Pride, Ignorance, Stubbornness, and Rebellion: A Warning to Those Who Refuse Christ

Sermon – 2,500 Words

Text: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
Introduction: The Danger of a Hardened Heart

There is a great tragedy unfolding in our world today—not just wars, famines, or moral decay, but something far worse: the rejection of Jesus Christ. Millions live in pride, ignorance, stubbornness, and outright rebellion against God, clinging to the fleeting pleasures of this world rather than surrendering to the Savior who died for them.

God’s mercy is vast, but His justice is certain. Today, we sound the alarm: those who refuse to change their ways, who reject Christ and embrace the world, are storing up wrath for themselves on the Day of Judgment.
I. Pride: The Sin That Keeps Men from God

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

Pride is the root of all rebellion. It whispers:

"I don’t need God."


"I’m a good person on my own."


"I know better than the Bible."

This was the sin of Lucifer, who said in his heart, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:14) And it is the sin of every man who refuses to bow before Christ.
A. The Deception of Self-Sufficiency

Many believe they can earn their way to heaven, that their good deeds outweigh their sins. But Scripture declares:
"All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6)

No amount of morality, religion, or philanthropy can save you—only the blood of Jesus can.
B. The Folly of Intellectual Pride

Some reject Christ because they think faith is for the weak-minded. They trust in human wisdom, yet God says:
"The foolishness of God is wiser than men." (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Herod all exalted themselves—and all were humbled by God.
C. The Cure for Pride: Repentance

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)
Salvation begins when we admit: "I am a sinner in need of a Savior."
II. Ignorance: Willful Blindness to the Truth

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

Ignorance is no excuse before God. Many refuse Christ not because they lack evidence, but because they love darkness rather than light (John 3:19).
A. Ignorance of God’s Word

Many never open a Bible yet claim it’s unreliable. They dismiss what they refuse to study. But:
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." (2 Timothy 3:16)
B. Ignorance of Coming Judgment

People live as if there is no eternity, no hell, no accountability. But:
"It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
C. The Remedy: Seek Truth

"You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
God has revealed Himself in creation (Romans 1:20), conscience (Romans 2:15), and Christ (John 14:6). There is no excuse.
III. Stubbornness: The Hardened Heart

"Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." (Hebrews 3:15)

Stubbornness is delayed obedience, which is disobedience. Many hear the Gospel but say:

"Later."


"I’m not ready."


"I’ll do it my way."
A. The Danger of Procrastination

The rich fool said, "Soul, take your ease"—but that night, he died (Luke 12:20).


Felix told Paul, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you." (Acts 24:25) But that time never came.
B. The Example of Israel

God delivered Israel from Egypt, yet they hardened their hearts in the wilderness. An entire generation died in unbelief.
C. The Call to Surrender

"Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Tomorrow is not promised. Today is the day to repent!
IV. Rebellion: The Final Step Before Destruction

"Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." (1 Samuel 15:23)

Rebellion is open defiance against God. It says:

"I will not serve."


"I reject Christ."


"I love my sin too much."
A. The Spirit of This Age

Society celebrates rebellion:

Against God’s design for marriage.


Against His authority.


Against His commandments.

But: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked." (Galatians 6:7)
B. The Fate of the Rebellious

Korah rebelled against Moses—the earth swallowed him alive (Numbers 16).


Judas rejected Christ—he went to his own place (Acts 1:25).


The Pharisees refused Christ—their house was left desolate (Matthew 23:38).
C. The Only Escape: Submission to Christ

"Submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
There is no middle ground: you are either for Christ or against Him.
Conclusion: The Urgent Call to Repentance

God is patient, but His patience will not last forever. Judgment is coming.

To the proud, God says: "Humble yourselves."


To the ignorant, God says: "Seek Me."


To the stubborn, God says: "Today, if you hear My voice."


To the rebellious, God says: "Why will you die?" (Ezekiel 18:31)

Jesus is the only way. He died for your sins, rose from the dead, and offers you eternal life. But you must:

Admit you are a sinner.


Repent and turn from your ways.


Believe in Christ as your Lord and Savior.


Follow Him in obedience.

Will you bow before Him today in surrender, or will you face Him one day in judgment? The choice is yours.

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)