Rebelling Against Authority

"Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves"- Romans 13:2 (NIV).

Fact: All authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). Today's Scripture warns of judgment if we rebel against those in authority over us; in addition, God's appointed leaders will have to give an account, to God, of how they watched over us while they were in authority (Hebrews 13:17). God's plan is that each support and encourage the other or one or both will come under His judgment. What about a Hitler or a Stalin? If the governing authority conflicts with Biblical teaching, "We must obey God rather than men" (Act 5:29). The Bible doesn't say we are to obey a governing authority that is in direct contradiction with God's commandments. As history has shown us, the Hitlers and Stalins of the world will come under God's judgment one day and fall. Paul gives this advice: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3).