Basic principle of authority: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" (Romans 13:1-2 KJV)
Understanding our relationship to earthly governments must be viewed through right division. As members of the Body of Christ, we have dual citizenship - heavenly position in Christ and earthly responsibilities under grace.
Current Standing
Heavenly citizenship declared: "For our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour" (Philippians 3:20 KJV)
Seated with Christ: "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 KJV)
Spiritual focus: "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2 KJV)
Authority's Source
All power from God: "For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1 KJV)
Christ's supremacy: "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers" (Colossians 1:16 KJV)
Divine control: "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion" (Ephesians 1:21 KJV)
Ordained Function
Restraining evil: "For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil" (Romans 13:3 KJV)
Minister for good: "For he is the minister of God to thee for good" (Romans 13:4 KJV)
Peaceful living: "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Timothy 2:2 KJV)
Proper Attitude
Submission commanded: "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates" (Titus 3:1 KJV)
Internal motivation: "Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake" (Romans 13:5 KJV)
Good testimony: "Providing honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Corinthians 8:21 KJV)
Specific Duties
Pay taxes: "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers" (Romans 13:6 KJV)
Render dues: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom" (Romans 13:7 KJV)
Honest conduct: "Provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17 KJV)
Intercessory Role
Prayer commanded: "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" (1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV)
Proper attitude: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6 KJV)
Continue praying: "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2 KJV)
Public Witness
Blameless living: "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21 KJV)
Honest reputation: "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" (2 Corinthians 8:21 KJV)
Worthy walk: "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ" (Philippians 1:27 KJV)
God First
Primary allegiance: "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 KJV)
Expected conflict: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12 KJV)
Daily Living
General submission: "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers" (Romans 13:1 KJV)
Financial duties: "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due" (Romans 13:7 KJV)
Peaceful conduct: "As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18 KJV)
Grace Application
Quiet living: "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business" (1 Thessalonians 4:11 KJV)
Wise interaction: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5 KJV)
Gracious speech: "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6 KJV)
Living as Citizens:
Heavenly position primary
Earthly duties in grace
Balance in practice
Wise testimony
Our true citizenship is heavenly
Submit where possible
Maintain good testimony
Grace guides response
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