[NOTE: We're living in a time where we're seeing executive orders, new ordinances, recommendations, and such in areas we never imagined we'd see. What is the Christian's obligation to follow these rules that are, in many cases, quite controversial? The full sermon will help you determine that, and the blog below is a summary of what you'll hear in the sermon. There's a lot that's left out in the blog, so be sure to listen to the sermon so you understand the big picture....]
Colossians 1:13-14 – He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
We must always consider ourselves first and foremost citizens of the Kingdom of God
above all else. We owe our allegiance to our King - the Lord Jesus Christ.
Period. End of sentence. End of discussion.
As Christians, as we strive to follow Jesus, the Bible teaches that we are to be in submission to the authorities in the various areas of our lives.
Romans 13 gives us the basic framework for how we are to submit to the governing authorities. That submission, however, isn’t to be blind, automatic acquiescence to every single law or order.
For a full explanation of what our submission should look like, watch the full sermon here.
(the sermon starts at the 29:43 mark)
Below is the basic outline and principles outlines in the sermon:
The meaning of “Submission”
Subject - as a soldier is required to obey his superior officer, we are to obey the governing authorities.
governing authorities - This isn’t about a particular person - but the authority that is over you. Ultimately, in America, our final authority is the constitution. It is to be mediated through the various levels of government.
Verse 1b – there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
God is the one who ordains authority.
God ordains that we are all under authority.
He ordains authority in four areas (all of life)
Home
wives are under the authority of husbands
children are under the authority of parents
Church
believers > the church (through leadership)
Workplace
employees > bosses
Society
citizens > governing authorities
You don’t just submit when the authority is good, competent, moral, or reasonable.
The God-ordained role of government:
• Restrain Evil (including punishment)
• Protect Citizens (Life & Property)
Ultimately, the role is to Implement Justice
Verses 3-5 – it’s not fear of punishment that drives our obedience, but our obligation to God
The summary command:
The basic thing that should characterize us: Submission to Authority, including the Government.
Christians must recognize that God’s delegated authority runs through all of life. Submission to that authority part of how God keeps order in the world, guides His children, and protects them.
As followers of Christ, we know that He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross at the hands of an evil government that was breaking their own according to their own laws.
While we are to submit to the governing authorities and be known for submission, rather than rebellion, submission doesn’t mean that we automatically obey every single point of law like a robot.
Acts 5:29 – Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
This was their highest court.
Their governing authorities
The Real Question at Hand:
• Do I have to wear a mask?
• Do we have to stop gathering?
• Do I have to quarantine?
• There will be many more questions that will come up in the future.
When are you free to not submit?
Four principles for determining this:
1. Examine Your Heart
Are you known for submission or rebellion?
For pursuing peace & unity or stirring things up?
Are you looking for an excuse to NOT wear the mask?
Or are you truly trying to do the right thing?
If you’re absolutely convinced that wearing a mask is going to help others - you should wear one whether it’s a law or not.
Make sure you have the right heart attitude first. If you don’t, get that right before moving on.
It starts with the heart!
2. Follow your Conscience
Your conscience must be Scripture Saturated and Spirit-Led
God gave us the ability to reason and discern right and wrong.
Your conscience must be informed biblically, factually, and must be Spirit-Led.
3. Consider Others First
Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 7:12
With or without the governments involvement and command: We must pursue that which is for my neighbors’s good and reject that which would bring them harm.
This necessarily includes fighting against injustice.
4. Resist and Seek Reform
Psalm 109:8 – (of the wicked man) May his days be few; may another take his office!
Remember: as you follow God’s law first and foremost you will always be in conflict with the tyrants who scoff at it.
And when you submit in the moment while disagreeing with someone - be sure you continue to respect authority. You are free to pursue the path of seeking reform.
Keep in mind, however, that even doing the right thing with the wrong heart attitude - almost always becomes a sinful pride thing.
Doing the right thing can quickly and easily become the wrong thing
SUMMARY:
We are to submit to the governing authorities because it honors Christ.
It’s not automatic, blanket submission.
Before deciding to NOT submit, you must think and proceed carefully always striving to honor and obey the Lord first and foremost.
I hope this helps as we all wade through every situation and opportunity the Lord brings our way.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
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