Phil Johnson: Korah’s Rebellion – Echo Zoe Ministries

I'm still out of state attending to my son's medical needs. In my absence, this month's episode is a sermon given by Phil Johnson at Bethlehem Bible Church in West Boylston, MA (Pastored by Mike Abendroth). The subject of the sermon is Korah's Rebellion, from Numbers 16.

In the course of the discussion, Phil lays out the template of rebellion. The pattern of rebellion often found in churches has its precedent in this incident with Korah.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:53 — 22.9MB)

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An Outline of the Discussion

The message of this sermon is one of rebellion. Cases of rebellion within churches often follow the same pattern.
This passage is referred to in Jude 11 where Jude describes heretics as “those who parish in the rebellion of Korah.”
The kind of rebellion that is exemplified by Korah is what lies at the root of all false teaching. It corrupts sound doctrine and leads to false teaching. It is done in the name of “reforming the church”.
God despises rejection of the authorities that He establishes.
Those who resist authorities, resist what God has established, and will incur judgment.
Our society often glorifies rebellion.
The incident in Numbers 16 with Korah is the prototype for the worst kind of rebellion.
Every church that Phil has ever been a part of has seen this type of rebellion at some time or another, it is very common.
It is always under the guise of righteousness, but sows the seeds of doubt, mistrust, & rebellion.
The first mark of this type of rebellion is that the agitators are influential leaders. Korah was a Levite, a member of the priestly tribe. Korah was also Moses' cousin. His three co-conspirators were leaders of the tribe of Rueben. They already had gained the respect of the people.
The second characteristic is that they have a believable complaint (Moses has gone too far, and has exalted himself above the rest of the people.)
The third characteristic is that there is always a deeper agenda. In this case, it was Korah's status. Korah was undoubtedly upset at being passed over as the oldest in favor of a younger brother.
The fourth characteristic is that the rebellion spreads secretly before it goes public. The bitterness of a few individuals is infectious, and spreads like a cancer.
Characteristic five is that the ungodliness of the rebels becomes manifest. Korah sought Aaron's job as high priest.
The sixth characteristic is that it destroys undiscerning people.
The seventh characteristic is that rebellion breads more rebellion.
Our leaders will give an account to the Lord. Their wrongs do not justify rebellion against them. Scripture gives no example of a righteous rebellion.
The right response is to approach the leadership privately and confront them, not to organize a rebellion.