Romans 13:1-5 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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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 you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
As we seek to be members of Christ's body, we will hear other voices demanding obedience - sometimes competing, sometimes complimenting one another, and sometimes we're not sure. The starting point must be that God has ordained human government, be it political or religious, and He has done so to maintain order. If our basic approach is to obey, first God, and then earthly leaders, we will be in a position to know when they conflict and act accordingly. We don't just want to avoid being punished for doing the wrong thing; we want to have confidence knowing what we have done in the right thing.
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