OVERVIEW OF THE CHRISTIAN POSITION ON CIVIL AUTHORITY & NON-RESISTANCE
By Dennis Schmidt 8/2011
RETURN
TO THE: BIBLE
PAPERS HOME PAGE
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
1 Peter 2:13-17
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 The important thing is that the gospel of Jesus be preached.
John 19:11 Ruler selected by God
Romans 13:1-7 Tribute is something giving, done or said that could include money, honor, respect & gratitude.
KEY VERSE:
Romans 13:1-7 Tribute is something giving, done or said that could include money, honor, respect & gratitude.
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
1 Peter 2:13-17 The Christian is to be obedient as God's example to man.
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 Position of any person is selected by God. Not just kings.
Daniel 4:17 God rules and ordains all authority.
John 19:11 Ruler selected by God
Romans 9:17 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
Romans 12:19-21 Love conquers where hate fails.
James 4:1-2
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 Prevent=anticipated
Luke 20:25 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
WHILE: Paul wrote Timothy while Nero was the Roman dictator who was killing Christians.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 Paul wrote Romans and Timothy while Nero was the Roman dictator who was killing Christians.
Matthew 5:10-11 The important thing is that the gospel of Jesus be preached.
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
Colossians 1:24
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.
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.
John 18:36 We are not to fight for any nation. We're of God's kingdom.
III) ALL GOVERNMENTS ARE FROM GOD:
Proverbs 8:15-16 Position of any person is selected by God. Not just kings.
Daniel 4:17 God rules and ordains all authority.
John 19:11 Ruler selected by God
Romans 9:17 God setup rulers for His end purpose and glory.
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:
Romans 13:1-7 Tribute is something giving, done or said that could includes money, honor, respect & gratitude.
Titus 3:1
1 Peter 2:13-17 The Christian is to be obedient as God's example to man.
V) JESUS SUBMITTED TO AUTHORITY: Here to pay once a year temple tax.
Matthew 17:24-27 Prevent=anticipated
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.
Luke 20:25 Pay taxes to Rome. Caesar was an evil ruler to the Jew's.
VI) JESUS TEACHINGS ON NON-RESISTANCE FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT:
Matthew 5:38-41 We can use our faith. He will work things for our good: Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:19 God will bless His child.
Matthew 5:41-42 Roman law required the defeated people to carry soldier's load for up to one mile.
Example of Roman using law:
Matthew 27:32 Jesus cross
Matthew 5:43-48 Do as God. God loves/blesses his enemies (45).
VII) GOD TELLS US TO SUBMIT TO KING EVEN IF HE IS EVIL:
1 Timothy 2:1-3 Paul wrote Romans and Timothy while Nero was the Roman dictator who was killing Christians.
We are blessed as we are persecuted for Jesus sake.
Matthew 5:10-11 The important thing is that the gospel of Jesus be preached.
Acts 5:29-33
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
Colossians 1:24
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
Romans 12:19-21 Love conquers where hate fails.
James 4:1-2
IX) GOD'S WORD DOES NOT TEACH SERVANTS TO REBEL:
Ephesians 6:5-6
Acts 23:5 Paul without knowing rebelled against ruler.
1 Timothy 6:1-3
2 Peter 2:10
Jude 8
X) THE CHRISTIAN IS TO FLEE IF PERSECUTED: As Paul did in Acts 9:25
Matthew 10:23
Luke 21:20-21
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.
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.
Revelation 2:2-5
RETURN TO THE: BIBLE PAPERS HOME PAGE
This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisaschmidt1@gmail.com).