Standing Steadfast In Righteousness

We have heard it said that we must obey the powers of earth; kings, rulers, laws, etc. for they have been ordained by God. Romans 13:1. 13 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. Is this an absolute command? Are we to obey in every instance? Peter told the council in Jerusalem we are to obey God rather than man.

The High Priest and Sadducees in Jerusalem were confronted with the news of Jesus being resurrected from the dead as Jesus had spoken. Peter and other disciples had healed the sick and those vexed with unclean spirits. These people came or were brought from all over the region to be healed by Peter. This was turning the world upside down in that part of the world. Believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Acts 5:14. 17 …The high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And …put them in the common prison. 5:17-18.

Most evil leaders at all times and in all places in the world do not want the truth of Jesus to be told, nor any activity being performed in his name. When Peter and the other apostle were found outside the common prison–having been released by an angel of God–the High Priest arrests them again and says, Chapter 5:26-28. 28 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 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. These evil leaders, like on most occasions in their subjection, demand Christians behave in their appointed manner.

Did you notice the wording in Romans 13:1? Let every soul be SUBJECT UNTO… Being ‘subject’ leaves the righteous to obey God rather than earthly rulers who are evil infidels. We cannot say these leaders we must follow, because God ordained them. We cannot say we have no choice because they are appointed by God’s Will. God uses all men to accomplish his eternal will upon mankind dwelling on earth. Often evil leaders are used to destroy other evil leaders in order to change the mindset of those found in the fringes of righteousness or turn the minds of the evil to righteousness.

Christians are to stand steadfast in the word of the Lord obeying God. Peter stood before the council and declared that same message. Acts 5:29. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:4-6. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. No matter what the governing body might rule, Christians are to obey God; Peter and John told us to. Being as men so claim to know Jesus, they are to walk even as Jesus did. (vs. 6)

2 John 1:9-11. 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. One might infer from this passage that if one does not stand against evil but allows it to go without rebuking the evil perpetrator, they are as good as condoning the evil and thus are a partaker of the evil deed.

We have been given a charge to live as Jesus did. We are given a privilege to participate in what our rulers command. We should stand upon righteousness and not allow evil to continue unabated in our lives.

Let us look at a time past concerning what God said he would do to those who do not stand steadfast in the righteousness of God.

Let us read the account of King Asa’s reign when kings ruled over Judah. Turn to 2 Chronicles 15. As we read, seek similarities between mankind of Asa’s day with nations today. Why are evils prevailing upon so many by evil leaders? Could it be that righteous people are not taking advantage and speaking against evil rulers and evils surrounding us? Have we kept quiet too long and allowed these evils to draw us away from God’s righteousness and we do not even know we left his kingdom?