and blemishes," deceitful in their ways, bringing harm even while they sit among us. This scripture reminds us that riotous behavior and reckless rebellion only lead to destruction—both for those involved and for society as a whole.

Peter warns about people who take pleasure in chaos, those who despise authority and stir rebellion. He describes them as "self-willed" individuals who are not afraid to speak evil against dignities (2 Peter 2:10). This spirit of lawlessness is nothing new—it has existed throughout history, and God has always addressed it.

So, as we navigate a world filled with unrest, we must ask ourselves: Are we aligning with righteousness, or are we being drawn into the noise of debates and disorder? Are we seeking peace and truth, or are we feeding into anger and division?

2 Peter 2:10 (KJV) says:

"But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."

This verse is a continuation of Peter’s warning about corrupt individuals who reject authority and live according to their own desires. These are the same people described later in 2 Peter 2:13, who take pleasure in rioting and chaos.

Peter calls them self-willed—they refuse to submit to authority and despise governance, which is one of the Seven Mountains of Mandates (government being one of them). They openly speak against leaders and those in authority without fear or wisdom, stirring up division and rebellion.

In today’s world, we see this spirit at work. Many openly attack leaders, disrespect authority, and fuel hatred instead of seeking wisdom, peace, and order. As believers, we must recognize this deception and choose a path of righteousness rather than being drawn into the destructive patterns of the world.

This ties directly to the issue of riots, boycotts, and hate-filled debates that flood our news and social media. We are called to stand for truth, not be swept up in rebellion and lawlessness. Instead of being self-willed, we should align ourselves with God's will and the principles He has established.

Let’s not be counted among those who take pleasure in chaos. Instead, let’s strive to be voices of wisdom, peacemakers in a world desperate for light.

About Jesus?

How do you think Jesus felt when He came to His own, and they did not receive Him? He ministered to His disciples, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and preaching truth—yet in the end, men came marching with weapons, searching for Him to arrest Him because of His beliefs.

Jesus forewarned us of times like these. Matthew 24:12 (KJV) says, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

There it is—offense, betrayal, and hatred. These things will rise among people, leading to division and destruction. 2 Peter 2:10 speaks of those who are self-willed, despise government, and are unafraid to speak evil against dignities. And just as in Jesus’ time, we see rebellion taking root today. Jeremiah 31:28 reminds us that God is watching over both destruction and restoration, tearing down what is wicked but also planting what is righteous.

Now, picture this: A hardworking man dedicates himself daily to earning an honest living to provide for his family. He has battled COVID-19, spent time in and out of the hospital, struggling with high blood pressure. He takes muscle blockers to prevent a stroke or heart attack. Each morning, he wakes up early, takes his medication, and helps his children—who are struggling in school—get ready for the day. Before stepping out the door, he kneels and prays for his family, filled with hope, believing in God’s blessings over his business.

Then, after sitting in traffic for hours, he finally arrives at work—only for his heart to race. He quickly takes another pill to calm himself. And then he sees it…

A crowd stands in front of his car dealership, waving signs, shouting, and vandalizing his business. The place he built with his own hands, the place that feeds his family, is under attack by those who riot without care for the cost.

But here’s the hope: Jeremiah 31:28 (NIV) reminds us of God’s sovereignty:

But just as destruction comes, so does restoration.

Jeremiah 31:28 (NIV) reminds us: “Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD.

Yes, God allows destruction when people walk in rebellion, but He is also a God of restoration. He tears down what is wicked, but He also builds up those who turn to Him. Amidst the chaos, He watches over His people, ready to plant new seeds of righteousness.

So, as the world around us seems to spiral into anger and division, we must ask ourselves: Are we part of the problem, or are we standing with God as He builds and plants? Let’s not be counted among those who riot and rebel but rather among those who seek His peace and purpose.

Even when we witness destruction, injustice, and chaos, we must hold onto the truth that God is still watching over us. Just as Jesus faced opposition, so will we. But His message remains the same—do not let your love grow cold. Do not be consumed by fear. God is in control.

So, will we respond with anger, or will we trust in His promise to rebuild?

God Word to You!

Minister Kimberly Jackson (theportersview)

edited by Chatgpt AI