As we studied last night in our study of Esther, Mordecai disobeyed a command from the king to bow to Haman. The question arises, “When is it okay to disobey authority?” The only in time the Word of God that we are to disobey authority is when authority calls for us to disobey God. Romans 13 says “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God…” (Romans 13:1) Though most individuals do not like to believe that authority is ordained of God, it is! God allows people to have authority and has given us authority for our protection. When that authority goes against Him, it is like a mutiny aboard a ship. The one to whom God gave authority is now acting in rebellion to Him. The only problem is the authority figure sometimes does not see it this way. So how do you respond to authority that is violating God’s Word.
1. Scripturally
Psalms 119:160 says “Thy word is true for the beginning and everyone of the righteous judgments endureth forever. Psalm 100:5 reminds us that God's truth “endureth to all generations.” Disobeying God given authority is a big deal. Romans 13 again says “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:2) So, first I have to ask myself, “How is this violating Scripture?” and ”What Scripture is it violating?” Resisting authority is not an issue of convenience or personal preference. If there is not a violation of God’s Word, my response should be to submit.
Examples: Midwives (Exodus 1:15-17) Daniel (Daniel 1:8) Peter (Acts 5:28-29)
2. Humbly
If you have established that this is a matter of obeying God rather than men, you must oppose humbly. Resistance to authority is not a matter of pride or arrogance! Galatians 6:1 should define our spirit. “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.” Our desire should always be to see restoration to those who have gone against truth. If you read through the life of David, you can see how King Saul (David’s authority) was blatantly wrong, but David always responded in humility. The reality is we have all missed God’s standard in our lives, so when we stand against unbiblical authority, we must come humbly. (Matthew 7:3-5)
3. Prayerfully
1 Timothy 2:1-4 tells us to do something that we often fail at. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” If you come to the point where you must Scripturally oppose authority, do it prayerfully! In fact, even if your authority is wonderful, you should pray for them! Pray that God will give authority to discern and follow the Truth.
4. Resolutely
Disobeying authority is huge, so it must be approached Scripturally, humbly, and prayerfully. Lastly, it should be approached resolutely. Understand that disobedience always has consequences. There is a price for standing up for Biblical truth. When the religious leaders commanded the apostles to stop preaching, they obeyed God but they were still beaten. (Acts 5:29-42) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are wonderful examples of this. (Daniel 3:15-20) They understood the command to worship the image violated God’s Law but decided to face the consequences whether God intervened or not.
Obedience and authority are important principles in the Word of God. They are not invalidated by personal preferences. If there comes a time where authority is clearly violating Scripture, my challenge is to approach it Scripturally, prayerfully, humbly, and resolutely, no matter the consequences.
