Previously I wrote about the role of people (specifically believers) and how we should respond to the government. I wanted to not just give my personal opinion on what I think of the current administration (as this is NOT a political blog) but rather see what Scripture says our response should be to all forms of government and leadership in the United States. I began with one of the most well known verses of the Bible: Romans 13:1-7, there we are reminded that our role is to submit to the governing authorities (no matter what form of government: democracy, totalitarian, etc...) as it was instituted by God. Now we will look at another passage in the book of 1 Peter:
1 Peter 2:13-17:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."
Vs. 13-14:
The context of this passage is that Peter just finishing giving a wonderful illustration to this community that they are the people of God, "a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." Then they are given an exhortation to live their lives for Christ so much the pagans have to stop and give thanks to God. Finally he switches topics to secular or civil authorities:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Submit yourselves....
There is the command not option (for lingustic meaning read previous blog) just like Paul's opening in Romans 13:1, we are called by both apostles to be subject to the ruling authority. Notice it doesn't say what KIND of authority, just whatever authority you are being ruled under. Remember that Peter was under the reign of Nero (an oppressive and not very democratic!!). Also notice that Peter says that we should submit to every authority that is "instituted among men" making the Roman government a legitimate authority. Some would say this doesnt line up with what Paul is saying in Romans 13. I beg to differ. Paul says that every authority is instituted by God, it is divine ordered by Him. Peter is saying that the authority that is instituted among men must be submitted to---Paul addresses where the authority derives from: God, while Peter reinforces our submission to the law regardless of who makes it: among men.
Now we get to the part that Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are very similar: First Peter recognizes like Paul that no matter who is in power they are sent by God (God's servants in Romans 13): they are divinely sent. Second that they are sent to create order not chaos by enacting laws, and punishing those who break them (Romans 13:6-7).
(vs. 14) --For whose sake should we submit to these authorities..."for the Lord's sake [submit yourselves] to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."
Notice that Peter covers that no matter what kind, and no matter WHO is in power you are called to respect, and be subject to. But Peter also states the exact same thought as Paul in regards to the purpose--who are sent by Him. We do for Christ, to obey Him, and recognize that no matter who is in power we submit willingly.
Vs. 15-17:
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
FInally Peter instructs his people that it is God's desire, His will, that they must act in accordance to the laws--that by doing good", that by living this gospel life out, obeying the law, and government no one should be able to call them out. Then he exhorts not to abuse their freedoms but live as servants of Christ. Notice the final line: I want you to: show respect to everyone---the brotherhood of believers (church), fear God (our Shepherd) and HONOR the king. Honor means to hold in high respect. Peter says hold in high respect the king.
So what?
Yes I resurrected my old religion professors saying of why did we go through all this information:
1 Peter 2:13-16 illustrates for us:
1. We must submit to any secular or civil authority instituted over us for Christ' sake.
(This is not an option--those hate government groups, or people who do not want to follow the authority must examine their hearts and read God's Word to evaluate as this position is a clear violation of His Word.)
2. All rulers and forms of government must be submitted to.
(It never indicates in Scripture that we should follow only democratic governments--in fact all the writers wrote under an oppressive Roman government)
3. All civil authorities are sent by God.
(Again like Paul Peter recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control of all things---it is a divine decreed institution)
4. Your role should be to obey, follow and HONOR the governing authority no matter who they are.
(Here is our role and response to the government: to obey (submit) and to honor and respect them. Their job is punish evil)
**I am doing this to illustrate that how we have acted towards our leaders, and governments are wrong. The way Fox News, and other tv news stations have slandered and abuse the right of freedom of speaking is not in line with Scripture. Our opinions are important but they must flow from an out growth of our relationship with Christ and His Word.
Tomorrow I will examine a passage that focuses purely on our role in regards to our government: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Be Blessed
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