The Word of God tells us to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal.5:16-18). The government is upon the Lord's shoulders, and He is the one who allows who He wants that works with His ordained plan (Isa. 9:6-7). A lot of us are going to be surprise to who will be president. For me, it does not matter, because my trust is in God who has all power and not man. Only God can meet all of my needs through whoever He desires on earth (Phil. 4:19). And yes, it will be rough like no other but not a surprised to those who have a relationship with God; He will keep us (Psalm 91), and we have the world-wide insurance plan, His Word, and we do not have to sue to get the benefits that have been promised to us.
That’s a good reminder and something that’s difficult at times to do.
One question I do have though is there a line on how far a Christian goes in obedience to a government that’s going beyond doing things not approved by God to actively going against Him?
A modern example in America is during Covid lockdowns the government keeping churches from being open in some places. Would those Christian’s meeting regardless of the governments wishes be something they shouldn’t have done? Or is there a place to defy those orders?
While we are to obey government, that does not mean we need to suffer under illegal treatment by any government.
Not long after Jesus was born his parents fled to Egypt to prevent his being murdered by King Herod. (Matt 2:13-23) Jesus could have died then, but God told them to flee. Why did God want him to flee? Could God not have stopped Herod? We too should flee in the face of evil and wicked rulers.
Moses was not killed as a child, as the Pharaoh said should be done, but was put in a reed basket and placed in the Nile. The daughter of Pharaoh saved him, and this was the beginning of God saving the children of Israel from Egypt. (Exo 2:1-10)
Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 16:36-40, Acts 22:25-28) He was not willing to be beaten unnecessarily, unless it was God’s will. He tried to get out of every situation, using wisdom and every available method. Yet, eventually the Romans did kill him.
Paul's death occurred at the appropriate time- when it was God’s will for him to die. (2Tim 4:6)
We too, should not generally be willing to be taken advantage of, or to have our lives endangered to satisfy some power-hungry despot. We must ask God to show us when it’s our time to give our lives, in an appropriate manner, for the greatest good.
We too have rights in our societies, and we should use them to avoid being dealt unfairly and illegally with by others, including those who are representatives of the government.
Yes, God is in charge, but we also have to use our brains to protect ourselves and others when we can. We are told very clearly that we should be bold: "The wicked flee when no man pursues; but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Prov 28:1)
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Prov 31:8-9)
It is Gods will that we defend those who are being wronged by anyone, particularly those who are supposed to be upholding the law.
We must be bold and confront all unrighteousness, we should not be weak and timid, and not say anything when we see injustice and evil working around us.
To keep quite is cowardly and foolishness, it does not lead to the glory of God.
The Word of God tells us to be led by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal.5:16-18). The government is upon the Lord's shoulders, and He is the one who allows who He wants that works with His ordained plan (Isa. 9:6-7). A lot of us are going to be surprise to who will be president. For me, it does not matter, because my trust is in God who has all power and not man. Only God can meet all of my needs through whoever He desires on earth (Phil. 4:19). And yes, it will be rough like no other but not a surprised to those who have a relationship with God; He will keep us (Psalm 91), and we have the world-wide insurance plan, His Word, and we do not have to sue to get the benefits that have been promised to us.
That’s a good reminder and something that’s difficult at times to do.
One question I do have though is there a line on how far a Christian goes in obedience to a government that’s going beyond doing things not approved by God to actively going against Him?
A modern example in America is during Covid lockdowns the government keeping churches from being open in some places. Would those Christian’s meeting regardless of the governments wishes be something they shouldn’t have done? Or is there a place to defy those orders?
Very relevant and needed message. Thank you.
I have a question. Does the United States have a right to exist since it is the result of rebellion against a king?
While we are to obey government, that does not mean we need to suffer under illegal treatment by any government.
Not long after Jesus was born his parents fled to Egypt to prevent his being murdered by King Herod. (Matt 2:13-23) Jesus could have died then, but God told them to flee. Why did God want him to flee? Could God not have stopped Herod? We too should flee in the face of evil and wicked rulers.
Moses was not killed as a child, as the Pharaoh said should be done, but was put in a reed basket and placed in the Nile. The daughter of Pharaoh saved him, and this was the beginning of God saving the children of Israel from Egypt. (Exo 2:1-10)
Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen (Acts 16:36-40, Acts 22:25-28) He was not willing to be beaten unnecessarily, unless it was God’s will. He tried to get out of every situation, using wisdom and every available method. Yet, eventually the Romans did kill him.
Paul's death occurred at the appropriate time- when it was God’s will for him to die. (2Tim 4:6)
We too, should not generally be willing to be taken advantage of, or to have our lives endangered to satisfy some power-hungry despot. We must ask God to show us when it’s our time to give our lives, in an appropriate manner, for the greatest good.
We too have rights in our societies, and we should use them to avoid being dealt unfairly and illegally with by others, including those who are representatives of the government.
Yes, God is in charge, but we also have to use our brains to protect ourselves and others when we can. We are told very clearly that we should be bold: "The wicked flee when no man pursues; but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Prov 28:1)
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Prov 31:8-9)
It is Gods will that we defend those who are being wronged by anyone, particularly those who are supposed to be upholding the law.
We must be bold and confront all unrighteousness, we should not be weak and timid, and not say anything when we see injustice and evil working around us.
To keep quite is cowardly and foolishness, it does not lead to the glory of God.