Obeyin' the word of God and promptings of the Spirit -- way smart to do.
Teach it by livin' it. Opt to learn early, then to example it, and to simply encourage others to also wisely submit to the authorities around them. Brilliant, even safer (lifestyle) and humble too!
General statement: You can never get over those things that God has put under you until you get under those things that God has put over you. Talking about direct and flawed delegated authorities.
Think about it. Remember that centurion soldier back in the day. See Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7: 1-10. He was under the authority of Rome so he could be in authority.. and that's what he well understood.
Blessings and Kingdom authority -- for growing believers and not for those with a rebellious human spirit. Not for those who cling to their rebellious attitude. Let it go. We are to submit principal short of sinning. If a flawed delegated authority commands you to do something wrong or hurtful, you are not to submit to that.
Got a rebellious spirit or attitude to overcome ..cuz you really don’t want to operate like Mr. Lu-Cifer? (aka the devil? Why function like that rebellious dweeb? Check out what he and other fallen angels get. Help for you is available).
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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 he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” Romans 13:1-5
Some Christian people get confused between their calling and their vocation. Listen, what if you blow it really bad and end up behind bars long term and then repent and get right with God? Some from prison ask about this and wonder if they permanently are "disconnected from their original calling that God created them to enjoy."
I respond to them with.. You cannot miss your calling unless you get to the very end of your life in your final moments, you're about to die, you were disobedient regarding grace, standards, and God's Old Testament top ten list all the way through and then you decide to ignore Him and you die independent of the Jesus of the Bible (God's only provision for our sin). Your calling and mine is primarily to Him, an ongoing relationship with God through Christ. If you are born of the Spirit and daily seeking the Lord and His will for you guess what.. You aren't permanently cut off from your calling", believer. We serve the God of second chances, the loving Lord of fresh new beginnings (See John 3:3-16).
Does that mean that the hard consequences for your bad decisions will just go away after you repent and believe. Most of them won't, duh, cuz God will leave them there in order for you to learn from. But His JOY, righteousness, eternal life, and strong peace that passes all understanding also won't go away either unless you turn back to your old pet sins and idols. So keep going as Christ leads. Keep on growing up into full maturity -- that's what every believer on the inside and on outside of iron bars needs to do. There are people that need to hear your story and the Gospel message.. in and out. Properly fearing God and obeying both direct and delegated authority short of sinning -- these are good things for us to do.
You and I can get candid with God about our feelings, can then humbly deny self to wisely submit to a flawed boss, cop, teacher or parent. I mean in a smart and respectful way.
1. What is the authority of the believer?
What spiritual authority does a believe possess? What is the danger of claiming too much authority?
2. According to the Bible, to whom are we to be submissive, and why?
Why is submission so important in the Christian life?
3. What does the Bible say about rebellion? What does the Bible say about being rebellious? Can a Christian be a rebel?
4. What does the Bible say about obeying parents?
Is there ever an exception? None should obey their parents if they are commanded to do something harmful to others or to themselves.. Say NO when the parents are commanding the son or daughter to sin? Perhaps at times, you can prayerfully appeal (with respect) towards these delegated authorities for another good way to go instead.. it they are wanting this son or daughter to accomplish something that in the end ain’t bad.
5. Does a person / ministry need a spiritual covering? What is a spiritual covering? In what situations is having a spiritual covering biblical?
6. How and why should we pray for our leaders?
Why is it important for us to pray for our leaders?
7. What does the Bible say about obedience? | Why is obedience to God so important? What is obeying God’s Word so difficult?
8. Do Christians have to obey the laws of the land?
In what instances is civil disobedience sanctioned by the Bible?
9. What is the significance of Jesus saying, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)?
What is the meaning of John 18:36?
10. Was the American Revolution a violation of Romans 13:1-7?
Uhh, nope. fish4souls.org
