Romans 13:1-7 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. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Ephesians 6:5-7 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
1 Peter 2:13,14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
The question is; of course just when we are not submitting to authority; and that is to happen when we are asked to go against the Lord and we are forced between our convictions and obeying the law. First of all what that is NOT is not complying because of our own personal financial interests being affected. Taxes certainly end up giving money to causes that are against our beliefs (not to mention a financial system not backed with any real value); but it is hard to tell just what percent is going to things such as supporting abortion clinics (which they claim isn't happening).
We also have situations where the welfare of our children or that of other innocent victims makes following orders or even being truthful come in question. As for us being believers; we can look at Paul's example where he usually handled imprisonment well; but there were times when he protested ill treatment being a Roman citizen for instance. That was probably focused on his being able to continue to freely preach the Gospel; or perhaps to ensure others could do the same. We also see examples where; for instance the King's edict to do the census was repulsive and wasn't folowed through for counting all the Levites.
Of course the example of dictators who are committing genocide means that they are no longer following their own governance as God intends. We see today many countries who are persecuting the church; to compromise and have a government sponsored and monitored state church clearly is unacceptable. If they burn down the churches; destroy our personal property; etc. we certainly in the USA have rights to protest; but where the line is drawn is in home churches; or praying as Daniel did even with the King's edict of a death sentence. The same could be said for public evangelism; and speaking out against today's political agenda. Persecution is coming; and the time when all nations shall hate us for His Name's sake. ( Matt. 24:9).
Romans 13:1-7 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. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Ephesians 6:5-7 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
1 Peter 2:13,14 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
We also have situations where the welfare of our children or that of other innocent victims makes following orders or even being truthful come in question. As for us being believers; we can look at Paul's example where he usually handled imprisonment well; but there were times when he protested ill treatment being a Roman citizen for instance. That was probably focused on his being able to continue to freely preach the Gospel; or perhaps to ensure others could do the same. We also see examples where; for instance the King's edict to do the census was repulsive and wasn't folowed through for counting all the Levites.
Of course the example of dictators who are committing genocide means that they are no longer following their own governance as God intends. We see today many countries who are persecuting the church; to compromise and have a government sponsored and monitored state church clearly is unacceptable. If they burn down the churches; destroy our personal property; etc. we certainly in the USA have rights to protest; but where the line is drawn is in home churches; or praying as Daniel did even with the King's edict of a death sentence. The same could be said for public evangelism; and speaking out against today's political agenda. Persecution is coming; and the time when all nations shall hate us for His Name's sake. ( Matt. 24:9).
We can protest but still show respect.
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