S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The Bible speaks very clearly about the relationship between the believer and the government. We are to obey governmental authorities, and the government is to treat us justly and fairly. Even when...

Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.

July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

My short answer has always been "the purpose of government is for punishment and praise. Protect civilians from evildoers by punishing the evildoers, and praise those who do good. 1 Peter 2:14 says that we are to show respect to governmental leaders-- "14 or to governors as those sent out by him for the punishment of those who do evil and the praise of those who do good." (LEB).

This verse in context can be found in “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

We are supposed to do this for the Lord's sake. Why? Because the Lord instituted government! We try to rule God out of the picture as did President Barak Obama omitting the crucial words, "by their Creator" when he was referring to our unalienable rights (Feb. 2, 2009, and Sept. 17, 2009) and in his last 2 speeches (9/15/2010 and 9/22/2010). 

This happened when he was referring to Preamble to the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

February 03 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer

A very timely question and I humbly submit a few thoughts for your consideration. In ancient times there were Empires and kings and later came nations with GOVERNMENTs. 

Nations and rulers are given a limited authority by God. As long as these authorities continue to enact laws that defend and protect human dignity without diminishing the authority of God, and the Christian is obligated and compelled to comply, "as if unto God."

But what are their responsibility in submitting to governmental authority when those laws or regulations are in conflict with a Christian belief? If a nation or ruler demands absolute obedience to laws that are contrary to God's authority, then a Christian has a responsibility to lovingly stand against these untruths.

A believer is repeatedly exhorted to demonstrate a patient kind of love to his neighbor or even enemy, coupled with dignity and respect. (Romans 13:1-5) Provides a practical example where Paul utilized rhetoric rather than rebellion when compelled to plead his case to the Jewish or Roman rulers of his day. Like Jesus, Paul's opposition to the state manifested through doggedly clinging to the TRUTH.

Some may draw their entire theology concerning our relationship with authority from (Romans 13:1-5) failing to consider the whole tenor of Scripture. (Romans 13:1-5) for instance, cannot be isolated from (Ephesians 6:11-12) or (Revelation 13:4-5) as well as several other passages. To do so would be to render irrelevant all those saints over the millennia who resisted unjust laws and evil at the hands of tyrants. When Paul says that "Jesus is Lord," he refers to his loyalty to Jesus above Caesar or state as per Roman law, required citizens to call Caesar "Lord."

The following Scriptures reveal a mostly invisible realm, we start with the Medes - Persians having a demonic PRINCE power within their conquering GOVERNMENT system. Further we see that representing team GOD, is the arch angel MICHAEL who Scripture tells us is the defender of Israel.

(Daniel 10:13) But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

(Daniel 10:20) Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 

(Daniel 10:21) And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

Bottom Line
New Testament Greek "Principalities" translates as governments, so we wrestle against governments, but not just the governments of this world, we wrestle against the spirits that are actually behind those governments. 

Principalities, which are strong spirits working through personalities in the realm of governments that may control, speak or dominate the leadership of any evil government. We are wrestling with these invisible demonic spirits that are working through the seen flesh and blood people.

Currently there appears to be a BIG rush toward banana republic unity. Has the spirit over our Republic Nation been changed? Rest assured, all that is hidden will be exposed in HIS perfect timing. (Galatians 4:16)

LATTER DAYS:
(1 Timothy 4:2) "Speaking lies and hypocrisy having their conscience seared by a hot iron". 

(2 Thessalonians 2:11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

(2 Thessalonians 2:12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” ~Winston Churchill

In the Lord's Freedom and liberty....warrior on

February 07 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Janet Hegna Supporter

1 Tim 2:1-3: I EXHORT therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.

We are to pray for the people over us (government). Even if we don't like what they're doing, we can't murmur and complain about it, hard as it may be at times. We're still supposed to pray for them to make the right decisions for this nation. Honestly, I don'y think we as believers have been doing that. I know I haven't, but I'll sure start. Be blessed.

April 02 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report