Submit To Government.

[EdMa]

While Looking up information about Brother Yun (Also Known As Liu Zhenying or the Heavenly Man) - I came across this verse...dont even know where it was saying it.

Romans 13: 1 - 7

1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.
4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor

I'm just wondering what my brothers and sisters in christ think of this?

 

[Yarddog]

I'm just wondering what my brothers and sisters in christ think of this?

This is basically telling us to be humble and good citizens. We are not to rebel and cause trouble. That doesn't mean we are submit to laws which would make us sin against God.
IOW, the Roman Empire tried to force Christians to worship their gods. We should never do this but we should be respectful to a country's traditions. If a Christian is living in a Muslim country, they should obey the laws of that country even if they may bring hardships.

Fortunately, those who live in most democratic countries, such as the US, are given the right to protest, but we should do that in a Christian manner. An example would be the abortion laws. We should protest but only in a legal way. We should never bring harm on anyone or their property.

 

[wayseer]

I'm just wondering what my brothers and sisters in christ think of this?

Paul's big cop-out.

This is a well know section of Paul's writing and I find it hard to accept. Jesus' would never have said as much. But Paul did not come from that hot bed of insurgency, Galilee. Moreover, Paul is here in distinct contradiction with James' teaching. Paul is looking for assimilation - James knew that such was never going to happen.

Do I pray for that wonderful mob of humanitarians that run North Korea - Nope. I pray they will be replaced - and the quicker the better for the millions who have to put up with their despotic regime. Do I pray for that murdering dictator who runs Zimbabwe - only to see him ousted.