God Commands Obedience to Leaders

(Digital Editor's Note: This article was published first in the August 2023 print edition of The Stand.)

We live in a politically polarized America. It’s not always easy for Christians to know what to think, say, or do. It’s also sometimes confusing to know how to relate to the government.

What is God’s command to us in relationship to our governing authorities? Paul answers this in Romans 13:1-7 (ESV). He says we are to submit to them: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (v. 1).

If you claim to be a Christian, this applies to you. For believers to be good citizens, we need to obey God’s Word. Don’t you dare call yourself a Christian if you’re going to live in complete defiance against authority. You’re giving Jesus a bad name if that’s the way you’re living your life.

This means we should obey the law whether we want to or not. Speed laws. Tax laws. All laws. If we break the law, we should not be shocked when we encounter consequences, for they point us to the truth that breaking God’s laws also brings consequences – of far greater import.

God-established authority

God is not a God of chaos or confusion but of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). He has established laws and chains of command to facilitate order in society as well as in the family and the church.

Moreover, the Bible says God is involved in the process of overseeing the life that we live – including the government. Daniel 2:21 says: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

We might complain about those in government, but immoral leaders are God’s reward for an immoral culture. Our culture is not a reflection of our leaders. Our leaders are a reflection of our culture.

A clear conscience

Of course, when it comes to obeying our leaders, there is one exception. When man’s laws oppose God’s, we must obey His law every time. This is what the Hebrew midwives did, despite the threat of their own death, when ordered to kill newborn boys (Exodus 1:15-21).

Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 1:5 that our love should result in a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. We should want to do what’s right simply because it’s right. We should desire to obey those in authority because God tells us to obey. Whether in paying taxes or paying bills on time, tithing, regulating the speed with which we drive, or parking in the appropriate spot, love should compel us to live God’s way.

If we refuse to respect and obey our God-given leaders whom we can see, how likely is it we will respect and obey the God we cannot see? How likely is it that we will stand firm when God calls us to obey in hard ways during the difficult times that are sure to come?

Here are some questions to ponder and to answer prayerfully: How well do I submit to the government leaders God has placed over me? How often do I rebel against a law I don’t like? How diligently have I prayed for our current president, legislators, or local leaders? How about my church leaders?

Ways to take action

▶         Ask God to reveal any ungodly rebellion in your life and pray for a surrendered, submissive heart.

▶         Pray now for church and governmental (local, state, and federal) leadership.

▶         Pray to demonstrate your love for God by obedience to His will.

▶         If you’re behind on giving/tithing, take action in this area today.

▶         Thank God for allowing consequences so that we may learn to obey.

Editor’s note: This article is a condensed version of a sermon preached by Scooter Noland, lead pastor of Hope Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, on May 7, 2023. The entire sermon titled “Moving the Boundaries” is available on youtube.com. Search “Hope Church Tupelo Moving the Boundaries.”