Understanding how to navigate authority is crucial for a peaceful life. The Bible provides wisdom on respecting those in positions of leadership. Let’s explore key scriptures that teach us the importance of submitting to authority and how it aligns with God’s plan for us.
Bible Verses About Submitting To Authority
Romans 13:1 – All authority comes from God
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
1 Peter 2:13 – Submission helps maintain order
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.”
Hebrews 13:17 – Leaders watch for our souls
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”
Titus 3:1 – Be obedient to rulers
“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.”
Colossians 3:22 – Work wholeheartedly for your masters
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:1 – Children are called to obey
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
Proverbs 21:1 – God directs authorities’ hearts
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
Romans 13:2 – Resisting authority means resisting God
“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Pray for leaders
“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.”
Matthew 22:21 – Give to authorities what belongs to them
“Jesus replied, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’
1 Peter 5:5 – Young people should submit to elders
“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’
Daniel 2:21 – God appoints rulers
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”
Proverbs 24:21 – Fear the Lord and the king
“Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious.”
Acts 5:29 – We obey God above human authority
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!'”
Exodus 20:12 – Honor your parents
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
James 4:7 – Submit to God and resist the devil
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Philippians 2:3 – Value others above yourselves
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Proverbs 15:5 – A wise child accepts discipline
“The fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
Luke 20:25 – Jesus teaches respect for authority
“He said to them, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’
Matthew 5:25 – Settle matters quickly with enemies
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
Proverbs 19:20 – Listen to advice and accept discipline
“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
Matthew 7:12 – Treat others as we wish to be treated
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Romans 12:10 – Honor one another above yourselves
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Galatians 5:13 – Serve one another humbly
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Proverbs 6:20 – Keep your father’s commands
“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Philippians 4:9 – Practice what you have learned from leaders
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Ecclesiastes 8:2 – Keep the king’s command
“Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God.”
Colossians 3:20 – Children’s obedience pleases the Lord
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Romans 14:4 – God is able to make them stand
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
1 Peter 2:17 – Show proper respect to everyone
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Exodus 22:28 – Do not blaspheme the gods
“Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Criticism
What Does the Bible Say About Submitting To Authority?
In examining what the Bible says about submitting to authority, we find that it provides numerous guidelines that underscore the importance of respecting and obeying those in positions of power. The Scriptures make it clear that all authority ultimately comes from God, and by submitting to earthly authorities, we are in effect honoring God’s divine order.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there is a recurring theme that those who hold positions of authority are placed there by God’s sovereign will. For instance, in the book of Romans, Paul emphasizes that everyone must submit to governing authorities since no authority exists apart from God’s appointment. This suggests that even if we disagree with certain leaders or their policies, defiance against them can be seen as defiance against God’s established order.
Furthermore, the Bible encourages us to respect and pray for our leaders. In 1 Timothy, Paul urges us to pray and give thanks for kings and all those in authority so that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness. This passage highlights our responsibility not only to obey but also to intercede on behalf of our leaders, seeking God’s wisdom and guidance for them.
However, this principle does not imply blind obedience. The Bible also includes instances where civil disobedience is not only permitted but required. In the book of Acts, Peter and the apostles face a directive from the authorities to cease speaking about Jesus. They respond by saying, “We must obey God rather than men,” indicating that when earthly commands conflict with God’s laws, divine directives take precedence.
The message is balanced and nuanced: respect and submit to authorities as part of our commitment to God’s order, but if those authorities demand actions contrary to God’s commands, then our ultimate allegiance is to God. This balance can be challenging but is fundamental to the Christian life.
In summary, the Bible instructs us to submit to authorities as an act of obedience to God, while also providing guidance on how to navigate situations where human laws conflict with God’s higher laws. It calls for respect, prayer, and discernment, creating a framework that helps us understand our role in the societal structures we live in.