Paul encourages Christians “to be in subjection to the governing authorities” (Rom 13:1a). Peter backs him up when he commands believers to “submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution” (1 Pet 2:13a). Clearly, followers of Jesus are to willingly accept the dictates of human government knowing, first, that their station was given by God (Dan 2:21; John 19:11; Rom 13:1b) and, second, that personal and corporate subjection—perhaps especially in the face of mistreatment—is a powerful witness to a fallen world (1 Pet 2:11–12, 15–16).
But how far does this command extend? When does submission to human authorities become disobedience to our Highest Authority? Is there a time for civil disobedience (e.g. Ex 1:15–17; Dan 3:16–18; Acts 4:19–20) and, if so, when? Where does the Christian conscience come into play? These are just a handful of the timely questions Andrew and Josiah tackle today on the podcast.
To hear the sermon on Romans 12–15, click here. For further discussion on that sermon, click here.
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Josiah has served the Oakridge Bible Chapel family as one of its elders and one of its pastoral staff members since September 2018, before which he ministered as an associate pastor to a local congregation in the Canadian prairies. Josiah's desire is to be used by God to help equip the church for ministry, both while gathered (edification) and while scattered (evangelization). He is married to Patricia, and together they have five children—Jonah, Henry, Nathaniel, Josephine, and Benjamin.
Andrew is the Associate Pastor at Oakridge Bible Chapel. He grew up in a Christian home, and spent time serving in churches of varying sizes and denominations before landing at Oakridge with his wife in 2017. He likes to verbally process theological issues he finds challenging and is always ready to learn something new. He has a passion for teaching the Bible, and seeking to explain confusing passages in a clear way, preferably with a good illustration or two.
