Obedience, to human authorities

Obedience is owed to rulers

Romans 13:1–7 NASB95

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

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Jesus Christ expounds this principle

Mark 12:17 NASB95

And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

Obedience is owed to church leaders

Hebrews 13:17 NASB95

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.

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Obedience is owed within the household

Ephesians 6:1–3 NASB95

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 be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

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Jesus Christ sets the example

Luke 2:51 NASB95

And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

Obedience to secular authority is limited by obedience to God

Acts 5:29 NASB95

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

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