Submitted but Faithful
As believers, we are called to submit to authority, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, and to prioritize obedience to God above all else.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the distinction between submission and obedience in the life of a believer, particularly in relation to government authority. While believers are called to submit to governing authorities, there may be instances where obedience to God's commands takes precedence, as demonstrated by Peter and John in Acts. They exemplified submission by accepting the consequences of their disobedience to the government while continuing to preach the Gospel. Epp highlights that true submission involves an inward attitude of respect, even when outward actions may conflict with human authority. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to prioritize their allegiance to God while maintaining a respectful stance towards earthly authorities.
Text
Romans 13:1-10
It is possible for a believer to be in a situation where he cannot obey the government, but he is to submit to it. Submission refers to our attitude--how we respond inwardly to those who are in authority; obedience refers to our visible actions--how we respond outwardly to those in authority. For instance, Peter and John were forbidden to teach in the name of Jesus by the government authorities of that day (Acts 4:18). They could not obey these injunctions, because Christ's command for them to proclaim the Gospel superseded the command of the rulers. However, the apostles later submitted to the punishment that the government meted out and then kept right on preaching (5:18-20). They could not obey the government's commands, but they could submit to the power of the government. When confronted with their disobedience (v. 28), Peter and the other apostles answered: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (v. 29). We see their submission by their willingness to obey as far as possible.
A contrast between submission and obedience is also seen in Acts 5:40-42: "When they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" (1 Pet. 2:13).
Sermon Outline
- Submission vs. Obedience
- When to Submit and When to Resist
- The Importance of Submission
- Definition of Submission and Obedience
- Examples of Submission and Obedience
- When to Submit to Authority
- When to Resist Authority
- Submission as a Means of Witnessing
- Submission as a Means of Obedience to God
Key Quotes
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake” — Theodore Epp
“We ought to obey God rather than men” — Theodore Epp
“They could not obey the government's commands, but they could submit to the power of the government” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should prioritize our obedience to God above our obedience to human authority.
- Submission to authority can be a means of witnessing to the power of God in our lives.
- Even in difficult situations, we can choose to respond inwardly with a willingness to obey God.