Honoring God's Authority
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
1/20/2013 AM
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Text:
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I Peter 2;
Lord's Day 39
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Psalters: |
275, 217, 322, 223 |
- Authority is the God-given right to rule (not determined by greater size, power, wisdom, or any other ability).
- It is the right to set the standard for others of what is right and wrong.
- All authority is God's because He created, upholds, and governs all things (Rom. 11:36).
- God delegates the exercise of this authority to certain positions, called offices.
- Among men God gives His authority in four areas of life - all called father.
- Natural fathers beget or adopt us into their family (Heb. 12:9).
- Domestic fathers are masters (II Kings 5:13; Titus 2:9,10).
- Political fathers (Isa. 49:23) are vested with God's authority (Rom. 13; Prov. 8:15; I Peter 2:13-17).
- Spiritual fathers are office-bearers (I Cor. 4:15).
- The home/family is the school in which God teaches the art of obedience.
- How must we respond to God’s authority in our “fathers”?
- God would have us “honor,” render respect, a submission of the soul.
- Honor is an inner respect and esteem, to think highly of them, giving reverence (Heb. 12:9; Lev. 19:3).
- Fidelity is faithfulness shown also when parents are old; there is no age limit to the honor commanded.
- All requires our all, not something half-hearted; and it must be shown (not just empty words).
- Honor is the basis for our obedience and submission.
- Obedience is a yielding of ourselves to do as commanded.
- Honor submits when we may not obey, being willing to bear the consequences of not obeying them.
- Why are we to honor God’s authority?
- First, this is well-pleasing to God (Col. 3:20).
- Also, this is the first commandment with promise.
- Show your love by patiently bearing with God's will to put these weaknesses and sins.