Another interesting note from Frederick, Maryland. I really enjoy Bills notes. Today was another eye-opener. There are a couple of things I dont agree with will Bills note. I know some of you might agree with his assessment. Briefly, this is what I dont agree with: Bill quote: As I see it, the context of Romans 13 was about the religious leaders that were the Roman-appointed governing body over the Jews. My Response: There are some scholars who think Paul was referring to the Christian Church in Rome. I believe it was actually referring to Christian conduct to the government in Rome. The use of the word power (Greek exousia) is suggestive of authority, jurisdiction, power exercised by those such as a magistrate; public civil officer, invested with the executive government of some branch of it. In this sense, a king is the highest or first magistrate, as is the President of the United States. But the word is more particularly applied to subordinate officers, as governors, intendants, prefects, mayors, justices of the peace, and the like. the magistrate must have his reverence; the laws their authority. The word is used 13 times in the New Testament when it associated with civil government; not under the influence of a synagogue or the church in Rome. The same word describes civil actions against the Believer: Believers will be brought before before the synagogues; rulers; authorities (Luke 12:11); The threat of turning Jesus over to civil authorities (Luke 20:20); Saul (Paul) was given civil authority to apprehend Believers (Acts 19:14; 26:10, 12, 18); Submission to the authority of Scripture demands submission to human authorities as part of a Christians testimony (see notes on Romans 13:1-7; 1Peter 2:12-17) (Titus 3:1). Pilates claim to civil authority is found in John 19:10. As I read the context of these scriptures it was interesting to note that the Believes are not called to resist (Luke 12:11) and Christ did not resist. Luke 19:17 shows use a parable of a faithful servant that given civil authority over 10 cities. Jesus was given authority by God to execute civil justice (John 5:27). Christian conduct is given to us in Romans 13:1-3. In Colossians 1:16 it says Christ created all things - even civil authority and in 1 Corinthians 15:24 theres a promise that Christ will destroy every rule and every authority and power. Further, Revelation 2:26 tells us, To him will I give power over the nations - That is, I will give him to share with me in that glorious victory which the Father hath promised me over all the nations who as yet resist me. (Psalm 2:8-9). Simply, the point is the word used in each of the references specify civil authority. Not authority in the church/synagogue. Secondly, Bill qoute: We can see the Founders thinking by reading the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Their mantra at Concord and Lexington was No King but Jesus. So in our form of government, we the people have the say over who rules us. To passively submit to evil rulers, especially in this nation where God blessed us with the freedom to choose, is beyond the bounds of God-given common sense and self preservation. My Response: There was only one Theoretical rule in history and that was provided to the Jews. The Jews quickly told God that they wanted a king like everyone else. That ended the Theoretical rule to man imposed will controlled by God. The Theoretical rule will be re-instituted when Christ returns in the Millennial Kingdom. Mans government was created through disobedience and mans sinfulness manifests itself through mans self-rule. Why is it that the United States doesnt have to follow the dedicates of Scripture in regard to Christian conduct toward civil jurisdiction? As Americans can we just pick and chose which of Gods directives to follow? I should think not. God does put leaders in power (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1-2, etc.). And He removes them. TEGC Anyway, Bills note: Thursday, October 24, 2013 Evil government: to submit or not to submit There has been some discussion about submitting to the governing authority in America even though it may go against Gods laws. Pastors are preaching Romans 13 where the Apostle Paul is saying to submit to the ruling authorities, pay your taxes, and obey the law because these things are put in place to not be a terror to good works, but to evil. There are two mentions in this passage about the higher powers being ministers of God. Pastors often use it to teach that we must be submissive to the government even though it may be an evil one. But Peter himself said in Acts 5:29 that, We ought to follow God rather than men when he was facing persecution and unjust demands from the ruling authorities. As I see it, the context of Romans 13 was about the religious leaders that were the Roman-appointed governing body over the Jews. In any case, if those leaders are corrupt by Biblical terms it is self evident that you do not follow or support them. Governments are established for the good and protection of the people. In that, people give up some rights for those protections. Laws are established also to protect the people. As Christians, we know that we are to be a law abiding people. But when a law goes against Gods law; or a government goes against Gods law, to whom do we submit as the higher authority? Peter answered that question when the ruling Sadducees threw him in prison for preaching Jesus in the Temple. When this country was established, the Founders were well aware that they were going against the prevailing world view--that God appointed the ruler (the king) and that the people should blindly follow even if that ruler was unjust. We can see the Founders thinking by reading the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Their mantra at Concord and Lexington was No King but Jesus. So in our form of government, we the people have the say over who rules us. To passively submit to evil rulers, especially in this nation where God blessed us with the freedom to choose, is beyond the bounds of God-given common sense and self preservation. No man will convince me that the occupant of the Oval Office is a minister of God to me for good as stated in Romans 13:4. But I do know that if I break the laws of the nation, there will be consequences. If I am to overcome that evil, I must overcome it with good (Romans 12:21). In my opinion, this should be done without breaking the higher laws--those just and right laws of God. I also believe we in America are held to a higher standard because of the freedom the Lord blessed us with when this nation was formed. We are to follow the higher laws of God as we are members first of His kingdom. Perhaps the best way to begin overcoming evil in high places is by cleansing the pulpit of those who condone it. Have a Blessed and Powerful Day! Bill Wilson
Posted on: Fri, 25 Oct 2013 03:18:39 +0000
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