The Case for Civil Disobedience
When Obedience to God Requires Disobedience to Men
The tension between submission to earthly authorities and allegiance to God has challenged believers throughout history. This paradox sits at the heart of what it means to live faithfully in a world where human institutions don't always align with divine commands. Understanding when to submit and when to stand firm requires wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to Christ's lordship.
The Foundation: All Authority Flows from God
Before we can understand civil disobedience, we must grasp a fundamental truth: all legitimate authority originates with God. He is Lord over everything—civil governments, workplaces, homes, and churches. Every sphere of human authority operates under His ultimate sovereignty. When we recognize this hierarchy, we understand that no human authority is absolute or unchallenged. All earthly power is derivative, delegated by God for the blessing and flourishing of human civilization.
This means our first allegiance is always to Christ. We willingly place ourselves under human authority structures not because those authorities are ultimate, but because we are responding to the lordship of Jesus. This distinction changes everything.
Respect Without Compromise
First Peter 2:18 instructs servants to be subject to their masters with all respect—not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust. This command extends beyond ancient household servants to modern workplace relationships. The principle is clear: respect is due to those in authority regardless of their character or competence.
This is a difficult pill to swallow. We naturally evaluate whether someone deserves our respect based on their merit, kindness, or fairness. But biblical respect isn't primarily about the person's worthiness—it's about honoring the God-delegated authority they possess. We choose to honor that position even when the person fails to wield it well.
However—and this is crucial—respect doesn't mean blind allegiance or unquestioning obedience. We are called to engage our minds, exercise discernment, and recognize when authorities have strayed outside their God-given sphere.
The Breaking Point: When Commands Contradict
Human authorities break down when their commands contradict God's commands. At that moment, they've stepped outside their delegated sphere and attempted to usurp God's place in our lives. Whether it's civil government, an employer, or any other institution, when they demand we violate God's clear instructions, our obedience is no longer required.
This is where civil disobedience becomes not just permissible but necessary. The question facing every believer is this: Will we fear men and submit to corrupt authority, or will we fear God and serve Christ by doing good without worry of consequences?
A Biblical Definition of Civil Disobedience
True biblical civil disobedience is obeying our highest authority without compromise while being willing to suffer for it. It's choosing to do good even when those in power call that good evil. According to 1 Peter 2:19-20, when we suffer unjustly for doing good while remaining mindful of God, this is a gracious thing in His sight.
Christ himself exemplifies this perfectly. He endured suffering at the hands of corrupt civil and religious authorities without reviling, without threatening, without compromising. He entrusted himself to the One who judges justly and accomplished redemption through his willing sacrifice.
Historical Examples of Righteous Defiance
The Hebrew midwives in Egypt faced a genocidal command from Pharaoh: kill all male Hebrew babies. These women, slaves with no rights or freedoms, chose to fear God rather than Pharaoh. They protected life, defied their master and king, and even deceived him when questioned. God blessed them with families of their own because of their courageous obedience to Him.
Daniel and his friends repeatedly demonstrated this principle. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king's food. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar they wouldn't worship his golden statue even if God didn't deliver them from the furnace. Later, when prayer was outlawed, Daniel threw open his windows and prayed three times daily as he always had. These men were slaves in a foreign land, yet they chose to do right regardless of consequences.
In Acts 5:29, the apostles declared simply: "We must obey God rather than men." This wasn't rebellion for rebellion's sake—it was faithfulness to their calling to preach the gospel regardless of threats from religious authorities.
Practical Application for Today
How does this work out in our daily lives, particularly in the workplace? Several principles emerge:
Trust God as Your Provider. When faced with morally compromising situations at work, we're tempted to trust our job and salary to provide for us. But God is the source and supply of everything we need. We seek His kingdom first, trusting Him for daily bread rather than trusting our employer or bank account.
Don't Compartmentalize Your Faith. If you're a Christian on Sunday, be a Christian on Monday. Our faith cannot be left at the church door. Who God is and who we are in Him consumes every part of our existence—including our work life.
Remember Your Master in Heaven. For those with workplace authority: you have a Master in heaven. Use your delegated authority wisely, remembering it's a gift from God. For those under authority: work wholeheartedly as unto Christ, not merely to please human masters. When all is done for God's glory, there's no distinction between sacred and secular work.
The Courage to Do Good
Biblical civil disobedience isn't about protesting, social media rants, or political activism. It's about going into the world without compromise and without fear, serving God by doing good—even when authorities call that good evil.
It's continuing to meet as the church when commanded not to, because we've been commanded to gather. It's refusing to participate in workplace practices that violate conscience. It's protecting life when told to destroy it. It's praying when prayer is outlawed.
The motivation matters immensely. We don't defy authority because we're concerned about our rights being infringed. We defy unjust commands because we fear God. We're compelled by love for Him and commitment to His kingdom.
A Call to Faithfulness
The question isn't whether we'll face these decisions—it's when. Will we have the courage of the Hebrew midwives, the resolve of Daniel, the boldness of the apostles? Will we choose to obey God rather than men, accepting whatever consequences follow?
This is what we've been called to. Christ suffered for us, leaving an example that we should follow in His steps. When we do good and suffer for it while remaining mindful of God's will, it's a gracious thing in His sight. May we have the courage to walk that path, trusting that the gospel itself transforms not just individuals but the very fabric of society—from the ground up, one faithful act of obedience at a time.
The tension between submission to earthly authorities and allegiance to God has challenged believers throughout history. This paradox sits at the heart of what it means to live faithfully in a world where human institutions don't always align with divine commands. Understanding when to submit and when to stand firm requires wisdom, courage, and an unwavering commitment to Christ's lordship.
The Foundation: All Authority Flows from God
Before we can understand civil disobedience, we must grasp a fundamental truth: all legitimate authority originates with God. He is Lord over everything—civil governments, workplaces, homes, and churches. Every sphere of human authority operates under His ultimate sovereignty. When we recognize this hierarchy, we understand that no human authority is absolute or unchallenged. All earthly power is derivative, delegated by God for the blessing and flourishing of human civilization.
This means our first allegiance is always to Christ. We willingly place ourselves under human authority structures not because those authorities are ultimate, but because we are responding to the lordship of Jesus. This distinction changes everything.
Respect Without Compromise
First Peter 2:18 instructs servants to be subject to their masters with all respect—not only to the good and gentle, but also to the unjust. This command extends beyond ancient household servants to modern workplace relationships. The principle is clear: respect is due to those in authority regardless of their character or competence.
This is a difficult pill to swallow. We naturally evaluate whether someone deserves our respect based on their merit, kindness, or fairness. But biblical respect isn't primarily about the person's worthiness—it's about honoring the God-delegated authority they possess. We choose to honor that position even when the person fails to wield it well.
However—and this is crucial—respect doesn't mean blind allegiance or unquestioning obedience. We are called to engage our minds, exercise discernment, and recognize when authorities have strayed outside their God-given sphere.
The Breaking Point: When Commands Contradict
Human authorities break down when their commands contradict God's commands. At that moment, they've stepped outside their delegated sphere and attempted to usurp God's place in our lives. Whether it's civil government, an employer, or any other institution, when they demand we violate God's clear instructions, our obedience is no longer required.
This is where civil disobedience becomes not just permissible but necessary. The question facing every believer is this: Will we fear men and submit to corrupt authority, or will we fear God and serve Christ by doing good without worry of consequences?
A Biblical Definition of Civil Disobedience
True biblical civil disobedience is obeying our highest authority without compromise while being willing to suffer for it. It's choosing to do good even when those in power call that good evil. According to 1 Peter 2:19-20, when we suffer unjustly for doing good while remaining mindful of God, this is a gracious thing in His sight.
Christ himself exemplifies this perfectly. He endured suffering at the hands of corrupt civil and religious authorities without reviling, without threatening, without compromising. He entrusted himself to the One who judges justly and accomplished redemption through his willing sacrifice.
Historical Examples of Righteous Defiance
The Hebrew midwives in Egypt faced a genocidal command from Pharaoh: kill all male Hebrew babies. These women, slaves with no rights or freedoms, chose to fear God rather than Pharaoh. They protected life, defied their master and king, and even deceived him when questioned. God blessed them with families of their own because of their courageous obedience to Him.
Daniel and his friends repeatedly demonstrated this principle. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king's food. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told King Nebuchadnezzar they wouldn't worship his golden statue even if God didn't deliver them from the furnace. Later, when prayer was outlawed, Daniel threw open his windows and prayed three times daily as he always had. These men were slaves in a foreign land, yet they chose to do right regardless of consequences.
In Acts 5:29, the apostles declared simply: "We must obey God rather than men." This wasn't rebellion for rebellion's sake—it was faithfulness to their calling to preach the gospel regardless of threats from religious authorities.
Practical Application for Today
How does this work out in our daily lives, particularly in the workplace? Several principles emerge:
Trust God as Your Provider. When faced with morally compromising situations at work, we're tempted to trust our job and salary to provide for us. But God is the source and supply of everything we need. We seek His kingdom first, trusting Him for daily bread rather than trusting our employer or bank account.
Don't Compartmentalize Your Faith. If you're a Christian on Sunday, be a Christian on Monday. Our faith cannot be left at the church door. Who God is and who we are in Him consumes every part of our existence—including our work life.
Remember Your Master in Heaven. For those with workplace authority: you have a Master in heaven. Use your delegated authority wisely, remembering it's a gift from God. For those under authority: work wholeheartedly as unto Christ, not merely to please human masters. When all is done for God's glory, there's no distinction between sacred and secular work.
The Courage to Do Good
Biblical civil disobedience isn't about protesting, social media rants, or political activism. It's about going into the world without compromise and without fear, serving God by doing good—even when authorities call that good evil.
It's continuing to meet as the church when commanded not to, because we've been commanded to gather. It's refusing to participate in workplace practices that violate conscience. It's protecting life when told to destroy it. It's praying when prayer is outlawed.
The motivation matters immensely. We don't defy authority because we're concerned about our rights being infringed. We defy unjust commands because we fear God. We're compelled by love for Him and commitment to His kingdom.
A Call to Faithfulness
The question isn't whether we'll face these decisions—it's when. Will we have the courage of the Hebrew midwives, the resolve of Daniel, the boldness of the apostles? Will we choose to obey God rather than men, accepting whatever consequences follow?
This is what we've been called to. Christ suffered for us, leaving an example that we should follow in His steps. When we do good and suffer for it while remaining mindful of God's will, it's a gracious thing in His sight. May we have the courage to walk that path, trusting that the gospel itself transforms not just individuals but the very fabric of society—from the ground up, one faithful act of obedience at a time.
Posted in Ask Pastor Ben
Posted in #CivilDisobedience, #Workplace, #Subjection, #Submmission, #SumissiontoChrist, #1Peter, #DoingGood, #FearGod, #Courage, #LordshipofChrist
Posted in #CivilDisobedience, #Workplace, #Subjection, #Submmission, #SumissiontoChrist, #1Peter, #DoingGood, #FearGod, #Courage, #LordshipofChrist
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