Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:1 – 3:9
Oct 13, 2024
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig
I. Introduction (Romans 13:1-7)
A. Last week we studied Romans 13:1-7
1. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2. Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3. Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4. Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5. Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
8. Notice that Paul wrote those words to Christians not living in a “Christian” nation – but living in Rome – the home of the Collaseum, where Christians were impalled and burned alive along the Appian Way like street lamps, the centre of tyranny and abuses
B. Why is there so much in the Bible about submission, especially in the New Testament?
1. Jesus told His own disciples to submit to the authority of the Pharisees – do what they say, just don’t do as they do
2. He said, Submit to your parents, and he lived under their authority until he became a Man
3. The Bible says Christians are to:
a. Submit to God
b. Submit to the written words of Scripture
4. We all say AMEN!
5. But then it ALSO says…
a. To submit to the king, and to ALL who are in authority – all authorities!
b. Submit to EVERY ordinance of man – all the laws from our human government
c. Ladies, Submit to your husband – your OWN husband – not other men!
d. Submit to your pastor and church elders – no wonder so many DON’T want to be in a church
e. Servants are to submit to their masters / employers
f. And, Masters and Rulers are to submit to THEIR Master, the Lord God Almighty
C. Yet, we don’t submit
1. Almost everyone today, whether religious or political, challenge people to “rise up and right the wrongs, and stand for justice and equality; speak truth to power!”
2. Certainly those words resonate with people more than the words, “humble yourself and put up with problems and submit to your authority.”
3. Submission sounds like something that only benefits those in authority, because almost without exception, those in authority abuse authority. And they abuse those that are under their authority.
a. The more authority and power that somebody has, the more abuse there is.
b. And that certainly is true!
D. But the truth is… Something is very wrong with modern Christianity
1. Many Christians use negative personal attacks and hurtful language as they voice opposition toward policies and rules put in place by authorities that may be oppressive.
2. Yes we are free in our currentl society to do that…
3. But, WHY do we do that?
a. Because there is a little defence attorney in our mind that always goes off when we are asked to submit to authorities.
1) We usually don’t see their rules as fair, or right, or good for us and for others
2) Reminds me of my Bible college days – loads of rules that I did not like, so we grumbled and complained. Especially my kids when THEY went to college.
b. Modern Christians will constantly make the claim, “But our government is ungodly, and stands for the wrong things, so I should NOT have to respect their authority.”
c. Really? May I remind all of us that NOBODY in our government can compare to the cruelty and unrighteousness of Herod the Great, and of Nero, and the Roman Empire back in Jesus’ and Paul’s day.
d. Yet Scripture makes it very clear, that we must submit ourselves under authority
e. And I hope to help you understand what that means, and how to do it right
4. You see, There is an increasing refusal on the part of many Christians to submit to ANY human authority whatsoever — unless of course, they agree with their authority.
a. And if agreement is a prerequisite for submission, then let’s understand we are no longer talking about submission.
b. The idea that Christians must agree with their rulers before submitting to them is laughable. Do you honestly believe the apostles were in agreement with everything the Roman Empire did?
c. Yet over and over, the Scriptures tell us to submit to rulers
E. Submission to authority is a distinctly Christian and Biblical concept
1. Normally, people buy their way into power. They use their influences to get into power. Some are born into power
2. And usually, they all force people to submit to their power and rule
3. But in Christianity, we submit to our authorities on the basis of the law of Christ.
a. Listen to James 5:1,2 Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten…
b. James 5:5,6 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton [DOING AS YOU PLEASE]; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you. WHY?
c. 2Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh
d. We act and react as Jesus did! Without physical fighting and warfare!
e. We submit, because we have already chosen to submit to God, and he tells us to
II. Preview - This morning I am going to teach you about The Biblical Principles of Submission, and Briefly, When to Disobey Authorities
A. Followers of Jesus are to submit to the governing authorities, obey the laws, and pray for their leaders – THAT is our starting point – not resistance
1. I know you would rather I taught you how to “resist evil in the world”, and “how to overthrow evil authorities”, and “how to bring justice to the oppressed”
2. But none of that is possible without us first approaching our authorities, and our oppressors with an attitude of submission
3. The New Testament makes it very clear
4. That is the FIRST thing we are supposed to do
a. 1Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
b. Titus 3:1,2 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man [OF NO AUTHORITIES], to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
c. These are not ambiguous words with fuzzy meaning - They are very clear
5. We start with submission because we are submitting to God
a. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
b. Remember, when you bite your tongue and place yourself under someone as a Christian, you are submitting to God, and amazingly, the devil has to leave you alone
c. But if you take-on your authority, and resist his or her will over you, you will become the tool of the devil!
d. I see it all the time!
B. We are to constantly remind ourselves of three great truths:
1. That Jesus is our true King and we obey Him absolutely
2. We are citizens of another kingdom - the Kingdom of God more than any earthly citizenship we may hold. HEAVEN is our first citizenship now!
3. God is sovereign. That means, God puts leaders into power, and He removes them.
a. He doesn’t just “allow” them to come to power, the Bible says that God puts kings and kingdoms into power and HE rules over those leaders, accomplishing His eternal purpose through them
b. Psalm 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
c. Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.
d. So, While we may vote for our leaders, the sovereign God of the universe is orchestrating all of history for His purpose. We may not understand God’s purpose for a leader, but our understanding does not over-rule the truth of it.
e. So, when leaders are wicked and unrighteous, we are to find our hope in 3 things:
1) In the reality that God is sovereign over every kingdom of the world – he is in control, not people
2) That He is accomplishing His eternal purpose even through wicked rulers
3) And that He will one day setup His Kingdom and thoroughly judge every ruler
C. So, while we are here, in this world:
1. We are under the authority of rulers and human powers here – we are not without human authority over us
2. And we MUST be good citizens under our authorities for the glory of God and the work of the Gospel.
3. Yes, we currently live in a democracy that allows for free speech and involvement in the government.
a. Which is a modern miracle!
b. Most people don’t have such freedoms, and so few have even the right to vote for their leaders
4. But we should use this miracle to advance God’s Kingdom, not politics, and not our own agendas.
D. We heard about submission from Paul in Romans 13
E. Let’s allow Peter, in his INSPIRED letter, 1st Peter, explain submission to us as well
III. Message
A. Peter starts with the reader – the beloved of Christ – Christians (1Peter 2:11)
1. 1Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
2. He first Begs Believers to See themselves as Strangers, and Pilgrims in this world
a. Not as needing to have control, but just getting through this life to the next
b. We may be citizens of our country, with rights and priviledges
c. But since salvation, we became travellers – we belong somewhere else
d. This world is NOT our home, we’re just a passing through…
3. Then Peter Begs Us to Abstain from Fleshly lusts
a. We easily agree fleshly lust are pornography, gluttony, selfishness, doing whatever WE want
b. But there are lusts that we don’t easily admit to to
c. Like Bitterness, unforgiveness, anger, revenge, disrespectfulness, murmuring, complaining, and so on!
d. And the LUST for POWER – everyone has it! Both husbands AND wives. Parents AND children. Employers AND employees. Everyone has this voice in them that says RESIST the authority of everyone that does not agree with yourself!
e. To “Abstain” means to NEVER let any of those things take root in your life
f. Why?
1) Because lusts don’t war against our problems – don’t fix anything
2) But they actually war against US – hurt us!
3) Oh I wish you understood this truth!
4) That you and I fighting, and arguing, and resisting authorities never actually changes authorities
5) There is a much better way
4. Live a God-glorifying lifestyle
a. 1Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
b. Live open lives for all to read and know – messed up, but new and living out of step with the world around us
c. Living godly, different, out of step lives
d. Put up with people speaking evil about you
e. Remember, Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
5. How do we live out of step with the world?
6. By submitting to our authorities
a. 1Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
b. By having a submissive lifestyle – and not just a once in a while
c. Not effeminate. Not a push-over. Not a door-mat.
d. But like the Lord Jesus Christ!
e. Remember, it was rebellion against God that ruined the devil, and Adam and Eve
B. A Submitted Lifestyle (1Peter 2:13-14)
1. Submit to authorities for the Lord’s Sake, not the sake of your authority
a. 1Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
b. The meaning of Submit
1) To ‘submit’ does not mean ‘to only, blindly obey’.
2) It means to choose to come under someone else’s authority
3) It is a decision we Christians make – not because it is easy to do, but because submission is right
c. Submitting to every ordinance, rule – we cannot pick and choose
2. Submit, No Matter who they are
a. 1Peter 2:13,14 … whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
b. Because they ARE in charge
c. God places people (sinful people) into places of authority everywhere:
1) Including people like, Vladimir Putin
2) Volodymyr Zelenskyy
3) Joe Biden
4) Hugo Chávez
5) Simon Harris
d. And God put them there to punish evildoers, and praise those that do good. To create a society of peace and safety. Whether they do it well or not!
3. Rulers are there by God’s will
a. God put even the worst of men into power (Daniel 4:17) This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
b. Jesus showed us the correct attitude towards even evil rulers when He stood before Pilate, a brutal Roman governor who held the power of execution in his hand
c. John 19:10,11 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
4. There are limits
a. Submission does not mean simply obey – it means do what they say as long as it is right and good
b. There are limits on the authority that God has given our rulers, and if they step outside these limits, we as Christians need to use wisdom to decide how far we obey. If the authorities and laws are to do good, then we as Christians should submit and obey.
c. If they start to do evil, then we need to reconsider our submission.
d. Evil isn’t always obvious, and some Christians will have different opinions
e. But generally, we are a people that submit ourselves to our authorities
f. Bible believing Christians are NOT to be known as selfish people, angry at the world
C. Why Submit to Authority? (1Peter 2:15-17)
1. It changes things!
a. 1Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
b. Wait, what?
c. How WE Christians respond to our authorities will change our culture!
d. A submissive wife actually changes her husband this way
e. A submissive society can change their wicked leaders!
2. It makes us free men! Because we live by LAWS, especially the laws of GOD!
a. 1Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
b. When we Submit to Authorities, We Are Living as Free Men
c. Freed by Christ from the dominion of sin and the devil!
d. But we are not free to do as we please, or act upon our feelings and emotions
e. We are now free to serve one another, and love each other
f. This is the way Christ lived, and expects US to live
g. Anarchists are not free - Atheists are not free
h. Only a people under God’s laws are actually free – OH THIS IS SO IMPORTANT
i. And, God’s laws command us to obey all man’s laws
3. So, How to Treat People…
a. 1Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
b. Whew! That is a mouthful!
c. Peter tells us to honour all men – as much as possible! There cannot be anyone you refuse to show respect to – if you are a Christian!
d. Love the brotherhood of believers – as FAMILY
e. Fear God – fear disobeying Him and living like He doesn’t exist (most selfish people do NOT fear God)
f. And Peter ends with HONOUR the king!
1) Do not bad-mouth him, or reject his rule! Do NOT revolt, riot, or overthrow
2) If you are a Christian, you should treat government leaders, those in law enforcement, teachers, administrators, bosses, and anyone in authority with politeness and respect. That should be your default setting.
3) We start there! With this attitude!
4. Remember, All Rulers will answer to God one day – He will revenge all wrongs
D. Specific Applications (1Peter 2:18 – 3:9)
1. Christian Servants, Employees, Labourers (1Peter 2:18-20)
a. 1Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
b. There is that “hard” phrase… “be subject with all fear”
c. Not only to the good and gentle people runing your lives
d. But also towards those that oppress you and cause you to suffer wrongfully
e. Criminals should be made to suffer for their crimes
f. But when evil rulers cause Christians to suffer for no crime, what do we do?
g. We take it patiently – we do good
h. And that pleases God, and it actually opens the door for God to bring change!
2. Jesus Himself is our Example How to Respond to Abuses (1Peter 2:21-23)
a. 1Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [WE FORGET THAT JESUS SUFFERED UNDER THE HAND OF AUTHORITIES]
b. Yet, Peter reminds us… 1Peter 2:22,23 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
c. OH JESUS COULD HAVE THREATENED BACK, AND FOUGHT BACK! But He didn’t! He submitted Himself to Pilate, and the Sanhedrin, and to the evil will of the people, BECAUSE He had committed Himself to the rule and will of His Father!
d. HIS ABUSES WORKED FOR OUR HEALING AND OUR SALVATION! 1Peter 2:24,25 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
3. Jesus proved that servants are not less valuable than the authorities
a. Because our culture views leaders as ‘better’, they view the helpers, the servants as ‘less’ means nothing
b. But submission and authority is not about a person’s worth or value – it is about letting God lead, through our circumstances, no matter how bad! And worshipping God instead of focusing on our circumstances.
4. Peter then describes, What is a Godly Wife to do? (1Peter 3:1-6)
a. 1Peter 3:1-6 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord [THE ONE IN CHARGE]: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
b. You win over your husband (saved or lost) by:
1) Your submissive, honouring, respectful attitude – not yelling, forcing, nagging
2) Your controlled life and lips have more force than your yelling and anger
3) Don’t try and be manipulative using fancy clothes and hairstyles and jewelery
4) But by having a beautifully meek and QUIET attitude
5) Not a floormat, but a quiet, careful attitude towards your husband as your authority
6) Like Esther before King Ahasuerus
7) Like Sarah with Abraham
5. What is a Godly Husband to do? (1Peter 3:7)
a. 1Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
b. Yield to your wife’s needs – please her ahead of yourself
c. Be compassionate towards her – get to know what she can’t do, and carry the load
d. Be at her level – not above her
e. Be one with her – you both are heirs together of the gift of life
6. What must we ALL do? (1Peter 3:8,9)
a. 1Peter 3:8,9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
b. Be unified in this attitude – no revolutionaries here!
c. Love each other as family, not subjects to be ruled, but brethren to be served
d. If someone hurts you, bless them, do good to them
e. And God will bless you back!
f. Because, Submitting brings great blessings of God on you!
7. How about Employers?
a. Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
b. HERE IT IS…
c. Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. [YOU WILL ANSWER TO GOD]
E. What About Abuse of Power?
1. Is there any time to disobey and even to join a peaceful revolution?
a. The answer is yes, but it is limited
b. For many of us, we want to oppose the government because we believe their decision will lead to harder lives, removal of comfort, or even persecution for us.
c. But none of those reasons are valid for civil disobedience.
d. We are NOT to defend ourselves and our own personal rights via civil disobedience or law breaking. In fact, the Scriptures tell us that persecution will come for believers in Jesus. He was persecuted, so will we if we truly follow Him. And this persecution may come from rulers and the government. When it does, we are to rejoice and trust in God. Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
2. There are three specific times when followers of Jesus must reject the commands of a government and may even need to join efforts to oppose the government peacefully.
a. The first is when the government commands its citizens to do things that would violate the clear teaching of Scripture or their conscience as they are led by the Holy Spirit.
1) If the government commands you to participate in activities that are forbidden by God or a violation of your conscience, you should not do those things.
2) If you were a Chinese citizen and were told that you must abort your child, you must not do it, and then trust God with the outcome. Maybe you have to flee!
3) If you lived in a culture that forced you to embrace the State Religion (Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism) you must not obey, but you must worship and serve the One True God only. This is why we believe people are free to worship, or not – the freedom OF religion, not the freedom FROM religion!
4) When you or your children are forced to celebrate and affirm lifestyles in a way that violates Scripture and conscience, you must not do this. And it is right to expose the wrong of it!
b. The second issue involves times when an authority commands us to not proclaim the Gospel. When they LIMIT the preaching of the Gospel. In Acts 5, the apostles were arrested for simply preaching about Jesus. The Jewish ruling council commanded these men to stop preaching Jesus. Their response in Acts 5:27-29 is amazing. “We must obey God rather than you!”
c. The third Scriptural reason for civil disobedience is to stand against injustice for the oppressed, poor, and broken in our culture. Not for ourselves. The issue of justice for OTHERS shows up everywhere in Scripture. Jeremiah 22:3 Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
1) So, we must speak up, stand against the murder of the unborn by those in authority
2) Make sure the widow and fatherless are provided for by those in authority
3) And protect the stranger in the land from those in authority!
3. But, our response to abuse of power starts with submission to authority
a. Our response doesn't begin with an attitude of rightness, or even righteous indignation
b. It begins with an attitude of submission. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God
1) It is a choice - based upon the worth of Christ not of the one you're submitting to
2) It is an order of things - coming under all authorities
3) And obeying every ordinance that does not go against Scripture
4) Because submitting to God enables you to resist the devil and he will what?
5) And THAT is where change can begin – not by revolt, and anger, and wrath by us
c. It is not ALL we must do, but it is the beginning - this is where a Christian begins
1) Jeremiah 29:7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives [THEY LOST EVERYTHING AND BECAME SLAVES IN BABYLON], and pray unto the LORD for it [FOR THAT GOVERNMENT]: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
2) Luke 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.
4. THEN, AFTER that, we can make our stand
a. Appeal to your authority – don’t argue – reason with them respectfully
b. YOU would want that when YOU are in authority
c. It works in every home, every workplace, every society!
d. Acts 4:16-20 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
e. Acts 5:27-29 And when they had brought them [AGAIN], they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
f. Now, we ALL shout AMEN and LOVE that defiant spirit of Peter…
g. But THAT was not their attitude – only when their authority told them to not do what the Bible said do!
h. They were submitted to the authority of the Sanhedrin, and even of Rome!
i. Just not when told to do something contrary to the Scriptures
IV.Summary
A. This doesn’t cover everything. But it enough to crush the spirit of this age
B. Submit to authorities is where we begin.
1. While we are here, in this world:
a. We are under the authority of rulers and human powers here
b. A Christian decides to Trust God, not their authority – so few ever get to this place
c. A Christian must pray for their authorities – if you are fighting and arguing and resisting your authorities more than you are submitting to them and praying for them, then YOU are wrong!
d. And we MUST be good citizens under our authorities for the glory of God and the work of the Gospel.
2. Be very careful about resisting them and their authority because
a. Our nature rejects every authority we don’t like
b. The Bible does not give us that freedom or that right
c. Resisting them is actually resisting God
d. And because it is easy to get used to rebellion
e. But we start with an attitude of a servant, not a master
3. It is God’s purpose having us go through this world to win the lost, NOT be treated well
C. There is a time to resist your authority.
1. There are times to stand up to wrongs, and abuses
2. But you and I won’t be able to win anything if we aren’t first submitted to God, and to the authorities He has placed over us: our parents, our government, our husband, our police
3. The spiritual war we are in is won by humility, and meekness, not anger and revolt
D. If you have trouble humbling yourself… it might be because you are not actually following Jesus – you are just following your own heart and the culture of this age