God and Authority
God alone is the ultimate authority
- God’s will above all else (Mt 6:10)
- All authority comes from God (Rom 13:1)
- God gives and takes away authority (Dan 2:20-21)
Rebellion against God’s authority is a serious sin
Delegated Authority is Biblical and Legitimate
Human Government
- Worldly rulers are established by God (Dan 2:37-38)
- Duties to the state (Mt 22:21, Rom 13:1-7)
- Submission to state authorities (Tit 3:1, 1 Pe 2:13-17)
Secular Jobs
- Obedience to all superiors (Eph 6:5-8, Tit 2:9-10, 1 Pe 2:18)
- Submit our of joy (Col 3:22-25)
- Respect your (Christian) superiors (1 Ti 6:1-2)
The Church
- Respect your church leaders (1 Th 5:12-13)
- Obey your leaders (Heb 13:17)
- Submit with humility (1 Pe 5:5)
Marriage
- Duties of husband and wife (Eph 5:22-24,33)
- Honorable life as married couple (1 Pe 3:1-7)
The Family
- Parents and children (Eph 6:1-4)
- Family relationships (Col 3:18-21)
Delegated authority is limited
- Scope given by God (1 Pe 3:1, Eph 5:22)
- Authority is not autonomous
- People in authority are to serve (Mk 10:42-45, Rom 13:4)
Attitudes of those under authority
- Submission to all authorities (1 Pe 2:18)
- Civil disobedience must be justified (Exo 1:17-21, Acts 4:19-20)
- Disobedience should be constructive (Dan 1:8-16)
- Special case: disobedience to church leadership (own topic?)