Keep The King's Command
29 August 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICE
Rev Raymond Fong
Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | The LORD Jesus Himself said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” (Mark 12:17) Therefore we must not disregard, rebel or openly challenge the authority of the day, but wisely “keep the king’s command”. (Ecclesiastes 8:2 ESV)
Why do we submit to prevailing authority?
1. To express our trust in God as LORD – Rulers are placed where they are by God from whom all authority originates, whether by His active action or passive permission. Not submitting to governing authorities is punishable rebellion against what God has instituted. Romans 13:1-2
2. To avoid unnecessary punishment – Do not be hasty to leave the king’s presence or stand up for a bad cause (v3) but do what is right in every law of the land, not wrong or foolish. There is no fear of punishment when we do right by the law. Romans 13:3-4
3. To keep a clear conscience – Having integrity is being right before God when no one sees. Instead of fearfully hiding from being caught and punished, we experience peace from giving what is due whether taxes, revenue, respect or honour. Romans 13:7
4. To surrender to God’s divine purposes – Every earthly authority has its God-given season, subject to God’s will. For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter though a person may be weighed down by misery. (Ecclesiastes 8:6) One such illustration is when God drove the Babylonians out and made Cyrus the Persian king His shepherd to rebuild His holy city, Jerusalem. Isaiah 44:28
Biblical examples of when we must not obey an authority:
- When instructed to kill someone – Midwives refused the Egyptian king’s command to kill Hebrew newborn boys. (Exodus 1:15-21)
- When compelled to engage in false worship - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down before King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. (Daniel 3)
- When our Christian practice is disallowed – Daniel continued his usual practise of kneeling to worship God despite a strictly enforced law that only the king could be worshipped. (Daniel 6)
- When sharing of the Gospel is banned – Peter, John and other apostles refused to obey the command by the ruling council to never again speak or teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:17-20, 5:27-29, 40-42)
“Submit” (Hupotasso in Greek) is to be willingly arranged in order under someone superior. It is not blind or absolute obedience to authority, but submitting to the plans of an orderly God. “Obey”, (Hupokouo in Greek) on the other hand, is to conform, follow a command, or give in to an authority. In Romans 13, Paul used “hupotasso” and not “hupokouo” when he said, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” So, if we have to deliberately not obey laws that are unjust or in conflict with God’s commands, we should still submit to the authorities by accepting the legal consequences of our action.
Civil disobedience can only be the last resort after exhausting all other means of redress and reform. It should never be acted on individually but as a faith community, without violence, and with willingness to face any legal consequences.
How can we put to practice Ecclesiastes 8:2-6 and supporting scripture?
1. Appreciate – As John Piper says, “Government is a great gift in a world of fallenness, restraining evil and bringing some kind of order.” Let’s not take for granted God’s provision of order, peace and security through good governance, and bless also our civil servants.
2. Pray – We are to petition, pray, intercede and give thanks to God for “kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Pray they may fear the LORD and be wise in His way.
3. Engage the authorities – to protect the least and last so that migrants, the poor, helpless, orphans and widows are not denied justice in a lawsuit, or mistreated and oppressed in any way, but are rescued and delivered from the grasp of evil people. (Exodus 22:21, 23:6, Deuteronomy 27:19, Psalm 82:3-4) Even a simple letter can spark a movement of transformation and care for those in need. Surrendered to God, and engage constructively, humbly, affirmatively, and respectfully.
4. Be responsible – Count on Me, Singapore, to work and pray for the peace and prosperity of our city, for its welfare will determine our welfare. (Jeremiah 29:7) Comply so that as a body of Christ, our cooperation glorifies God!
If we can’t submit to earthly authority, which is right and reasonable, what makes us think we can submit to God Himself? Submission is part of our discipleship to Jesus our King of Kings. For when all earthly kingdoms fail and fade, God’s perfectly just Kingdom will perpetuate. So, submitting declares our faith in God who is Almighty to reign over our government, even as we seek His grace to do our part for the peace and prosperity of the land. To God be all honour and glory!
(Sermon Notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What does “keeping the King’s command” mean to you? What do you wrestle with concerning submission to the authorities?
2. If authorities are instituted or used by God as His servants to carry out His sovereign purposes, how does that change your perspective and attitude toward them?
3. How can we play our part to assist the authorities in carrying out God’s purposes?
4. In this season of the COVID-19 pandemic, what does submission to the authorities mean? How can we be good witnesses for God through our submission?
5. Reflect on the application points: Appreciate, Pray, Engage, Cooperate. What are some practical things you can do to apply what you have learnt from God’s Word? Take some time to pray for the authorities.