ALL AUTHORITY WAS GIVEN TO JESUS, THE WORD. DO YOU REBEL AGAINST THAT AUTHORITY?

 

THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES

REBELLING AGAINST THE 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).

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Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… The Son of Man (Jesus, the WORD) has authority on earth to forgive sins...” (Matthew 9:6 NASB).

AUTHORITY is inherent in God’s POWER the same as HIS POWER is inherent in God’s WORD. “…[ALL] power (authority) belongs to God (not humans)…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB).

“… Jesus (the WORD) …SPOKE to them, saying, “All authority (power) has been given to Me in heaven and on earth…” (Matthew 28:18 NASB).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

According to bible scholars there are over 600+ laws of God in the Old Testament, which include the ten commandments and the Mosiac laws.

“...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar (the mere man who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority as a king)...[let]...it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, instituted laws that instructed his people on HOW to GOVERN themselves in the KINGDOM and while upon earth. God told them: “…“IF” you refuse to LISTEN to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees (governing authorities), …all these curses will come and overwhelm you:…” (Deuteronomy 28 NLT).

Most of God’s people DIDN’T listen. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

“… Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).

 “... Now the deeds of the flesh, [IF practiced by God’s people, will be]... evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn [my people], just as I have forewarned [my people “before], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).

“... Everyone (no exceptions) who practices sin ...[on any level]... also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

What does it mean to REBEL against God? In the Old Testament a HUMAN king was PUT into the POSITION of authority because that’s what God’s OWN PEOPLE wanted. “... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

 “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God)  [was]...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) ... he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

Samuel tried to WARN God’s people they already had the KING of all kings. “...Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a (human) king over us,  so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”  Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them...” (1 Samuel 8:18-22 NASB).

What is this REBELLION? Rebellion is an OPEN resistance to one’s leader, RULER, or KING. In 1 SAMUEL chapter 8, God’s people WANTED a CHANGE in GOVERNMENT, openly rebelled against the one they had, and asked God, their KING and RULER, for a human KING to rule them. “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve (obey)….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). God told Samuel: “...Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them...” (1 Samuel 8:18-22 NASB).

“…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient (desired) ... being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).

God’s, the Holy Spirit, was HIS people’s KING and RULED over them through the prophet SAMUEL, yet they complained. They didn’t appreciated how GOOD they had it. This request for a human KING was the beginning of the government of human KINGS over God’s people.

God’s people didn’t approve of Samuel or his sons (who were bad news) and decided they wanted a HUMAN KING over Israel. “...Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel.  The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice...” (1 Samuel 8:1-3 NASB).

God had RULED over his people through SAMUEL, but they begin to be unkind, ungrateful and unjust towards him, because of his AGE. “...Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.”  But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

God always respects the human will of his people to CHOOSE. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well.  Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

This REQUEST for a HUMAN KING was rebellion against the AUTHORITY, which was GOD’s KINGSHIP. Samuel TOLD God’s people they were NOT rejecting HIM, but God as they KING. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them...however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).  

God GAVE them what they WANTED, and warned them the human king may or may not PRACTICE the PRINCIPLES of God’s KINGDOM or his “governing authorities;” HIS WORD. “... The matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a (human) king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).

“...[God, through Samuel warned]...them strongly and [told]... them of the practice of the (human) king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

 “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king. He said, “This is what the (human) king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.  He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB). They WERE not rejecting SAMUEL, but God, the KING of all kings. “....the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).

The REJECTED of SAMUEL, God’s ordained prophet or MOUTHPIECE for God, the Holy Spirit, was actually the REJECTION of God. They were not aware they were forsaking and abandoning the RULE and KINGSHIP of God, the Holy Spirit, his riches, his provisions, and his endless, spiritual blessings over their lives “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).

“…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…They (God’s OWN people) KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).

God TOLD Samuel to GIVE his people what they WANTED. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

God’s people had the God-given right to use their human will to choose the human king they wanted. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). Samuel was NOT to take it personal. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them (not Samuel)...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).

God’s government was being REJECTED by HIS OWN people and it was God’s government they DISLIKED and REBELLED agains. Yet, “...God is the King over all the earth...God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere...” (Psalm 47:7-9 NLT).

God’s GOVERNMENT was a theocracy or DIVINE government, but now his people, on their own volition, had subjected themselves to a human government.

God’s people are always citizens of HEAVEN and citizens of the earthly places in which they are sent by God. God’s citizens of heaven and ambassadors of Christ are to show respect to one and obedience to the other. “....Every person (who is a citizen of God’s Kingdom)... is to be subject (obedient) to the governing authorities (God’s WORD). For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God...” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB).

“...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

When God’s people make a mere MAN their king instead of HIS “governing authorities,” God concedes to their choice, steps aside, and no longer answers them as their KING. “... Now we KNOW that God heareth NOT sinners; but if any man (woman) be a WORSHIPPER of God and DOETH his will, him he HEARETH...” (John 9:31 KJV). “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.(they had willfully rejected him as THEIR King)..” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (GOD’S WORD, his RULE, his KINGSHIP, etc.,) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV).

“...those who [rebel against authority]... will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). “...The one who rejects Me (God, the Holy Spirit) and does not accept My teachings (Jesus, HIS WORD) has one who judges him: the word (his governing authorities) which I spoke. That(those WORDS) will judge him (her) on the last day...” (John 12:48 NASB).

Where the SOUL spends eternity depends upon whether a person accepts or rejects God’s established authority which is Jesus, his LIVING WORD.

When a person rebels, humans, put in temporary positions of authority, can judge the deeds of the body. However, when a person rebels against the authority God institutes, the body and soul are judged. “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NASB). “...Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands....” (Matthew 10:28 MSG).

Humans are NOT always FAIR when judging the rebellion of others, but God, the Holy Spirit with be fair and without bias, prejudices, or partiality.

“...Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that occurred in you had occurred in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you...” (Matthew 11:21-24 NASB).

“...If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn’t take it seriously, I don’t reject him. I didn’t come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I’m saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I’m not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That’s all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you...” (John 12:47-50 MSG).

“…He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God…” (John 3:18 KJV). “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19 KJV).

“...Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority (THE WORD) is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves...” (Romans 13:2 NIV). “...the word  which I spoke. [Those WORDS]... will judge him (her) on the last day...” (John 12:48 NASB).