Obedience, to human authorities

What is obedience? Giving up my will to the will of another.

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The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin.

A. W. Tozer

Obedience is the road to freedom.

C. S. Lewis

Obedience is owed to rulers

Romans 13:1–7 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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 you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

See also 1 Pe 2:13–14; Tt 3:1; 1 Pe 2:17; 1 Ti 2:1–3

Jesus Christ expounds this principle

Mark 12:17 NIV

Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him.

Obedience is owed to church leaders

Hebrews 13:17 NIV

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

See also 1 Pe 5:5

Obedience is owed within the household

Ephesians 6:1–3 NIV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

See also Pr 15:5; Col 3:20

Jesus Christ sets the example

Luke 2:51 NIV

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Obedience to secular authority is limited by obedience to God

Acts 5:29 NIV

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

See also Ac 4:19