2Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. I am going to broach a subject that many say that a Preacher should not touch…I am going to talk about government, but not in a sense of the governing body that makes the laws for the United States specifically. Are you as sick of the news as I am? Has there ever been a government that has not been maligned, mocked, and criticized? Every year we go through the same mind numbing assault on our ears. One side is always ridiculing the other side of the aisle for doing the very things that they were guilty of when they were in power. With this in mind let’s look as what the Bible tells us about government and the Christian response to it.
The Bible instructs us to be in Submission to the Authorities.
Romans 13:1-5 “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: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”
Only in modern times have we the “right” to criticize government and only in a few countries. Many countries still jail (or worse) what they call dissidents. For a second, let’s go back to the opening verse to find out who is the most vocal of the critics.
2Peter 2:10 “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
Peter defines them pretty vividly. We do not need to presume to guess at who he is pointing a finger at. Those that “walk after the flesh” are those whosoever they are, that do not walk in this life as a Christian. A Christian has specific guidelines to follow when he follows Christ. Presumptuous men are not followers of Christ or at least are not following Christ’s example. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. They demand their rights of citizenship! They claim to know what is best for government and they vilify anyone who disagrees with them.
Christians are commanded to be subject unto higher powers because All powers are ordained of God. We in turn are commanded to understand that God Almighty reigns! Daniel 2:21 “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:” You may rest assured that the right man is in office for the right reason…God’s Plan will be accomplished! Christians are told to submit to God’s plan and since Paul tells us to submit to higher powers (physical, earthly powers) it is certain that he understands Daniel 2:21. Another verse that it relevent. Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
Again, rest assured that God’s Plan is in motion and all the whining in the world will not prevent it. Christian, don’t be caught “in the flesh” complaining about things that are in God’s hands.
