The
following are guidelines for living as redeemed people in a fallen
world. We are to:
-
Give Ourselves To God As Living Sacrifices (Part 1);
-
Obey The Government (Part 2);
-
Love Our Neighbors (Part 3); And
-
Take Special Care Of Those Who Are Weak In The Faith (Part 4).
OBEY
THE GOVERNMENT
The
Bible clearly states that we are to obey and live at peace with our
Governing Authorities as long as they allow us to live by our
religious convictions.
Romans
13:1-5 says
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is
no authority except that which God has established. The authorities
that exist have been established by God. 2
Consequently,
whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God
has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves.
3
For
rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do
wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority?
Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4
For
the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do
wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason.
They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the
wrongdoer.
5
Therefore,
it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of
possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”
Are
there times when we should not submit to the government? “YES!”
We should never allow government to force us to disobey God.
Acts
5:27-29 says “27
The
apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to
be questioned by the high priest. 28
“We
gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet
you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to
make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29
Peter
and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human
beings!”
Acts
5:40-42 says
“His
speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them
flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go. 41
The
apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted
worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42
Day
after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never
stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the
Messiah.”
The
Apostles were warned repeatedly not to preach, but they continued in
spite of the threats. And, they gladly took the flogging and thanked
God for considering them worthy of suffering disgrace for lifting up
the name of Jesus. We, too, should live as Christ has asked us to
do, sharing our faith no matter what the cost.
If
you are compelled to disobey the law of the land, you must be ready
to accept the consequences.
Just
like the apostles, you may be threatened,
humiliated, slandered, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, or even
executed for your convictions.
Persecution,
unlike anything we have ever known, is already here. If any of the
above should happen to you, ask God to give you the strength to stand
for Him, and He will do it!
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