The Bible makes it clear that showing respect for authority is to be a priority for the child of God.
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
- Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)
Whether it be secular authority or spiritual authority, Christians are to value authority and respect those in authority. Let’s take a look at what Peter says to us about valuing authority.
1. The responsibility of those in authority - vs. 13-14
Those in positions of authority are sent by God to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right.
A. The primary responsibility of secular authorities -
Those in positions of secular authority fulfill this role through enacting and enforcing just laws that protect law abiding citizens and punish law breaking citizens. Where would we be without those in positions of secular authority?
The Book of Judges ends with these words, "In those days there was no king," no law. And because there was no law, "every man did what was right in his own sight." Can you imagine a world like that? Just look at Los Angeles in 1992, or Miami in the 1980’s, or Watts in the 1960’s. Or how about Montreal, Canada, on Oct. 6, 1969?
On that day the Montreal police force went on strike. For 24 hours, Montreal, one of the larger cities of the world, was without law enforcement. That day was such a chaotic day that Canadians dubbed it "Black Tuesday." In a 24-hour period, one policeman & one burglar were murdered. Forty-nine people were injured or wounded. There were hold-ups & robberies. In total, over 1,000 store windows were broken as people looted stores, stealing stereos, televisions, radios, & clothes.
One man, dressed in a fine business suit was seen running down the street with a fur coat over each arm. While respectable citizens broke windows & stole merchandise from store fronts, thieves backed up to the back doors with trucks & hauled merchandise away by the truck loads.
Black Tuesday in Montreal, Canada, was a day of anarchy, of freedom from all restraints, because there was no authority, no enforcement of the law.
God uses secular authorities as a check upon man’s sinful desires and tendencies; they are a useful tool in resisting the effects of man’s fallen nature. The greatest offense government can make is to fail to punish evildoers, and to reward them through corruption.
B. The primary responsibility of spiritual authorities -
Those in positions of spiritual authority fulfill this role through proclaiming and upholding God’s truth in such a way as to hold God’s people accountable to the Word of God.
"Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do." - Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)
"Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this joyfully and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit." - Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)
In commenting on verse 13, John Piper says, "Leaders ‘keep watch on behalf of your souls or for the sake of your souls.’ And to do that for your souls, they watch four things, not just one thing. They watch the word of God; they watch Christ; they watch their conduct; and they watch the people. In other words leaders are vigilant to be Biblical, Christ-centered, morally exemplary, and caring for the people."
One interesting point to make as well has to do with the meaning of the word "obey" in Hebrews 13:17. The Greek word is "peithesthe," which means "to be persuaded, to listen, to obey." In other words, what is described here is not blind obedience, but obedience after thoughtful consideration that results in a persuasion that this person is someone who is fulfilling their role as an authority. Those secular and spiritual authorities who fulfill their God-given roles should be honored and obeyed. But what about those who do not fulfill the responsibility God gave them?
"Whatever title men may hold, they are to be listened to only on the condition that they do not lead us away from obeying God. So we must examine all their traditions by the rule of the Word of God. We must obey princes and others who are in authority, but only in so far as they do not deny to God his rightful authority as the supreme King, Father, and Lord." - John Calvin
An example of what Calvin is speaking about is found in Acts:
"So they (the Sanhedrin) called the apostles back in and told them never again to speak or teach about Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather then him? We cannot stop telling about the wonderful things we have seen and heard.’" - Acts 4:18-20 (NLT)
Note how the apostles, thought they disobeyed those in authority over them, did so submissively. In other words, they couldn’t obey the order given them, but they were willing to submit to whatever penalty might be handed down. Thus, the biblical pattern for not submitting to authority says that it is justified when those in authority are not fulfilling their God-given role, and that in doing so, one must be willing to submit to whatever penalty might be handed down for their disobedience.
However, as long as a secular or spiritual authority is fulfilling their God-given responsibility, we should submit, "for the Lord’s sake."
2. Our responsibility toward those in authority - vs. 15-17
Being citizens of heaven does not exempt us from an obligation to the laws of the land in which we live. Being "free" in Christ is not freedom from obedience to civil authorities.
To what "freedom" then is Peter referring in verse 16? Many think it is our freedom in Christ. This "freedom" may be included in what Peter is talking about, but I believe he is also talking about one’s freedom as a citizen, as opposed to being a slave. Peter addresses slaves in verse 18. In verse 16, he is speaking to free citizens, urging them to use their freedom for the progress of the gospel and the glory of God rather than for selfish ambition. Everything legal is not necessarily moral or godly or profitable to others.
Paul often surrendered some of his freedoms for the good of others and the advance of the gospel. He was free to marry, but he chose not to do so (1 Corinthians 9:5; 7:8). He was free to be supported in his ministry, but he often chose not to be (1 Corinthians 9:1-18).
His liberties were not exercised at the expense of others; they were employed in ministry to others. Paul’s submission to others caused him to view and use his liberties in a very different way. Peter calls on us here to do likewise.
What are some of the freedoms we may use as slaves of Christ, or abuse as slaves of our flesh? We have the liberties of our American citizenship and the rights we are granted by our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. We should use these submissively to the benefit of others. There is the freedom of our personal liberties in Christ, within the confines of God’s Word and our personal convictions. These should also be employed as slaves of Christ and as the servants of others.
Peter is teaching that submission is not just for those who cannot avoid it, for citizens under the rule of government and slaves under the authority of their masters. Peter is teaching us that submission should be our mindset even when we are "free." We are, first and foremost, servants of Christ. Submission is to be the dominant theme in our lives. In submitting to Christ, we should submit to secular and spiritual authority.
Our objective in it all, is not to promote our "rights," but to promote the cause of seeing others make things right with God through faith in Christ.
Conclusion: In light of the value of authority in our lives as believers, what difference should this make in our homes?
Parents must model and teach respect for those in authority. This begins with teaching their children to respect them. If a child is disrespectful of a teacher, a church worker, a pastor, or any other authority figure, you can bet they are also disrespectful of their parents.
"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." - Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV)
Note how God has told us that children showing respect for parental authority is what will guarantee that we live in a society that is less violent and more orderly. Children who respect their parents grow up to be adults who respect other authority figures, and this contributes to a society that is safe and secure.
So it is important that Christian parents teach their children respect. How can they do this?
10 Tips For teaching Respect
1. Live a life before your children that is worthy of respect.
"Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart." - Colossian 3:21 (NASB)
2. Keep your word to your children.
3. Show respect for your spouse.
4. Involve your children in helping you honor your spouse.
5. Treat your own parents and in-laws with respect.
6. Address others respectfully. For example, address family members by such titles as "Aunt Martha," or "Uncle Frank." Address others as "Mr. Smith," or Mrs. Wagner." Use terms like "yes sir" and "no sir," "yes ma’am" and "no ma’am," "please" and "thank you."
7. Demonstrate respect for others by not gossiping about them.
8. Be firm about the rules in your home.
9. Do not allow your children to contradict you. For example:
Mom: "Dad agrees with me that this party is not a place for you to be."
Child: "He does not! He told me it was okay to go."
Mom: "Excuse me, could you please restate that in a more respectful way?"
Child: (silence)
Mom: "How about: ’Sorry, Mom. Is it possible that I heard Dad say it was okay?’"
10. Don’t let your children argue with you. Having a discussion about a difference of opinion is okay, but arguing is not.
