Christian Be In Submission Series

Christian be in Submission

Christians…to be in Submission

Government ordained of God (v.1-2).

Government ordained to promote good and restrain evil (v.3-5).

Government ordained to provide benefits through taxes (v.6-7).

In U.S. Navel Institute Proceedings… Two battleships assigned to the training squadron had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days… The visibility was poor with patchy fog, so the captain remained on the bridge keeping an eye on all activities.

Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing reported, "Light, bearing on the starboard bow." Is it steady or moving astern?" the captain called out. The lookout replied, "Steady, Captain," which meant we were on a dangerous collision course with that ship. The captain then called to the signalman, "Signal that ship: ’We are on a collision course, advise you change course twenty degrees.’" Back came the signal, "Advisable for you to change course twenty degrees." The captain said, "Send: "I’m a captain, change course twenty degrees.’" "I’m a seaman second-class," came the reply. "You had better change course twenty degrees." By that time the captain was furious. He spat out, "Send: ’I’m a battleship. Change course twenty degrees.’"

Back came the flashing light, "I’m a lighthouse." We changed course.

Max Lucado, In the Eye of the Storm, Word Publishing, 1991, p. 153.

Will you submit to the authorities God has appointed in your life today?

Government ordained of God

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] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. Romans 13:1-2

We are to be in subjection to civil authorities, within the civil realm.

For example, when God commands wives obey their husbands, they are required to obey them as husbands, not as masters or kings. Children obey their parents as parents, not as sovereigns.

When the laws of civil government conflict with the explicit commandments of God, then Christians must say, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18

Government is ordained by God; the existence, authority, position, and offices.

God wills governments exist and persons have the authority to rule.

The three institutions ordained by God: the family, the church, and the government.

God set them up as the means by which men are to relate to one another and to God. God has ordained...

·that families exist as the means by which family members share together, and that parents rule within the family.

·that the church exist as the means by which people share with God, and that the church leaders exercise authority within the church.

·that the government exist as the means by which citizens relate to each other, and that government officials exercise authority within the state.

Each have faithful leaders who do an excellent job, and each have disobedient leaders who do a terrible job.

Remember government is ordained by God, and rulers answerable to HIM: they will give an account to God.

“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” (Romans 13:1).

“It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness” (Proverbs 16:12).

“And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth” (Isaiah 16:5).

Our duty to our city, county, state and nation is the focus.

We must take our part in it seriously.

We can do a great deal about our behavior as a citizen within the state; and God is clear about what our behavior ought to be.

Nero was ruling as emperor when God led Paul to give these instructions.

We do not resist the government because resistance equals resisting the ordinances of God.

a. We should not be confused with political movements nor with a national government. Christ was apart from insurrection or rebellion. Christians are not to murder or assassinate; or be terrorists.

b. One exception: When rulers exercise personal and immoral mastery over human life, then we obey God and not man. We follow after righteousness, morality and justice, of Scripture and not man’s making.

c. World leaders are in the hands of God and play their part under HIS sovereign administration. We can find comfort here, it means God is working in the affairs of world leaders. He is taking the failure and evil of nations and leaders and working “all things out for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The believer who resists authorities will be condemned “they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”