THE CHRISTIAN POSITION ON CIVIL AUTHORITY & NON-RESISTANCE

INDUCTIVE BIBLE TOPIC STUDY

THE CHRISTIAN POSITION ON CIVIL AUTHORITY & NON-RESISTANCE

By Dennis Schmidt 12/2006

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This paper discusses the Christian's position to civil authority and non-resistance. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

INDUCTIVE COMMENTS:

THEME: The Christian is to be obedient as God's example to man.

Titus 3:1 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

1 Peter 2:13-17 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; {14} Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. {15} For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: {16} As free, and not using <your> liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. {17} Honour all <men>. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."

PURPOSE: God's word requires the Christian to submit to the civil authority except where it conflicts with God's higher calling. This higher calling can include God directing the Christian into some ministry against the civil authority or requiring the Christian to sin.

Matthew 5:10-11 "Blessed <are> they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} Blessed are ye, when <men> shall revile you, and persecute <you>, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." The important thing is that the gospel of Jesus be preached.

John 19:11 "Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power <at all> against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin." Ruler selected by God

Romans 13:1-7 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. {2} Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: {4} For he is the 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 the minister of God, a revenger to <execute> wrath upon him that doeth evil. {5} Wherefore <ye> must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. {6} For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute <is due>; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour." Tribute is something giving, done or said that could include money, honor, respect & gratitude.

KEY VERSE:

WHO: God written mostly by Bible authors Matthew, Luke, John, and Paul.

TO WHOM: Elected Christians

WHAT: Jesus is the Christian’s example to follow. There are many righteous causes in the world, but God wants Christians to put Jesus as the first choice. A righteous calling could become another God to the Christian.

Titus 3:1 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

WHY: Since God has established all governments, Christians are to obey the government in all things. The only exception is that which is contrary to the will of God. He may have to suffer the consequent.

Proverbs 8:15-16 "By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. {16} By me princes rule, and nobles, <even> all the judges of the earth." Position of any person is selected by God. Not just kings.

Daniel 4:17 "This matter <is> by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." God rules and ordains all authority.

Romans 9:17 "For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." God setup rulers for His end purpose and glory.

WAY: The Christian can not kill since his Lord is the Prince of Peace. He is to love his enemies. Also, Christians reside in all nations.

Matthew 26:52 "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

Romans 12:19-21 "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but <rather> give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance <is> mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. {20} Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. {21} Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Love conquers where hate fails.

James 4:1-2 "From whence <come> wars and fightings among you? <come they> not hence, <even> of your lusts that war in your members? {2} Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not."

WHEREAS: Jesus is the Christian’s example to follow. Members of royal families, sons and daughter, were exempt from tax. As Jesus is King's son, He would not have to pay tribute. He did not want to offend earthly kings, so He paid tax.

Matthew 17:24-27 "And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute <money> came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? {25} He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? {26} Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. {27} Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee." Prevent=anticipated

Luke 20:25 "And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's." Pay taxes to Rome. Caesar was an evil ruler to the Jew's.

WHERE: Earth

WHEN: God's word requires the Christian to submit to the civil authority except where it conflicts with God's higher calling. This higher calling can include God directing the Christian into some ministry against the civil authority or requiring the Christian to sin.

Revelation 2:2-5 "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: {3} And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. {4} Nevertheless I have <somewhat> against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. {5} Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

WHILE: Paul wrote Timothy while Nero was the Roman dictator who was killing Christians.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, <and> giving of thanks, be made for all men; {2} For kings, and <for> all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. {3} For this <is> good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;" Paul wrote Romans and Timothy while Nero was the Roman dictator who was killing Christians.

God wants us to preach Jesus, independently of the results, not get off on many so called righteous causes. The man that follows Jesus must be willing to suffer the punishment for following Jesus.

Acts 5:40-41 "And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten <them>, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. {41} And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."

Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:"

PAPER OUTLINE:

I) CHRISTIAN ARE TO LOVE:

II) KINGDOM OF GOD AND KINGDOM OF WORLD:

III) ALL GOVERNMENTS ARE FROM GOD:

IV) GOD TELLS US TO SUBMIT TO SECULAR GOVERNMENTS:

V) JESUS SUBMITTED TO AUTHORITY:

VI) JESUS TEACHINGS ON NON-RESISTANCE FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT:

VII) GOD TELLS US TO SUBMIT TO KING EVEN IF HE IS EVIL:

VIII) THE CHRISTIAN'S POSITION TO ENEMIES OF HIS NATION, WARS & FIGHTING:

IX) GOD'S WORD DOES NOT TEACH SERVANTS TO REBEL:

X) THE CHRISTIAN IS TO FLEE IF PERSECUTED:

XI) CONCLUSIONS:

I) CHRISTIAN ARE TO LOVE:

The basic principle of Christianity is to love. Jesus gave three love commandments. He said to love God completely, love neighbor (includes loving enemies) as self and love as He loved (self giving). We are to walk as Jesus walked and follow His examples.

See my paper: "Love" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 5:44-45 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; {45} That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."

II) KINGDOM OF GOD AND KINGDOM OF WORLD:

There exist two kingdoms (world's and God's). We are strangers and pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) of the world's kingdom. Our real enemy is the world, flesh & Satan. We are in the world but not of the world.

See my paper: "Kingdom of God & Heaven" for more information on this subject.

John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. We are not to fight for any nation. We're of God's kingdom.

III) ALL GOVERNMENTS ARE FROM GOD:

Since God has established all governments, Christians are to obey the government in all things. The only exception is that which is contrary to the will of God. He may have to suffer the consequent.

IV) GOD TELLS US TO SUBMIT TO SECULAR GOVERNMENTS:

Titus 3:1 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"

V) JESUS SUBMITTED TO AUTHORITY: Here to pay once a year temple tax.

Members of royal families, sons and daughter, were exempt from tax.

As Jesus is King's son, He would not have to pay tribute. He did not want to offend earthly kings, so He paid tax.

VI) JESUS TEACHINGS ON NON-RESISTANCE FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT:

See my paper: "Sermon on the Mount" for more information on this subject.

Matthew 5:38-41 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: {39} But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. {40} And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have <thy> cloak also." We can use our faith. He will work things for our good: Romans 8:28

Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." God will bless His child.

Matthew 5:41-42 "And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. {42} Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." Roman law required the defeated people to carry soldier's load for up to one mile.

Example of Roman using law:

Matthew 27:32 "And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross." Jesus cross

Matthew 5:43-48 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. {44} But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; {45} That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. {46} For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? {47} And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more <than others>? do not even the publicans so? {48} Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Do as God. God loves/blesses his enemies (45).

VII) GOD TELLS US TO SUBMIT TO KING EVEN IF HE IS EVIL:

We are blessed as we are persecuted for Jesus sake.

Acts 5:29-33 "Then Peter and the <other> apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. {30} The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. {31} Him hath God exalted with his right hand <to be> a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. {32} And we are his witnesses of these things; and <so is> also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. {33} When they heard <that>, they were cut <to the heart>, and took counsel to slay them."

God wants us to preach Jesus, independently of the results, not get off on many so called righteous causes. The man that follows Jesus must be willing to suffer the punishment for following Jesus.

Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:"

VIII) THE CHRISTIAN'S POSITION TO ENEMIES OF HIS NATION, WARS & FIGHTING:

The Christian can not kill since his Lord is the Prince of Peace. He is love his enemies. Also, Christians reside in all nations.

Matthew 26:52 "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."

IX) GOD'S WORD DOES NOT TEACH SERVANTS TO REBEL:

Ephesians 6:5-6 "Servants, be obedient to them that are <your> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; {6} Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;"

Acts 23:5 "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." Paul without knowing rebelled against ruler.

1 Timothy 6:1-3 "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and <his> doctrine be not blasphemed. {2} And they that have believing masters, let them not despise <them>, because they are brethren; but rather do <them> service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. {3} If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, <even> the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;"

2 Peter 2:10 "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous <are they>, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."

Jude 8 "Likewise also these <filthy> dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."

X) THE CHRISTIAN IS TO FLEE IF PERSECUTED: As Paul did in Acts 9:25

Matthew 10:23 "But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come."

Luke 21:20-21 "And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. {21} Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto."

XI) CONCLUSIONS:

God's word requires the Christian to submit to the civil authority except where it conflicts with God's higher calling. This higher calling can include God directing the Christian into some ministry against the civil authority or requiring the Christian to sin.

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One" for more information on this subject.

There are many righteous causes in the world, but God wants Christians to put Jesus as the first choice. A righteous calling could become another God to the Christian.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net).