Page 164 - Ephesians

I believe there must be a clear violation of God’s objective
principles, before you decide not to submit to an authority. If the
authority outright contradicts the word of God, then you have the
right to go against it. In other words, if the authority, whether it’s
parents or government, command you to lie, steal, get drunk or
something like that, you’ve got to obey God. But you are
obligated to submit to delegated authority, when there’s no clear
word from God.

For example, there’s no clear word from God about prayer in
public schools. Submit to authority. There’s no clear word from
God about heavy taxation. “Oh, I’m being overtaxed; I’m going to
rebel against that.” You be careful before you do something like
that. There’s no clear word from God about forced busing.
There’s no clear word from God about bearing arms. Some
Christians get all upset because those things are violated. God
has ordained authority, and if there’s no clear word from God,
then the only word we have is submit. You must submit by the
grace of God, without a murmur or complaint, no matter what that
official decision is.

On the other hand, there is a clear word from God, on abortion.
There is a clear word from God, on mercy killing. There is a clear
word from God, on capital punishment and on preaching the word
of God. If you oppose those things you have no choice. You
have to line up with the Lord. All delegated authority, whether it’s
the ball coach, the umpire, the referee, the bus driver, policeman
or teacher, has as its boundaries “In the Lord”. Submit in the
Lord. As long, as it doesn’t violate His written word.

I think it will help if we view delegated authority as divine offices,
or positions. I believe you will find this to be scriptural. I’ll tell you
what I mean by that. I’m going to use my son David as an
illustration. No place in the word of God does it tell David to
submit to Ed. It says, “Children, submit to parents.” “Parent”
is an office. “Father” is an office. “Mother” is an office.
“Husband” is an office. “Wife” is an office. Even “Child” is an
office. Certainly, there may be unworthy people filling that office.
The Bible describes what a father is, as he reflects the