FREEDOM IN CHRIST: SUBMISSION AND REBELLION

Hello 👋 friends, it’s always good to see you again and we are still discussing our FREEDOM IN CHRIST.

NUMBER FOUR: SUBMISSION AND REBELLION

The world we are living in today seems to be a rebellious generation since most people only obeys the law/authorities when it’s convenient for them and it becomes extremely difficult to respect the government. Most times those in government authorities makes it difficult to respect or obey the law hence most of them violate the laws and neglect the integrity of human rights, which makes everyone guilty of the law. Though God place the leaders for protecting its citizens but most of them have robbed its citizens the freedom of speech or doing what they liked.

The Christian duties are to respect everyone, love other believers, honor God, and respect the Emperor). 1 Peter 2:17. 

However, rebellious against God and His commandments are sins some Christians easily commit and in return give the devil an opportunity to attack. To keep the devil at bay, Christians must be ready to submit to God and His authorities which is the only solution to freedom in Christ. Though not only does the outward appearance of submission is a enough guarantee to achieve freedom in Christ but the sincerity submission from the heart is what God required of Christians. In submitting to God wholeheartedly, the devil will not gain any ground to attack when Christians because they genuinely stands under God’s authority. And Christians are required to respect/admonish those God have places over them. 

There is nothing as obedience as to pray for those in authority and submit to them. 1 Timothy 2:1&2 (1, first of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people. 2, for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence towards God and with proper conduct). Romans 13:1–7 (1, everyone must obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission, and the existing authorities have been put there by God. 2, whosoever opposes the existing authority opposes what God has ordered; and anyone who does so will bring judgement on himself. 3, for rules are not to be feared by those who do good, but by those who do evil. Would you like to be unafraid of those in authority? Then do what is good and they will praise you, 4, because they are God’s servants working for your own good. But if you do evil, then be afraid of them, because their power to punish is real. They are God’s servants and carry out God’s punishment on those who do evil. 5, for this reason, you must obey the authorities—not just because of God’s punishment, but as a matter of conscience. 6, that is also why you pay taxes, because the authorities are working for God when they fulfill their duties. 7, pay, then, what you owe them, pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all).

CONFESSION: Lord Jesus, You have said in the Bible that rebellion is the same thing as witchcraft and as bad as idolatry. I know I have not obeyed You in this area and have rebelled in my heart against You and against those You have placed in authority over me. Thank You for Your forgiveness of my rebellion. By the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that all ground gained by evil spirits in my life due to my rebellion would be canceled. I pray that You would show me all the ways I have been rebellious. I choose now to adopt a submissive spirit and a servant’s heart. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.

The lifestyle of a Christian must be clearly an act of faith and submitting to established God’s lines of authorities, though sometimes it might be difficult, harsh or lacks kindness. And If those in authority breaks or abuse the law which God ordained for the protection of innocent people, then seeking help from a higher authority is required for absolute protection. The laws in each state/country varies depending on the offense/abuse, there are some which needs to be reported to the police while some to government agencies. For example, if there are frequent abuse on insecurity, physically assault, mentally abuse, rape, child’s abuse, emotional abuse or sexual harassment, there is need to involve local agencies for counseling and also helping to deal with the situation.

Incase those in authority uses their position to force you to disobey God’s instructions which will compromise your commitment/faith to God, then you must choose to obey God rather than man. Acts 4:19&20 (19, but Peter and John answered them, “you yourself judge which is right in God’s sight—to obey you or to obey God. 20, for we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves seen or heard). Do not think an authority is disobeying the law because what is required of you does not match your desire/interest. As Christians, adopting a humble spirit and submitting to one another in the fear of God are essential and there are written laws to protects and educate the people and there are God’s instructions to Christians to help them in their daily lives. Ephesians 5:21 (submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ). 

CONFESSION: Lord Jesus, I confessed that I have been rebellious toward the authorities. Thank You for forgiving my rebellion. I choose now to be submissive and obedient to Your Word. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

We truly appreciate your time in reading our post, remain bless. We will continue with number FIVE.

Peace ☮️ out.