Obedience and Discipline · Biblical Wisdom
Obedience to our authorities
5 min read, approximately
“Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man that was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.” (Acts 4:13-20)
We will always be surrounded by authorities…
“Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the [powers] that be are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment.” (Romans 13:1-2)
…Whether we like it or not, there will be the president, congress, the senate, governors, mayors, judges, police officers, teachers, pastors, and even leaders in the church we attend, and above them all… the Lord! But… what about this passage? We did not read it wrong! Peter and John refused to comply with what a major authority of that time was ordering them to do! Simply because it did not agree with what the Lord had commanded them.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)
…That is why they said:
“for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.” (Acts 4:20)
Although we must submit to authorities, we first submit to the Lord’s authority (Philippians 2:9-11). Therefore, we must examine whether what has been required of us agrees with the Word, because our guide for ethics, morality, discipline, and conduct is the Word of God, above any human imposition.
“Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
. Sadly, many do not want a relationship with God. They do not enjoy reading the Word, do not want to meditate on it, and do not study it… Sooner or later, someone comes along who wants to impose their authority above the Lord’s, and those who lack a foundation and discernment end up following them (Matthew 15:14). How, then, could we demolish any argument raised against the knowledge of Christ if we do not meditate on the Word? (1 Corinthians 10:5). So… do we obey our authorities or not? \1. What they command IS in accordance with God’s Word? Let us obey.
“For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: for he is a 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 a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil.” (Romans 13:3-4)
\2. What they command IS NOT in accordance with God’s Word? Let us not take part in it, but instead rebuke those deeds.
“for ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord;” (Ephesians 5:8-10)
“Look therefore carefully how ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise; redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
“prove all things; hold fast that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-23)
. “Judge whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God”…
May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook