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Explore the biblical teachings on rebellion and submission to those in authority, including government, parents, employers, and church leaders. Discover the importance of praying for our leaders and confessing any rebellious attitudes.
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Steps to Freedom Week 8 Step 4… Rebellion vs Submission
Certainly, we are not expected to agree with our leaders’ policies that are in violation of Scripture, but we are to “honour all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honour the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
The Bible makes it clear that we have two main responsibilities toward those in authority over us…
To Submit Romans 13:1-7 (NIV) 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. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
To Submit 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
To Submit 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
To Pray 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Dear Heavenly Father, You have said in the Bible that rebellion is the same thing as witchcraft and as bad as idolatry. I know I have not always obeyed or submitted to You. I have also at times rebelled in my heart against You and against those You have placed in authority over me. Thank You for Your forgiveness of my rebellion. By the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that all ground I have given to any evil spirits in my life due to my rebellion, would be cancelled. I also pray that You would show me all the ways I have been rebellious. And I want to declare that I have now chosen to adopt a submissive spirit and a servant’s heart. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
As you prayerfully reflect over the following list, allow the Lord to show you any specific ways in which you have been rebellious to authority. Then, using the prayer of confession that follows the list, specifically confess whatever the Lord brings to your mind. • Civil government (including traffic laws, tax laws, attitude toward government officials) (Romans 13:1 - 7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:13-17) • Parents, step-parents, or legal guardians (Ephesians 6:1-3) • Teachers, coaches, school officials (Romans 13:1-4) • Employers (past and present) (1 Peter 2:18-23) • Husband (1 Peter 3:1-4) [Note to Husbands: Take a moment and ask the Lord if your lack of love for your wife could be fostering a rebellious spirit within her. If so, confess that now as a violation of Ephesians 5:22-33.] • Church leaders (Hebrews 13:7) • Wife (Ephesians 5; Daniel 9:5,9) • Others… _____________________________________ • Others… _____________________________________ • Others… _____________________________________
Father, I confess that I have been rebellious toward (name_________) by (say what you did or are doing specifically _________). Thank You for forgiving my rebellion. I choose now to be submissive and obedient to Your Word & to (name_________) In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
