God’s Ordinance of Authority

“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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Romans 13:1-2

Introduction:

How important is authority in the Bible? Consider the combined emphasis the Bible places on all levels of authority.
1. How much authority does God show in creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Exodus, Canaan, Babylon, and the Judgment?
2. How much authority does God show over angels, soul creation, our first parents, nations, our thoughts and words, etc.?
3. How much instruction, rewards, and punishments are mentioned in the Bible for fearing, loving, and obeying Him?
4. The first relationship of husband-wife is described in terms of helper, husband rule, subordinated desires, capital punishment for infidelity or jealousy, terms of reference, submission, obedience, fear, reverence, etc.
5. The second relationship of parent-child is described in terms of obedience, honor, capital punishment for various offences, great rewards for honor, honoring old mothers, laws of mothers, fear, reverence, capital punishment again, etc.
6. The third relation of master-servant is described in terms of servant, master, bondservant, slave, beating, property, etc.
7. The fourth relationship of king-citizen is described in terms of fear, honor, thoughts, words, sword, conscience, etc.
8. The fifth relationship of pastor-people is described in terms of submit, obey, follow, honor, esteem, support, etc.
It is important that Christianity’s practical rules be constantly affirmed and taught to profit all, including this one (Tit 3:1,8).
We sent a proverb and commentary to the world, and the response showed ignorance, rebellion, and scorn (Proverbs 24:21), and its companion proverb and commentary, connected by grammar and sense, threatens harsh punishment (Proverbs 24:22).
Total Biblical honor and submission to civil authority is an identifying mark of our church and an ancient landmark of our faith for which we are to earnestly contend (Prov 22:28; I Tim 6:3-5; Jude 1:3; etc.).
Some in this church were involved in anti-government actions several decades ago, for which we earnestly repented to God.
We have seen others who did not leave the fight make shipwreck of their souls, families, fortunes, and faith in the process.
We have seen pastors justify sedition and treason by corrupting scripture (Ec 10:4; Ro 13:1-7) or seeing tax rebels as martyrs.
We have seen asinine arguments from the Constitution is king to the SSA is voluntary to wages are not income to FRN’s are not money to the SS# is the mark of the beast to 501(c)3 is giving the church to Satan to Yahweh’s children are exempt, etc.
The Internet being what it is … where you can publish yourself for free … there are nearly infinite heresies and anarchists found there, which is a warning to all, especially the gullible, that they must be very cautious and skeptical of writings there.
Our political situation in the U.S. will likely deteriorate further than it has by 2010, which will bring even more rhetoric from outside our church and homes … and the temptation for it within our church and homes will also increase!
You must be prepared to answer every question that your fleshly lusts raise, other Christians ask, and anarchists propose.
We love this subject and want to learn it, retain it, and practice it for Jesus Christ our Lord, for a number of scriptural reasons.
1. Because we know God in wisdom ordained civil authority for our benefit (Rom 13:1-7; I Pet 3:13-17; Tit 3:1; Ec 8:2-5).
2. Since He commanded and illustrated it to a rabid crowd of Herodians and Pharisees trying to trap Him (Matt 22:15-22).
3. Since we are members of His kingdom and citizens of His nation far better than the USA (I Peter 2:9-12; Heb 12:22-24).
4. Since we cannot allow our liberty in Christ to be falsely accused by others looking for faults (I Pet 3:16; Matt 17:24-27).
5. Because we know Jesus Christ our Saviour, King of kings and Lord of lords, will deliver us (Ps 45:1-7; I Tim 6:13-16).

The BASIS OF AUTHORITY

“Thus saith the Lord” is our only concern: it is all that matters (Is 8:20; Ps 119:128; II Tim 3:16-17).
1. The Scriptures, the Bible, is the revelation of the will of God for our obedience (Deut 29:29).
2. Since Jehovah has ordained authority, His word is not silent regarding our duties to authority.
The opinions of men are totally irrelevant – they can add nothing to the word of the LORD Jehovah.
1. Though some may disagree, we should not be moved by the mere opinions of other potsherds!
2. No matter how eloquent or logical or emotional or motivational their words, so what! So what!
3. Let God be true, but every man a liar! This is God’s truth and the name of our website (Ro 3:4)!
Actions are irrelevant – their choices and results are too selfish, subjective, and unknown for truth.
1. Though some professing Jesus Christ may have participated in executing England’s king (Charles I), we are too wise and too far removed to let that event influence or form our judgment.
2. Though some professing Jesus Christ may have participated in the American Revolution, we are too wise and too far removed to let that action determine our conduct in another generation.
There is no nation or political philosophy worthy at all of modifying God’s perfect commandments.
1. We are Christians before we are Americans – and the two things, Christians and Americans, are not even in the same universe – and the one is always entirely subordinate to the other.
2. America’s government and constitution are not much more godly or Scriptural than other nation’s, though God may have used the features of this government to promote His kingdom.
All authority originates with Jehovah God Himself, whether by example, delegation, or precept.
1. God’s authority is infinitely greater than any position on earth, but you rebel against Him if you disrespect, neglect, or reject any of His appointed and ordained offices of authority on earth.
2. God’s example of authority includes creating you with an eternal soul without consulting you!
3. God’s delegation of authority includes creating man with dominion over the entire animal world.
4. God’s commandments of authority include all the details of the offices and persons over you.
Consider parental authority as an example of the most influential authority in your natural life.
1. This is the first authority structure you meet in life, and it is profoundly instructive for your life!
2. Before creating you, God did not consult you about becoming a helpless subject of two giants.
3. Before creating you, God did not consult you about the two people He chose for your parents.
4. Before creating you, God did not consult your parents of the kind of child they could most love.
5. The effect of the office of parent and the two people He put in them affect your life incredibly.
6. God providentially directed their lives and spirits toward goodness or toward evil. You caught it!
7. Foolishness or unkindness does not diminish their office or authority or the duty you owe them.
8. God never gave you to check their authority, for they were and are superior by office and person.
9. The only exceptions to their authority are the endangerment of life or God’s positive command.
10. Any combination of abuse of position, loss of respect, lack of love, inconsistency, unfaithfulness, or any other excuse to disregard authority falls far short of God’s word. It does not matter at all!

The DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY

Authority. The power or right to enforce obedience; moral or legal supremacy; the right to command, or give an ultimate decision. [OED.]
Power. Possession of control or command over others; dominion, rule; government, domination, sway, command; control, influence, authority. [OED.]
For the purpose of this study, we authority as, “The ordinance of God whereby certain offices were instituted among men for the benefit and control of mankind, wherein the men in these offices are authorized by God to use the power and means given to them to rule and enforce the obedience of those under their jurisdiction.”

The SOURCE OF AUTHORITY

God first gave man great authority, dominion, privilege, power, and right over the entire animal kingdom.
1. This is a God-given illustration of the principle of authority given to us in the first chapter of the Bible!
2. God took counsel with Himself to give man total dominion over all fish, birds, animals, etc. (Ge 1:26-28).
3. PETA’s animal “rights” while aborting human babies is devilish insanity (Rom 1:18-32; Job 39:13-18).
4. The animals were cooperative, so Adam could name them and Noah gather them (Gen 2:19-20; 7:5-10).
5. After the Flood, God put a fear and dread of man into every creature He had created (Genesis 9:1-2).
6. After the Flood, God gave Noah and his family the right to eat any of them that they chose (Genesis 9:3).
7. Vegetarians who use the Bible for support or press their claims on others are lying heretics (I Tim 4:1-5).
8. The Law of Moses and Solomon’s wisdom limited abuse to animals (Deut 14:21; 22:6-7; 25:4; Pr 12:10).
God then ordained positions or offices of authority to govern men. These positions are five; and they are husband, father, master, king, and pastor.
1. Consider that seven billion people brought into existence in a completely helpless condition not only survive in a harsh and reluctant environment but actually prosper very well and accomplish great things.
  1. Those nations that have allowed and required these offices to function freely and properly have been blessed exceedingly and reach the potential that God intended for men in general apart from his grace.
  2. There is no alternative way for the human race to improve itself. God made choice for certain offices to govern and control specific areas of our lives. Compromise or modification cannot add value.
2. The offices of husband, parent, master, king, and pastor were created by God. A hunchbacked tribe of men, sitting around a fire in a cave eating a rabbit they had killed with sticks, did not creatively stumble on the idea of marriage. These offices are not subject to debate or modification as God has ordained them.
  1. God created a woman for Adam and put her under him as his helper before sin.
  2. God brings children into this world absolutely incapable of any conscious action.
  3. God confirmed the natural separation process of men into masters and servants.
  4. God appointed and defended autocratic political rulers for nations and empires.
  5. God appointed His priests and pastors for the oversight of His public worship.
3. The authority and power of husbands, parents, masters, kings, and pastors were delegated by God. The proper functioning of the office only works by and with this power.
  1. This requires those under the office to willingly submit to properly benefit.
  2. This requires the man in the office to exercise authority to execute the office.
4. Regardless of the man in the office, the authority comes from God (Matthew 23:1-3).
5. Delegated authority and the value of these positions are covered later in this outline.
God then providentially prepares men to fill the offices for His purposes among men.
1. God prepares men for their rule over women and children by (a) physical superiority, (b) intellectual superiority, and (c) temperamental superiority. It is obviously God’s judgment when such superiority is not clearly evident, as is true today (Isaiah 3:1-5). Please remember that exceptions do not nullify such generalizations, but rather establish general rules by the fact they are exceptions.
2. God prepares men for ruling other men by giving them superior wisdom and understanding (Gen 41:39-46; I Samuel 18:5,14-16,30; I Kings 3:6-12; 10:24; Eccl 2:26; Isaiah 28:23-29; Daniel 1:3-4,17-21).
3. God prepares men for ruling by giving them physical superiority over other men (Genesis 10:8-9; Judges 13:1-4,24; I Samuel 9:1-2; 16:12; II Samuel 2:18; 14:25-27).
4. God prepares men for ruling by giving them a new heart to prepare them for it (I Sam 10:6,9; 16:13).
5. God prepares men for ruling by subjecting their people under them (Numbers 27:18-20; Joshua 3:7; 4:14; II Chronicles 1:1; Psalm 144:2).
6. God prepares men for ruling by giving them gifts (Exodus 35:30-35; I Kings 11:28; Esther 2:7; Ephesians 4:8-12; I Timothy 3:1-7).
7. God prepares men for ruling by providentially confirming their rule (Exodus 14:31; I Sam 12:18; I Kings 3:28; II Kings 5:1; II Chron 32:21-23; Esther 2:17; Dan 2:37,46-48).
8. God prepares men for ruling by superior circumstances (Judges 11:1-11; Esther 2:21-23; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Daniel 2:49; Acts 22:1-5).
9. Consider recent examples in our nation’s history of the supreme servant in Oliver North and the supreme master in Norman Schwarzkopf. God prepared both of these men for their respective offices.
God then providentially setteth up men in these great offices for His purpose among men.
1. The Scriptures speak generally of God being responsible for the very men in positions of authority (I Samuel 2:7-8; I Chronicles 29:12; Job 34:24; Psalm 75:5-7; 113:7-8; Isaiah 3:1-4; Daniel 2:21; 4:17,25,32; Luke 1:52; Romans 13:1-3).
2. The Scriptures speak specifically of certain men God placed directly in office (Exodus 9:16; Judges 2:16; I Samuel 2:30-36; 15:28; 16:1; Ezra 1:2; Isaiah 10:5-19; Jeremiah 27:5-7; 28:14; Daniel 2:37-38; 7:6,25; 8:5-8; Acts 7:35; 13:21-22).
3. In some of these cases God specifically appointed the man He had specially prepared by direct revelation (I Sam 16:1-13), and in other cases the specially prepared man rose to the top like cream (Prov 22:29).
4. Have you ever thought about the amount of influence you had in the selection of your parents? You did not have the slightest degree of influence in their selection. God by His providence selected them for you, and it is your duty to obey and honour them so far as they do not obviously contradict God’s law.
God then providentially directeth the spirits of these men to accomplish His purposes.
1. He stirreth up some men to general rule or specific tasks (I Kings 11:14,23; I Chron 5:26; II Chron 21:16; Ezra 1:1; Proverbs 21:1; 45:13; Jeremiah 51:11; Haggai 1:14; Acts 4:27-28; Revelation 17:17).
2. He blindeth or hardeneth other men (Exodus 4:21; Deuteronomy 2:30; Joshua 11:20; I Kings 12:12-15; 22:23; Isaiah 19:3,11-16; 29:9-12; Ezekiel 14:9).
3. Have you ever thought about the amount of influence you had in the given wisdom, ambition, or direction your parents took at the time of your birth? God by His providence was directing them according to His will, and it was your duty to submit to them whether they were good and gentle or bad and froward.
Therefore, it is not only the office that is to be obeyed and honoured as God’s ordinance but also the man in the office and his particular knowledge or ambition at any point in time. Our first introduction to authority – our parents – bears out this fact clearly. The office, and the person in the office, and the person’s inclination and direction are entirely by the providence of God. We must submit to all of God’s appointments for us.
Proper submission to authority is also an indirect source of authority. Scripture emphasizes the duty of those under authority to submit rather than the taking of control by those in authority as voluntary submission is necessary to God’s ordinance.
1. A king can truly only control his people with their voluntary submission. Rehoboam thought differently and lost his kingdom (I Kings 12:1-19). David and Solomon were both made kings by the willing consent of the people (II Sam 5:1-3; I Chr 29:23-25).
  1. God clearly chose David without any help from the people, then it was their duty to formally acknowledge him as king and submit to him (I Sam 16:1; I Sam 5:1-3).
  2. A king against whom there is no rising up becomes king by voluntary submission, and such submission may involve an oath (II Samuel 5:3; Ecclesiastes 8:2-5).
  3. Once a man is king then he must win and enforce submission to remain king.
  4. An army makes little difference, since the army is made up of people under the same authority. An army can rebel against a king as readily as civilians.
2. A man can truly only control his wife by her voluntary submission. Foolish husbands think they can force it, but it is not true submission nor does it truly serve the man with the pleasure and profit God intended.
  1. Marriage is the formal event where a woman either commits herself or is committed by her father to submit to her husband.
  2. Once married a man must combine affection and authority to keep her submitting.
  3. Once married by “I do,” women cannot escape submission with “I won’t.” For marriage is a commitment to indefinite subordination subject only to God’s limits.
3. All other authority relationships exist the same way – by a combination of voluntary submission and wise leadership maintaining that submission. Even parents understand that they must have the cooperation of their teenagers; masters need it of servants; and so do pastors of congregations. For instance, while pastors are to take the oversight of their flocks (I Peter 5:2), the flock itself is to submit (Heb 13:17).
4. Though authority assumes the voluntary submission of those under it, this does not in any sense whatsoever mean that submission is an option. It is God’s ordinance.
5. Though there may be the physical or mental ability to resist, this does not in any sense whatsoever mean that submission is an option. It is God’s ordinance.
6. It is the proper and repeated teaching of God’s word that makes for the happiest marriages, families, churches, business enterprises, and nations. Arranged marriages, voluntary and involuntary servitude, polygamy, dangerous military campaigns, national economic sacrifices, absolute despots, and so forth all worked amazingly well when men understood God’s ordinance of authority.
Authority is derived from an informed conscience toward God and fear of His ordinance rather than from respect or love of particular rulers.
1. Compare the importance of submission and respect. Which is essential to authority? Authority can function with only submission; it does not require respect. While it can function better with respect, it is not essential to the basic relationship.
2. For instance, much ado is made about how love and respect are essential for a marriage. Yet our generation, where women choose husbands based on love and respect, has a divorce rate exceeding 50% of all marriages. Such a fiasco never occurred when marriages were arranged, since marriage was based on submissive fear rather than fickle affection. Observe and note Peter’s emphasis on fear (I Peter 3:2).
3. Is respect essential to service in employment? What about froward masters? Both Peter and Paul would say that rather fear is essential (I Peter 2:18; Ephesians 6:5).
4. The essential elements of a working relationship of authority and submission are conscience toward God and fear (Lev 19:3; Rom 13:2-5; Col 3:20; Heb 13:17; I Pet 2:19; 3:4-5). With them you can submit even to froward rulers; without them you are adrift on feelings. Children are to fear (Lev 19:3) and reverence (Heb 12:9) their parents rather than love and respect them. The one emphasis promotes consistent obedience and the other promotes vulnerability and circumstances.

The SPHERES OF AUTHORITY

SPHERE #1: God ordained men to rule over women in the relationship of marriage (Genesis 2:18; 3:16; Numbers 30:8,16; Esther 1:10-22; I Corinthians 11:3-10; 14:34-35; I Timothy 2:11-14; Ephesians 5:22-24,33; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:4-5; I Peter 3:1-7).
SPHERE #2: God ordained parents to rule over children in the relationship of a family (Exodus 20:12; 21:15,17; Leviticus 19:3; Numbers 30:5,16; Deuteronomy 5:16; 21:18-21; 27:16; Ruth 3:6; I Kings 2:19; Proverbs 20:20; 30:17; Jeremiah 35:18-19; Malachi 1:6; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20; Hebrews 12:9).
SPHERE #3: God ordained masters to rule over servants in the business relationship (Exodus 21:20-21; Malachi 1:6; Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22-25; I Timothy 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; I Peter 2:18-20).
SPHERE #4: God ordained kings to rule over citizens in a political/national relationship (Exodus 22:28; Proverbs 24:21-22; Ecclesiastes 8:2-5; 10:4; Matthew 22:17-21; Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-17; II Peter 2:10-12; Jude 8-10).
SPHERE #5: God ordained priests and bishops to rule over His people in the church (Deuteronomy 17:8-13; 19:16-21; Malachi 2:7; Matthew 23:1-3; Mark 13:34; II Corinthians 10:8; I Thessalonians 5:12-13; I Timothy 3:4-5; 5:17; Titus 2:15; Hebrews 13:7,17,24).
The five offices above are the five basic spheres or domains of human authority taught in Scripture. All other positions of authority are derived from these five basic institutions.
1. Kings may appoint governors or other civil officers (I Kings 11:28; Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13).
2. Kings may appoint centurions or other military officers (Numbers 31:48-49; Luke 7:8).
3. Kings may appoint tax collectors or revenue officers to serve the realm (I Kings 12:18; Matthew 17:24).
4. Masters may appoint supervisors or other domestic officers to manage a business (Gen 39:4; Matt 20:8).
5. Pastors may appoint deacons and women to serve the church on their behalf (Acts 6:3; Titus 2:3-5).
6. Fathers may appoint tutors, governors, or other servants over children (II Samuel 4:4; Galatians 4:1-2).
7. Husbands may delegate certain authority to their wives for training or business (Proverbs 1:8; 31:12,31).

The EXALTATION OF AUTHORITY

God refers to those in authority over men as gods – for they are as God (Ex 22:28; Ps 82:1,6; John 10:34-35).
He also calls them His ordinance and His servants, even though they may not know Him (Romans 13:1-4; Isaiah 10:5-15; 44:26 – 45:4; Jeremiah 27:6; Ezekiel 29:18-20).
Consider the great honour shown in Scripture to those with authority from God.
1. Women are to reverence their husbands (Eph 5:33) and call them “lord” (I Pet 3:6), as Sarah did when thinking about her husband (Genesis 18:12). Bathsheba did the same toward David (I Kings 1:31). Rather than an emphasis on hearing about husbands as great “friends,” “partners,” “providers,” or “fathers,” we ought to hear some women reverencing their husbands as great “lords.”
2. Paul assumed reverence of fathers (Heb 12:9), and Rachel practiced it (Gen 31:35).
3. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to esteem their elders very highly (I Thess 5:12-13).
God warned severely about disrespectful language (Ex 22:28; Deut 27:16; II Kings 2:23-24; Job 34:16-19; Proverbs 30:17; Eccl 10:20; Isaiah 45:10; 57:4; Ezekiel 22:7; Acts 23:1-5; Titus 2:9-10; II Peter 2:10; Jude 8).
1. CEO Louis Gerstner tried to stop the Nabisco ad for Fig Newtons due to a sassy boy in the commercial.
2. Yet Americans thrive on “All in the Family,” “The Simpsons,” and “Married with Children,” among other profane sitcoms about the family that mock the authority of both husbands and parents.
A very tender example of authority relationships – parent and child – was enforced by death (Exodus 21:15,17; Leviticus 20:9; Deut 21:18-21; 27:16; Proverbs 20:20; 30:17).
God considered the authority of a master over his servant to be great as reflected in the fact that the servant was his property (Exodus 21:20-21).
Consider the precautions David took against violence toward God’s ordained man, though David had been anointed the next king and Saul was his enemy and tried to kill him (I Sam 24:1-8; 26:1-25; II Sam 1:1-16).
God warned severely against those who might think or talk about changing government (Prov 24:21-22).
God ranked positions of power in marriage and society to establish the proper hierarchy (I Corinthians 11:3).
God expected public and visible displays of submission to authority in church assemblies (I Cor 11:7-10).
Even vows to Almighty God are under the authority of husbands and fathers (Numbers 30).
Michael the archangel would not even rail against the devil due to the devil’s God-given authority (Jude 9).
We are to pray for kings and for all that are in authority (I Timothy 2:1-2; Jeremiah 29:4-7).
Submission to authority is an essential and integral part of the gospel (Titus 2:5; 3:1; I Peter 2:21).
God ridicules giving authority or honor to servants, for it is not theirs (Prov 19:10; 30:21-22; Eccl 10:5-7).

The VALUE OF AUTHORITY

God chose all five spheres to be governed by autocratic rule rather than other forms of government and rule.
1. The family is governed by a father; marriage is governed by the husband; employment is governed by the master; churches are governed by pastors; and nations are governed by judges or kings.
2. Democracy – rule by the masses or majority – in its pure form is not much more than anarchy or mob rule.
3. Representation – or rule by representatives – is simply anarchy or mob rule with better disguise.
4. Democratic ideas such as marriage is a partnership, congregational rule in churches, family councils, committee management of a company, or excessive checks and balances on civil government are errors of a foolish and weak society. It is seeing the evil of servants on horses (Proverbs 30:22; Eccl 10:5-7).
Consider the functioning of a major city like New York City, where there are so many people crammed together into a small place and working well together due to authority. Consider laws governing engineering, traffic, law enforcement, utilities, securities, janitorial, waste disposal, taxis, food service, etc. Whatever you dislike about NYC is likely due to some example of compromised or inadequate authority.
Security is maximized when those in authority fulfill their responsibilities rather than leaving decisions and consequently fear with those not equally able to bear them. The result is peace and rest with freedom from dilemmas and doubts.
1. Children are balanced and happy when they grow up under an authoritative and communicative father.
2. Wives are happy and secure when they are able to love and follow a true leader who guides the family.
3. Servants are secure and comfortable to do their best when their masters are rulers that give clear direction.
4. Churches are content, unified, and secure when their pastors take their oversight and direct them.
5. Citizens are quiet, content, and secure when they have a strong leader to protect and rule them.
Decisions are made more wisely and efficiently by a God-called man than any other form of government.
1. The wisdom of a single ruler will be superior to the general ignorance of a group’s average intelligence.
2. The time and means necessary to assemble, inform, and debate an issue with a group is great.
3. Most men who have worked in large companies readily understand this inefficiency of meetings.

The ENEMIES OF AUTHORITY

Man’s corrupt, depraved, and proud heart wants to be his own god against all and any authority.
It was the devil’s pride against God’s office and role for him that condemned him (I Timothy 3:6).
The Bible warns that rebellion is an evil trait of very wicked men (II Peter 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).
Americans have the worst attitude of all, for they are bred, born, and trained to love something they call, “freedom,” though few can define it intelligently short of anarchy of all doing as they please.

The DECLINE OF AUTHORITY

Paul warned of perilous times when child disobedience would increase even among Christians (II Tim 3:1-5), and if parental authority declines then so must all other spheres of authority. Notice that child rebellion is in conjunction with godliness without power.
God gave man dominion over the earth, but today some even cry against this (Gen 1:26). They would rather have the little spotted owls of Oregon ruling over lumberjacks.
There is little example of authority today. Norman Schwarzkopf is an extreme exception. Where is a mighty father? a mighty husband? a mighty master? and so forth. Policemen are afraid; principals are afraid; football coaches are afraid; etc.
There is little enforcement of authority. Corporal punishment is ridiculed for the home and banned from all public use. Consider how it could serve jails, schools, and the military. “Freedom of speech” is obnoxious but to natural brute beasts. To thank God for it would be like thanking God for Judah’s incest that resulted in the royal line.
We find our first relationship tainted. Why should children fear teachers after ruling their parents? employees fear employers after defying parents?
Marriage vows today are modified specifically to remove the wife’s vow of obedience.

The REJECTION OF AUTHORITY

God clearly warned that wicked men will despise government – or authority (II Peter 2:10-12; Jude 8-10).
1. Note that despising government is associated with sodomy – unnatural affection and perversion of nature.
  1. Despising government and dominion is that resentful attitude against being told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. It is the logical excess of an intemperate society without the discipline to deny itself and properly submit to the God-given and necessary offices for a properly functioning society.
  2. It is equivalent to think of men with men sex as it is to think of marital partnerships, family councils, congregational rule, management by committee, and “separation of powers” government.
2. Presumption and self-will are things we must avoid, even if these things are taught as fundamental principles of being a real American and individualist.
3. Despising government is manifested by a lack of fear to speak evil of dignities, or those in authority.
4. Angels, though they are greater in power and might than human dignities, do not bring railing accusations against human authorities, for they recognize their God-given office and the work of His providence.
  1. Neither would Michael the archangel bring railing accusation against the devil himself.
  2. Godly women should have long hair – their symbol of being under the power of the man – because of these angels and their respect for authority (I Cor 11:10).
5. These anti-establishment individuals are like brute beasts without ordinary and natural understanding.
  1. They presume that they could run a government much better, though they do not have even a clue of all that must be done to oversee the civil government and its duties that they so despise and detest.
  2. The cure for these types is to take them out and destroy them, since they cannot be profitably used.
  3. God compared them to brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, like a rabid dog or sick pig.
  4. Their conversation is the inane babbling of fools, for they do not understand the role of
  5. They will perish in their own corruption – sodomites from AIDS and other STD’s and lack of reproductive ability and anarchists from God’s judgment and the dissolution of society (Pr 24:20-22).
When events like the beating of a black drunkard who endangered a number of lives occurs, the media make him a victim and smear the L.A.P.D. and their administrators. While we should not justify wickedness in rulers, we should only criticize or condemn them very fearfully.
Rather than being content with dropping “to obey him” from marital vows, women now have “spousal rape” bills to defend them when they choose to defraud their husbands.

The OBJECTIONS OF AUTHORITY

OBJECTION #1: I might get stuck with a bad ruler who will use his power to hurt or oppress me.
1. This objection is no more valid than objecting against physical features, physical capabilities, mental capabilities, financial opportunities, and so forth that you end up with in life. To fret against these things is to fret against God (Is 45:9-10; I Cor 4:7). Rather than fret against being 5’10” tall, we should be content and make the most of what God has given us. God in infinite wisdom determines equally what our height will be and what specific rulers He will put over us in His established offices for our good.
2. The rulers we get are the wise effect of God’s providence in our lives. Every act of God in our lives is for His glory and our profit, if we trust and obey them. Evil parents, husbands, masters, pastors, and rulers are for a purpose. Our duty is to obey and honor them anyway, and trust for God to deliver us in mercy.
3. In a society full of “liberties,” we have voluntary marriages, monogamy, right-to-quit employment, choices of churches, and so forth. We are spoiled. We do not consider it an evil to see servants on horses: we consider it essential to happiness (Eccl 10:5-7). But God expects us to submit regardless (Gen 16:9).
4. The first authority we meet – our parents – should teach us much about God’s ordinance of authority.
  1. He did not consult us at all to determine what kind of parents we would prefer to have.
  2. He did not give any ability at all to escape parents that were not “in our best interests.”
  3. We are totally subject to the mercy of God in delivering us from parents that could ruin our lives in every respect without us knowing it or avoiding it. The affect parents make in lives cannot be exaggerated, and God makes the choice without any consultation or cooperation from you.
  4. God could not care less about what you think of your parents. You are simply to obey, honor, fear, and reverence them, no matter how much you might dislike them or how much they are foolish.
5. Right understanding here should cause more fervent prayers for those in authority (Jer 29:7; I Tim 2:1-2).
6. If there is any difficulty at all with this objection, the reader should consult main point III dealing with the source of authority. It is confidence in the providence of God that will bring peace regarding authority (Psalm 9:18; 12:5; 72:4,12-14; Ecclesiastes 5:8).
OBJECTION #2: My master, or employer, is obnoxious, and I just cannot submit to him any longer.
1. This argument is more opposed to a particular ruler than rulers in general dealt with in objection 1.
2. Peter answered this objection by inspiration in his excellent doctrine of authority (I Peter 2:13 – 3:7).
  1. He specifically dealt with froward, or wicked, masters and our resulting duty to them (I Pet 2:18-20).
  2. We are not only bound to submit to good and gentle employers, but also to froward, or perverse, ones.
  3. To be froward is to be perverse, naughty, wicked, critical, negative, and strange.
  4. Our conscience toward God and His ordinance of authority ought to cause us to endure grief and suffer wrongfully under an abusive ruler. The proper foundation of submission that pleases God is the knowledge of God’s ordinance of authority.
  5. It is only submitting to a froward master that evilly treats you in spite of your good conduct that can properly be worthy of thanks, is glorious, and is acceptable to God.
  6. A proper understanding of God’s ordinance will result in Christians patiently suffering grief under abusive or slothful rulers rather than rebelling, resenting, or criticizing them.
3. God has ordained imperfect men (sinners) to positions of authority, and a consequence is that their rule will be imperfect. But imperfect administration of justice is better than no administration of justice. Every man that is a father knows he has ruled his wife and children improperly at times; but he still expects their obedience and honor. Why is it so hard for him to see and accept imperfection in his own rulers?
4. As shown in the previous objection, it is God’s providence that chose your rulers in general. Submit to it.
5. A complaining servant craving a perfect master would likely be a worse master than the one he criticizes. If it were otherwise, he would be master by God’s providence and/or the natural selection process.
6. True understanding of authority and practice of godly submission can only take place with a bad ruler.
OBJECTION #3: I am under a ruler that does not live the way I think he should.
1. Jesus answered this by teaching obedience to hypocritical Pharisees, which were wrong (Matt 23:1-3).
2. The personal life of a ruler does not change the duties of those under his rule at all.
  1. Wives often defend insubordination because their husbands do not love them enough. They say, “If my husband would love and cherish me more, then I would submit more.” Women must recognize that the duty to love his wife is between her husband and Christ, and she should recognize it does not bear at all on her submissiveness. An unloving husband is treated the same as the froward master.
  2. Wives also may defend insubordination because their husbands do not submit to their own rulers. Christ holds the man accountable for such offences, and it is not his wife’s job to do so. She should rather focus on her own obedience to her husband’s authority.
  3. All men in authority are hypocrites to some degree, but this does not affect the ordinance of God – they are still exercising God’s appointed power.
OBJECTION #4: But I am just as able, if not more able, to do a better job myself.
1. Such an argument may arise from smart wives about dumb husbands, smart kids about dumb parents, smart servants about dumb masters, smart members about dumb pastors, and so forth. For this objection we shall assume that the objector is smarter, even though the likelihood of such a situation is indeed rare. If rulers are not generally smarter, then God’s ordinance is foolish and the natural selection process vain.
2. There are several reasons why this objection is invalid and ought to be rejected by conscientious persons.
  1. The authority is in the office ordained by God and not in the perceived ability of the person in it.
  2. The authority is in God’s providence that placed the perceived incompetent party in the office.
  3. The authority is also in God’s preparation of the incompetent party for the office that you cannot see.
  4. The authority is also in God’s providence by stirring up the incompetent ruler for future needs.
3. God took exception to such words as this objection stated by Korah and his company (Num 16:1-40).
4. This is clearly the brute beasts of Jude 8-10 and II Pet 2:10-12 speaking foolishly of what they knew not.
OBJECTION #5: Guyana and red Kool-Aid are next if we submit to authority as strictly as you teach.
1. If your heart and life are right with God, then God will deliver you from men like Jim Jones.
  1. Does He not deliver you from famine, pestilence, war, storms, and so forth?
  2. Prayer has delivered men from oppressive rulers before (Exodus 3:7-10; Esther 4:15 – 5:3; Psalm 12:5; Isaiah 3:12-15; Jeremiah 22:13-19; Amos 4:1-3).
2. If the disciples of Jim Jones had been disciples of God (Exodus 23:2; Psalm 118:8-9; Jeremiah 29:13; Acts 5:29), they would never have died.
3. If the disciples of Jim Jones had searched and obeyed the Scriptures (Ps 119:98-100; Proverbs 14:15; 22:3; Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:21), they would never have died.
4. You are to fear and be in subjection to your rulers, but you are not to fear with amazement – fearful inability to think or reason for yourself (I Peter 3:6).
5. There are God-given checks on authority that we will consider further along in this study.
OBJECTION #6: Democracy is the greatest form of government, and you are opposing it.
1. Democracy is mob rule. It is every man doing that which is right in his own eyes. It is first cousin to anarchy. It is based on one man – one vote. It values numbers of men over God’s wisdom or wise men.
2. Our nation is not a true democracy, but it is close. While we technically have a representative form of government, it is based on democratic principles. America is great due to freedom for the gospel and God’s providence rather than its form of government. The “Declaration of Independence” and “Preamble to the Constitution” are quite anarchic considered wisely in light of scripture.
3. Marital partnerships, group management, congregational rule, and so forth are not God’s ordinance, and neither do they work. The larger the group ruling itself, the lower the common denominator of wisdom.
4. God does not consult with the angels as to how He should govern the universe. It would waste His time!
5. Imagine your children practicing “democracy” in your home. How would they vote? What if the majority were with the children? What would be the effect on the efficiency of decision-making? the wisdom of decisions? the happiness of the divided house?
6. A good test of this objection is to consider the intelligence or wisdom of a trial by jury, where justice is turned over to those knowing the least about it, and the man with the most knowledge of it cannot rule.
OBJECTION #7: Those in power should create or allow a forum for discussion/debate by those under it.
1. Sometimes women are frustrated submitting because their husbands do not include them enough in the decision-making process. Sometimes children think they should be consulted before decisions are made.
2. Do you really believe that rulers would benefit by such a use of time? or is it that you have difficulty leaving decisions affecting your life to others?
3. While the Bible does speak of safety in a multitude of counselors (Prov 11:14; 24:6), it is referring to counselors – wise men. Solomon does not teach consulting fools. A king consulting his subjects is a fool as much as a general consulting his troops as much as a master consulting his servants as much as a father consulting his children in matters requiring wisdom. While there may be unique situations for some feedback or discussion, the issues at stake are the important decisions required of true rulers.
4. Can you imagine General Schwarzkopf or Alexander the Great allowing their regular soldiers to have a forum for discussion and debate before voting whether they agree with the proposed plan of action?
5. Can you imagine an auto company president voluntarily creating a forum for discussion, debate, and voting by the United Auto Workers, whose one goal is selfish greed for workers to work less and make more at the expense of owners, management, and customers?
6. Discussion does not necessarily lead to good feelings by participation – it rather leads to dissension by creating an illusion of power in the minds of those not created for wielding it.
OBJECTION #8: But I do not think I would be happy having to obey others in the strict way you describe.
1. Such an argument questions God’s wisdom and kindness. As for me, man cannot make good what God has condemned, and he cannot make better what God has commended.
2. Experience teaches us that the happiest children and wives and citizens and servants and members are those with wise leaders who rule them thoroughly.

The CHECK OF AUTHORITY

God is the absolute Check of authority in the universe and will ultimately govern all men and relationships.
1. He is the Check in the sense of purposing and approving those in authority and overruling their wrath to His praise and our profit (Psalm 76:10; Eccl 5:8; Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Romans 13:1; Revelation 13:7).
2. He is the Check in the sense of delivering the oppressed and afflicted from those stronger than they (Ex 2:23-24; Judges 2:18; Psalm 10:14; 12:5; 68:5; 72:12; Proverbs 29:26; Ecclesiastes 5:8; James 5:4).
3. He is the Check in the sense of moving rulers’ hearts (Exodus 34:23-24; Ezra 1:1-3; Esther 2:17; 5:2; Psalm 105:13-15; Proverbs 21:1; Acts 7:10; I Timothy 2:1-2; Revelation 17:17).
4. God can check those in authority by revolt (I Kings 12:15; II Kings 24:20), dreams (Gen 41:1; Job 33:14-17), evil circumstances (Dan 4:2), disease (II Chron 26:19), and even death (II Chr 25:27; Acts 12:23).
Therefore, prayer is a check for those under authority by calling on God to intercede on behalf of His people.
1. Prayer is God’s ordained means to a quiet and peaceable life under authority and rulers (I Timothy 2:1-2).
2. Prayer was God’s plan for Israel’s peace during the Babylonian captivity of the Jews (Jeremiah 29:4-7).
3. Darius the Persian King desired prayers of God’s people at Jerusalem, for he knew the benefit (Ezra 6:10).
4. Nehemiah prayed for God to move King Ahasuerus to send him to Jerusalem to help (Nehemiah 2:1-5).
5. Paul asked for the prayers of the Hebrews for his ministry, even when in bonds (Hebrews 13:18; 10:34).
Scripture is a check in that it can directly correct and instruct those rulers in authority who fear God.
1. Consider that God required the scriptures to be prepared for a king to restrain him (Deut 17:18-20).
2. God not only addressed submission, He also addressed ruling (Colossians 3:19; 4:1; I Peter 3:7).
3. Scriptures instructs and warns those in authority to rule with wisdom (Proverbs 29:21).
4. Scripture gives wisdom (Psalm 119:98-100), and wisdom creates fear for rulers (I Samuel 18:15).
5. It gives wisdom and courage and content for speaking before those in authority (Psalm 119:46).
6. God checks rulers by His word, so it is important to promote the Scriptures to all our rulers.
  1. Masters can beat servants (Exodus 21:20-21), but they must be careful to be fair (Col 4:1).
  2. While fathers may stone sons (Deut 21:18-21), they must train kindly and patiently (Eph 6:4).
Proving is a check in that it assumes an intelligent submission based on true knowledge and evidence.
1. As the noble Bereans proved Paul from the Scriptures (Acts 17:11), so should we prove pastors.
2. As wives are to resist fearing husbands with amazement (I Peter 3:6), so should we under rulers.
3. Proving all things can save men from all kinds of evil (I Thessalonians 5:21; Proverbs 14:15; 22:3).
4. Just the knowledge of cautious subjects proving all things is a deterrent to evil on the part of rulers.
E. Obedience is a check in that it obtains the favor of God and man upon faithful men (Proverbs 3:1-4).
1. It obtains the favor of God by being pleasing in His sight and bringing His mercy on their circumstances.
  1. It is a basic principle of truth that God blesses the obedient with His favor (Psalm 37:4; 84:11).
  2. If a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Prov 16:7).
2. It obtains the favor of man by pleasing those in authority and bringing their mercy (Eccl 10:14; Pr 25:15).
  1. Even a servant can obtain favor from a prince by obedience (Prov 14:35; 16:20; 17:2; 27:18).
  2. God understands and confirms the natural selection process and severe ruling (Exodus 21:20-21).
  3. Wise men will obey by knowing the painful consequence of disobedience (Eccl 8:5; Rom 13:3-4).
Yielding is a check in that it can pacify and persuade a ruler, even when he is very angry for your offence!
1. Yielding can pacify a ruler whose spirit has risen up against you to save you from his judgment (Proverbs 15:1,18; 16:14; 20:2; Ecclesiastes 8:3; 10:4).
2. Yielding can persuade a ruler whose opinion is contrary to you (Proverbs 25:15).
3. Such yielding can move husbands, fathers, and masters as well as it can kings.
G. Legal recourse is a check in that it uses the means appointed by the ruler to object to his policies or practices.
1. Esther sought a new law from the king to defeat Haman’s conspiracy for genocide (Esther 8:5).
2. The Jews appealed to the records of the Persian Empire for defense of rebuilding Jerusalem (Ezra 5:8-13).
3. Paul appealed to Roman law to save himself from being scourged against Roman law (Acts 22:24-29).
4. Paul appealed to Caesar to save himself a trial in Jerusalem that would have been rigged (Acts 25:7-12).
5. We may write letters to our representatives, sign petitions, vote intelligently, contribute time and money to campaigns, sue, and so forth, as long as our actions and attitude complies with the Bible on authority.
  1. If we neglect options of legal recourse, our faith is presumptuous, and we tempt God (Luke 4:9-12).
  2. We must consider options of legal recourse as being from the Lord for our protection (Esther 4:14).
  3. There may be times when you must go over your master’s head to report his evil. The ultimate authority of higher officers, the shareholders, and government officials become an important issue.
  4. The Scriptures give the legal recourse of using Matthew 18:15-17 for church members.
6. For instance, our tax system assumes that each citizen will do his best to avoid taxes i.e. charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, etc. But to not pay taxes to make a political statement is not the prerogative of a Christian. Refusing to pay or file is not legal, but the Jarvis referendum in California was.
Rebuke is a check when done properly in the spirit and context approved by God for His ambassadors.
1. God has raised up men like Elijah and John the Baptist who have rebuked evil rulers for their sins.
2. Children and wives may and must rebuke fathers and husbands when righteousness or truth is at stake.
3. Rebuke must only be exercised in extreme conflicts with authority and be done meekly (II Pet 2:10-11).
4. Consider Paul’s retraction of a rebuke against the high priest presiding over his trial (Acts 23:1-5).
Rebellion is a check in that it draws a final line where subjects will no longer submit.
1. Scripture provides as a last resort the option of rebelling against authority to preserve the integrity of God’s commandments and/or preserve the life of His saints.
  1. If God has commanded us to do something, we must do it regardless of any authority or rulers
    1. For example, a woman should obey God rather than her husband in the matter of baptism.
    2. For example, we must spank our children to properly train them regardless of D.S.S. rulings.
  2. If God has prohibited us from something, we must avoid it regardless of rulers.
    1. For example, a woman should obey God when her husband invites her to evil television.
    2. For example, servants should not obey masters who try to involve them in company theft.
  3. If God has neither commanded nor prohibited something, then we submit to authority unless to do so seriously jeopardizes our health or our lives or our ability to keep God’s commandments.
    1. We rely here on God’s priority of mercy over sacrifice (Matthew 12:7) and His recognition of man’s strong need of self-preservation (Exodus 22:2).
    2. Of course, we can only justify mercy for rebellion in very extreme cases, not your unhappiness.
    3. The following examples of rebellion in most cases have no direct provision found in the Bible.
  4. The most prudent action or rebellion should be chosen for each case (Es 4:13-17).
2. The examples of rebellion should cause us to love truth rather than despise dominion ordained by God.
  1. Kings were deceived by Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18; 26:6-12).
  2. King Pharaoh was disobeyed and lied to by two Hebrew midwives (Ex 1:15-21).
  3. King Pharaoh was disobeyed by the parents of Moses (Ex 1:22 – 2:10; Heb 11:23).
  4. The king of Jericho was deceived by Rahab (Josh 2:1-7; Heb 11:31; James 2:25).
  5. The king of Moab was deceived and assassinated by Ehud (Judges 3:12-26).
  6. Captain Sisera was deceived and assassinated by Jael (Judges 4:18-21; 5:24).
  7. The Midianites were deceived economically by Gideon (Judges 6:1-14).
  8. King Saul was deceived by Samuel the prophet to anoint David (I Samuel 16:1-2).
  9. King Saul was deceived by his daughter Michael to save David (I Sam 19:11-18).
  10. King Saul was lied to by his son Jonathan to save David (I Samuel 20:24-35).
  11. High Priest Ahimelech was deceived by David for his life (I Samuel 21:1-2,8-10).
  12. Husband Nabal was disobeyed by his wise wife Abigail (I Samuel 25:3,10-11,18-19).
  13. King Achish was deceived several times by David (I Samuel 27:1-12; 28:1-2; 29:8).
  14. King Absalom was deceived by Hushai (II Samuel 15:31-37; 16:15-19; 17:1-14).
  15. Queen Jezebel and King Ahab were deceived by Obadiah (I Kings 18:1-4).
  16. King Ahab was deceived by Micaiah in the name of the Lord (I Kings 22:1-36).
  17. Queen Athaliah was deceived and disobeyed by Jehosheba (II Kings 11:1-3).
  18. King Ahasuerus had his authority tested unlawfully by Esther (Esther 4:15-17).
  19. King Nebuchadnezzar’s dietary laws were disobeyed by Daniel (Daniel 1:5-8).
  20. King Nebuchadnezzar’s religious laws were rejected by some men (Dan 3:8-18).
  21. King Darius’s religious decree was rejected by faithful Daniel (Daniel 6:1-13).
  22. King Herod was deceived and disobeyed by the wise men (Matthew 2:12-16).
  23. The rulers of the Jews were disobeyed by Peter and John (Acts 4:19; 5:29).
God has neither ordained nor instructed men to be the check-and-balance of authority outside of the checks described above. God Himself is the Great Check-and-Balance of this universe. Men are simply bound to follow their rulers as far as they are able without violating clear authority from God.
1. Proving all things does not mean proving authority, for God has already approved it.
2. Proving all things does not mean proving subjective decisions, for God has given the ruler in authority the ability and/or right to make such decisions himself.
3. Proving all things does not mean that five minutes of research should haughtily be thrown at a ruler who may have spent years considering the matter from a position of superior ability, insight, perspective, and responsibility.
4. Proving all things may mean trusting your rulers to a great degree based on past performance and confidence in God’s providence and the Holy Scriptures.
5. While blind faith or amazed fear are wrong, yet so is balking, checking, questioning, answering again, resisting, and complaining about decisions.
6. Are children the check-and-balance of parents? Wives of husbands? Servants of masters? Members of pastors? Citizens of kings? No.

The PRACTICE OF AUTHORITY

Rulers should always get the benefit of the doubt in matters without clear proof of wrongdoing against God.
1. Charity dictates that we believe and hope all things without evil surmisings, even of those who are not in positions of authority (I Cor 13:4-7; I Tim 6:4). Therefore, we should certainly show such mercy toward those who hold a position of authority and reverence and are responsible for things we do not understand.
2. Those under authority seldom if ever see more than a very limited portion of the ruler’s perspective and responsibility in the decisions he must make.
3. No human ruler is perfect, so all human rule will be imperfect. But God ordained it just that way. Have you found anything in this world to be perfect? Get used to it! You are as imperfect as anything else!
4. Any matter of personal discretion or liberty in ruling should not be resisted any more than formal and objective decisions. These subjective aspects of authority are an essential aspect of ruling. God has already settled the important moral issues, but He has left it to men to settle other questions.
5. Those under authority should follow the liberty of the one in authority, if he is a Christian (Heb 13:7).
Apply all questions to your own children and wife and further, if you are a master.
1. What do you want your children to do when they think your rules are unnecessarily restrictive?
2. How do you want your wife to cooperate when you have offended her preferences in a decision?
3. What kind of “check and balance” do you desire from your children and wife on your decision-making?
4. With what spirit do you want your wife and children questioning or rebuking you when right or wrong?
5. To what extent and with what spirit would you accept your children discussing among themselves their differences with you?
God places obligations on those in authority, but their duty is to God, not their subjects.
1. Read Paul’s warning about his duty to God rather than Corinth (I Corinthians 4:1-4).
2. For instance, Job had a policy of considering servants’ complaints, but it was not their place to demand this of him (Job 31:13-15).
3. Fathers are to be patient and merciful to children; husbands are to love their wives; masters are to be fair to their servants; pastors are to take care of God’s heritage; and kings are to consider their subjects; but these responsibilities come from God, not men, especially not those under authority.
4. Rebellion is only justified in Scripture where the authority of a ruler conflicts with the authority of God. Rebellion is not justified when you think your ruler is not exercising his authority as you think he should.
We should submit to troublesome rulers and consider them as God’s providence in our lives. As with the rest of our circumstances, they reflect more or less (1) a trial from God to perfect us, (2) judgment from God to chasten us, (3) the natural consequences of our own folly, or (4) an opportunity for God to manifest His glory.
1. God may test your character with a trying husband; God may judge you with an overbearing husband; or you may simply have the foolish and selfish husband you chose in your youthful folly.
2. God may test a congregation with a heretical pastor; God may chasten a congregation with a slothful pastor; and they may simply have the part-time pastor they pay for and pray for.
3. Would you have faithfully waited 20 years under Laban, 215 years in Egypt, or 70 years in Babylon?
It is not just pagan and selfish rulers that enact laws that appear to be painful and ruinous of personal liberty.
1. Consider virtuous Joseph’s flat tax of 20% for a dictator (Gen 47:26). Would you have had a tea party?
2. He even forced segregation and a relocation program, probably to Section 8 housing (Gen 47:21)! Get it!
Those in positions of authority must take their offices seriously and enforce them as representing God.
1. Solomon warned about an evil influence degrading authority as proceeding from the ruler (Eccl 10:5-7).
2. Authority is generally lost only by abdication, since God and ability are with those in authority, unless God in judgment has removed their ability; but even judgment can be reversed by proper obedience.
3. Most rulers give up their God-ordained power in the ignorant hope that they can win cooperation by sharing power that will function just as well as ruling authoritatively. They are wrong.
4. Fathers must take control of their childrens’ lives regardless of public opinion, for they need the help.
We should esteem authority as God’s wise ordinance and benevolent gift for man’s safety and prosperity.
We should carefully guard and guide our children’s opinion and understanding of it in all its spheres.
We should wisely help one another and other rulers we meet to preserve their authority in their sphere.
We should pray for all that are in authority whether it be the king or our husband or our parents (I Tim 2:1-2).

The FAQ OF CIVIL AUTHORITY

But tax money spent for sinful ends is sinful stewardship? Why did Jesus pay for His crucifixion?!
But the Constitution is king, and this government is unconstitutional? Jesus, Paul, and Peter had the Old Testament for a constitution, but they recognized a de facto government had replaced it. Jesus, Paul, Peter, nor any true saints get involved in most de jure distractions and wastes of time.
But if we take from the government, like unemployment compensation, disability payments, tax deductibility for giving, we make them our god? No, we make them servants of God! (See “IRS”).
But our money is unconstitutional, so we should not pay? Then why are you carrying it and planning to collect it at retirement?! Jesus honored money from the Central Bank of Rome!
But if we take a number like the social security number, we are taking the mark of the Beast? Are you sure it is not your driver’s license number, phone number, or house number?! Grow up! Read Daniel 7-12 and find out what empire is represented by this Beast and his number in Revelation!
But we have a right to privacy, so we should resist? We will not take a social security number, ID number, GPS in our cars, Google views of our home, or chip under our skin. Christians should have nothing to hide, why are you so afraid?
But if we get 501(c)3 approval, we are giving God’s sovereignty to the IRS? Wrong, we are proving that the IRS is a nursing father and mother provided by our sovereign God for our benefit.
But this doctrine of yours cannot apply to bad rulers like Hitler? Why not, do you think he was worse in some way than Pharaoh to Israel, Nebuchadnezzar to Judah, or Caesar to Christians?! Grow up and understand that God personally handpicked Adolph Hitler for the German people.
But I like to stay informed, so I read insider information about our government? You are meddling with them given to change, and God will judge you. The information is a lie, because it is not inside at all. If you can read it, then it is not insider information, because you do not have a security clearance at any level and neither do your sources, and you are feeding your soul the devil’s poison. Guess what your children are reading, listening to, and thinking about you in their rooms?!
But if we appeal or apply to civil authority, we replace God with the state? Wrong, the Bible is filled with examples of saints using the powers that be for protection, provision, etc. God ordained the power – in both the office and the person in the office and his present spirit. Read Rom 13:1-7!
But the Declaration and Constitution were built on the Bible, and it is our duty to reclaim this country and government for God? Wrong, and Wrong. Prove one and then the other, please. Jesus and Paul did not even try to restore Israel, which was God’s nation and had His constitution.
But there are conspiracies that we need to fight, or they will take over the country and world, and we will be pacifist babies and lose our children to a concentration camp. You misunderstand the lack of human ability for conspiracy. You and your friends certainly cannot fight a conspiracy. The Lord Jesus Christ is Captain of the host of heaven, and He knows and fights all conspiracies with a rod of iron rule that far surpasses any plot or rebellion you could plan or promote.
But we must fight this battle or the enemy will take our country. God will fight the battle for our country, because He called you to fight a different battle, not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:10-18).
But if I do not fight and resist this government, who will? Relax, God will (Eccl 5:8)!
But if I do not take FRN’s, I will be a sovereign citizen rather than a slave? Give me your wallet!
But if I do not prepare for Y2K, I will be swept away in the overthrow of America? Enough said!

The RESPONSE TO AUTHORITY

Remember to honor your parents for their office, even when your mother loses her mind (Pr 23:22).
You must love gospel ministers and esteem them highly for their works’ sake (I Thess 5:12-13).
You must pray for civil rulers (I Tim 2:1-2; Eph 6:9).
Pray for the peace of those in authority so you can have peace (Jer 29:4-7).

The CONSEQUENCE OF AUTHORITY

From a positive perspective, consider the incredible promises given for honoring parents (Ex 20:12; Ep 6:3).
From a negative perspective, there are severe consequences for even meddling with rebellion (Pr 24:21-22).
Every father must consider his attitude, words, and actions to all authority, for it will surely return (Gal 6:7).

For Further Study:

Sermon Outline: God Bless the IRS.
Sermon Outline: The Christian and Taxes.
Proverb Commentary: Proverbs 24:21.
Proverb Commentary: Proverbs 24:22.
Sermon Outline: The Dominion of God.
Sermon Outline: Promise Them Liberty.
Sermon Outline: The book of Jude … not in e-format at this time.
Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 8 … not in e-format at this time.
Sermon Outline: Ecclesiastes 9 … not in e-format at this time.