Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Janet reuther on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
    Does God really want us to honor those in power knowing that they are so far from him they are against Christian's how can we honor such people just because they hold a high office
  • Chris - In Reply on Ephesians 6 - 3 years ago
    I feel that "to honour those in power" ( Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:17) means that they are to obeyed & respected because of their appointed position & authority. Even when Paul wrote those words in 'Romans', the govt. of the day was one of the most tyrannical, brutal of empires that ruled in that region, yet Paul called for our obedience to them.

    Essentially, govts. are formed for the administration of the country's affairs & for the care of its citizens. They are to encompass all types of people with different backgrounds, religions, economic statuses, etc. & to serve them well. Sadly, most govts., even those created under Judeo-Christian bases & ethos, now don't give high regard to the Bible as the Bible can be confronting to these 'other' groups of people. Is this the correct thing to do? A definite, No. Rather than other groups or persuasions conform to biblical standards of living & justice, govts. have weakened & pandered to their demands. We will never see a 'Christian' govt - only when Jesus Christ comes to reign on Earth, will the World see a true & righteous govt. under God.

    However, what should our response be? Given that we are to obey the laws, pay our dues, & give govts. due respect, we are not compelled to blindly obey what they might require of us that is clearly against God's Word. So in a sense, we have to pick & choose. In Acts 5:18-29, we see Peter & the apostles imprisoned for healing people - God's angel had opened the prison doors to release them & they went back to preaching - they were subsequently brought before the council & were questioned as to why they continued to preach Jesus; & they responded, "We ought to obey God rather than men." So there are clearly times when disobedience is necessary whenever Christians & the Gospel are restrained in their life & work.

    Some countries discriminate & persecute Christians. We can be thankful to our govts. that we still receive water, electricity & education - a few refuse these to Christians.



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