Obeying Principalities
We are to be the authors of peace and not discord, a light unto the world in our actions. We are not to judge, for God has put all leaders in power for a reason, which we may not understand. God’s thoughts and actions are of a higher reasoning than we are able to understand.
We are to submit to the laws of the land, as long as they do not violate any of Gods own laws. As Jesus said, tribute is to be paid where tribute is demanded, and the government does demand tribute in the form of taxes. As Christians we are to be an example to others, not trouble makers. Our being subject to a higher authority becomes part of our training for the coming roles that we will hold. It is far better to have an incompetent government than to have no government at all.
Exodus 22:28 "You are not to blaspheme the ruler of your people."
Ecclesiastes 10:4 "If the spirit of your ruler rises against you, do not run, for yielding can pacify great offenses."
Matthew 22:17-21 "Tell us what you think? Is it lawful to give taxes to Caesar, or not? And Jesus answered, Why do you test me you hypocrites? Show me the money. So they brought him a penny. And he asked them, What is this image and inscription? And they answered him, Caesar's. So he said to them, Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are Gods."
Mark 12:14-17 "Master we know you are true and regard no person, but teach of God in truth. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar? Must we give, or can we not give? But knowing their two facedness answered them, Why do you tempt me? Bring me a penny. And he said to them, whose image and inscription is this? And they answered him, Caesar's. So Jesus said to them render to Caesar what is Caesar's and what is Gods to God."
Acts 23:5 "For it is written, you must not speak evil against the ruler of your people."
Roman 13:1-7 "Let everyone be in subjection to the higher powers. For there is no power except thru God. Therefore anyone that challenges the higher power, challenges the ordinance of God. And they that oppose will receive for themselves damnation. For rulers are not terrors to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the higher powers? Do that which is good, and you will receive praise for it. For he is a minister of God for you to learn good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear a sword in vain. He is a minister of God, an avenger to carry out fury upon them that do evil. Therefore you need to be subjugate, not just for wrath’s sake, but also for conscience sake. And for this reason you need to pay tribute also, they are Gods ministers, always ministering. Always render to all their dues, tribute where tribute is due; custom where custom is needed, fear where fear is needed, and honor where honor is required."
1 Timothy 2:1-2 "I ask you to first of all provide prayers and the giving of thanks for all men in power. For kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty".
Titus 3:1-2 "Put yourself in subjection to principalities and higher powers, obeying magistrates, and be ready to show good works. Speak no evil of any man. Do not be fighters, but meek, showing meekness to all men."
1 Peter 2:13-17 "Yield yourselves to every ordinance of man for our Lord's sake whether it be to the king as being supreme, or to governors, or them that are sent by them to provide the punishment against evildoers, or to praise them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by doing good you may quiet the foolish men. If free, and not using your freedom for a front for malice, but as the servants of God, Honor all men. Love the brotherhood, Fear God and honor the king."
2 Peter 2:10-11 "They that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government. They are presumptuous, self-willed, and not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels that are greater in power and might do not bring railing accusation against them before the Lord."
Jude 1:8 "Likewise these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."
Sirach 10:4 "The government of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and over it he will raise up the right leader for the time."