In
Romans 13, Paul dives into the topic of obeying and being submissive to the governing authorities. Peter brings this subject up again in
1 Peter. So obviously this topic is a Biblically important one, Greg and RD point out.
RD is quick to mention that Paul and Peter were writing in the context of what was
happening in Rome at the time, although even today it's necessary to know when to submit to the governing authorities. RD brings up the two extremes of saying you will follow the government no matter what because it's the law, or you'll stand up to it because you think it's going against the teachings of Jesus. RD references
John MacArthur's recent statements that fall into the latter category.
Greg dives into more of the history of Romans 13, and references
what Jesus said to Pilot about his authority. Greg also asserts that while the government has the right to make decisions, you have the right to question those decisions, just as
Paul asserted his rights as a Roman citizen. But, RD warns that if our convictions cause us to say we cannot follow the law, we have to do that in compassion and humility, and really understand what is oppression and what is not. Greg emphasizes that our attitude and posture needs to always be "how are we supposed to be salt and light in this time?"
Greg brings up a modern-day example of the right way to question what we are told by the government to do in questioning why we are being told to wear masks. Greg says that the right thing to do is to ask "why are we being told to wear masks?" versus "You can't make me do this." In other words, having an attitude of "I'll submit to the law, but I'm going to question it."
In closing, Greg references the story of
Paul and Philemon as an example of what's right isn't always what's easy.
