Basic Question & Answers on Authority

Did God ordain all human authority? 01

YES

“… 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.” Romans 13:1-2

Is God responsible for promotions? 02

YES

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” Psalm 75:6-7

03 Are rulers to execute His wrath?

YES

“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.” Romans 13:3-4

04 Does God have direct Influence In the decisions of rulers?

YES

“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whither- soever he will” Proverbs 21:1

05 Can we resist God-given Authority and still have a good Conscience?

NO

“Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” Romans 13:5

06 Does God teach that There is a structure of Authority in marriage?

yes

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ: and the head of the woman is man; and the head of Christ is God.” I Corinthians 11:3

Must all Leaders give an Account To god for the way they use their authority? 07

YES

“… For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17

08 Has god established A balance of power?

YES

“Because of the fallen nature of man, God has established three authority structures: Family ChurchGovernment These are illustrated in Israel by the authority Of the elders ( heads of families ), priests ( who also carried out God’s judgment ), and the king ( who ruled the nation.)

09 Are those under Authority left With no power?

No

By wisdom and Godly attitudes, they can exercise the powerful force of influence and can often change the direction of the one in the position of authority. Witnesses of this fact are: Joseph Daniel Esther And many others. For the BIBLE says…

“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” I Peter 3:1-2

10 Do Christian wives Have Protection under Unsaved Husbands?

YES

“For the unbelieving husband is sanctified By the wife…else were your children unclean; But now are they holy.” I Corinthians 7:14

11 Is the primary purpose Of authority to punish Evil and to praise good?

YES

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”I Peter 2:13-14

12 Must every Leader also Be under Authority?

YES

“And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” Ephesians 6:9

13 Are there times When those under Authority should Refuse to obey?

YES

”But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:19-20

14 Is there a proper way To appeal to one in Authority when asked To do evil?

YES

“Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.” I Timothy 5:1-2

15 Can wise appeals Be nullified by Wrong attitudes?

Yes

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

16 Should those under Authority except Their leaders to Quickly see their Point of view?

NO

“By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.” Proverbs 25:15

17 Are we obligated to Obey an authority Who has an offensive Disposition?

Yes

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.” I Peter 2:18

18 Is it right to join A crowd to forcefully Remove an evil person From office?

NO

“Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment. Exodus 23:2

19 Are there times when A person should Separate from his Authority?

YES

A citizen may need to flee to another country: “…When they persecute you in this city, Flee ye into another…” Matthew 10:23

An employee may need to leave a job, and under extreme conditions a wife may need to depart from her husband, but not to divorce him. “..Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if She depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled To her husband…”I Samuel 24:10

20 Must we continue to Respect an evil ruler As a minister of god?

YES

When David had an opportunity to destroy Saul, who was trying to kill him, he said, “…I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed.” I Samuel 24:10