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Historical Kingdom Christian Movements  /  Finding Fellowship in the 21st Century  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 7
He urges honest self-examination and even asking respected Christians to help identify blind spots like a “spirit of rebellion” that feels like “standing up for truth”; what would it take for you to invite that kind of scrutiny, and how would you tell the difference between courageous conviction and unsubmitted rebellion?
Another way to ask: Bercot says we should examine ourselves and even ask mature Christians to point out our blind spots, like a “rebellious spirit” that feels like “standing for truth.” What would it take for you to invite that kind of feedback, and how can you tell the difference between strong conviction and rebellion?

Direct Answer Bercot’s counsel implies it takes humility and trust to invite others to evaluate you, because rebellion can be invisible to the person who has it. The difference between conviction and rebellion shows up in whether you can submit to legitimate authority and pursue peace, rather than constantly creating “strife and controversy” while claiming to defend truth.

Support from Transcript:

  • He observes seekers often have “a spirit of rebellion…to which they themselves are totally blind…They feel like they are trying to stand up for truth.”
  • He urges “honest self-examination” and specifically says to ask “close Christian friends…that you respect” to help examine your situation.
  • He says husbands should model submission: “We husbands need to set an example by submitting to the leaders of the congregation where we attend.”
  • He connects rebellion to outcomes: such people “end up causing strife and controversy everywhere they go,” and become a “headache” to churches.
  • His goal for scrutiny is fruit: to get life “straight…through the power of Jesus Christ…so that…you can bear kingdom fruit in abundance.”
Discussion Follow-ups If a respected brother told you you are being rebellious, what would you do next? What practical signs show you are acting from love and submission rather than a confrontational spirit?

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