Pilgrims And The Governments Of Men (2:13-17) Part 2
In Part 1 of this lesson we looked at the text and discovered that as Christians and pilgrims we are to submit to any form of government that rules over us, let God's "pilgrims" freely submit to the powers ruling over them. But is the principle of submission to government without exception? Is there ever a time when Christians are justified in refusing to obey governmental authorities? From Peter himself, we learn the exception to the rule. It is not whenever government is "oppressive". Consider the government and conditions under which Peter and Paul wrote: The government was totalitarian, with Nero as ruler, an evil, despotic emperor. Under his reign, Christians suffered greatly - 1 Pe 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you: but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.”; 5:8-9 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” Eventually, even Peter himself was crucified, and Paul was beheaded. Under such oppressive governments, our responsibilities remain clear. We are to still submit. We are to pray for our rulers, that peace may prevail - 1 Ti 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.” Who knows? Perhaps God who "removes kings and raises up kings" will answer our prayers and give us rulers who are good and just!
The exception: we must obey God rather than man! As illustrated by Peter and the rest of the apostles - Ac 4:18-20 “And they called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you rather than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we saw and heard.”; 5:27-29 “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name: and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.”
Only when government tries to force us to disobey God, must we then disobey the government. Even then, it is only the particular laws designed to force us to disobey God that we have a right to break; we have no authority to break other laws in protest. Rather, we are charged to pray for those in authority, and submit to them in all other areas.
Such is our responsibility as pilgrims under whatever government we may find ourselves as we sojourn here on earth. Even though we have liberty and freedom in Christ, we should use that freedom in serving the Lord - 1 Pe 2:16 “as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.” As we do so, we will show honor and respect to those in authority - 1 Pe 2:17 “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
Of course, we who live in countries that allow freedom of religion should be especially quick to show our respect and submission, and to thank God daily for this wonderful privilege!
Speaking of freedom of religion, are we taking advantage of such freedom by rendering obedience to God? Perhaps there are those who have not yet done so... - He 5:9 “and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;”
