Submission to authority isn’t always easy, especially when we disagree or feel misunderstood. Yet, the Bible has clear instructions on respecting leaders while staying true to God. Today, we’ll learn how to navigate this balance through biblical principles.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Worshipping Other Gods
What Does The Bible Say About Submitting To Authority
Romans 13:1
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting to earthly authority, as it is ultimately established by God Himself. It teaches that when we submit to governing authorities, we are acknowledging and respecting God’s sovereignty and His divine order.
Titus 3:1
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.”
Paul instructs Titus to remind believers to be submissive to rulers and authorities, displaying obedience and readiness to do what is good. This verse highlights the responsibility of Christians to honor and comply with the laws and regulations set by those in authority.
1 Peter 2:13-14
“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him…”
Peter admonishes believers to submit to every human institution, recognizing that even earthly authorities are appointed by God. This verse encourages Christians to submit not only to the highest authorities but also to those appointed by them, showing respect and recognizing the divine authority at work.
Ephesians 6:5
“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ…”
In this passage, Paul instructs bond servants (employees) to obey their earthly masters. This verse teaches us to approach our work with genuine reverence and obedience, as if we are serving Christ Himself. It emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority in the workplace.
Hebrews 13:17
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
This verse urges believers to obey and submit to their spiritual leaders, recognizing the weight of their responsibility in shepherding souls. By doing so willingly and without complaint, we allow leaders to carry out their duties with joy and effectiveness, ultimately benefiting our spiritual growth.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Here, Paul encourages believers to pray for those in positions of authority, including kings and high officials. Praying for our leaders fosters a spirit of peaceful coexistence, allowing us to lead godly, dignified lives that bring honor to God.
Colossians 3:22
“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”
Paul addresses bond servants again, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted obedience to earthly masters. This verse encourages us to serve our employers sincerely, not to seek favor from people but out of reverence for the Lord, knowing that He sees and rewards our faithful service.
Proverbs 24:21
“My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise…”
This proverb urges individuals to fear both God and the king, advising against associating with those who rebel against authority. It emphasizes the need for a healthy reverence for both spiritual and earthly authority, promoting harmony and righteousness in society.
1 Peter 5:5
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
Peter addresses younger individuals, instructing them to submit to their elders. This verse emphasizes the importance of humility in relationships, recognizing that God blesses those who willingly submit themselves to proper authority while opposing the proud and arrogant.
1 Peter 2:18
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.”
Here, Peter instructs servants to subject themselves to their masters even if they are unjust. This verse calls for respect and submission, regardless of the character of those in authority, providing an opportunity to display God-honoring behavior even in difficult circumstances.
Romans 13:2
“Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”
This verse warns against resisting or rebelling against authorities, as doing so is ultimately resisting God’s appointment and may invite judgment. It emphasizes the need to approach questions or disagreements with authority in a respectful and honoring manner.
Acts 5:29
“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
In this account, Peter and the apostles boldly declare their commitment to obeying God above all else. While we should generally submit to authority, there may be situations where we must prioritize God’s commands over human authorities, staying true to our faith.
Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
This verse exhorts believers to remember and respect their spiritual leaders, noting their commitment to proclaiming God’s Word. By observing the outcome of their lives and imitating their faith, we honor and submit to the authority that God has placed over us.
1 Samuel 15:22
“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’”
In this passage, Samuel rebukes Saul for disobedience, teaching that obedience to the Lord holds greater value than religious rituals. This verse reminds us that obeying God and His commands is of utmost importance, reinforcing the significance of submitting to divine authority.
1 Timothy 6:1
“Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.”
This verse encourages bondservants (employees) to honor their masters, preventing God’s name and His teachings from being dishonored. It highlights the need to demonstrate respect for those in authority, reflecting the character and reputation of God.
Daniel 2:21
“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”
This verse affirms God’s sovereignty over earthly authority, declaring that God has the power to remove and appoint kings according to His divine plan. It reminds us that submitting to human authority ultimately reflects our submission to the perfect authority of God.
Proverbs 21:1
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
This proverb illustrates that God holds the heart of the king in His hands, directing its course according to His purposes. It serves as a reminder that God is ultimately in control of those in positions of authority, and our submission to them is a form of trust in God’s sovereign plan.
1 Corinthians 11:3
“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.”
Paul explains the godly order of authority, highlighting that Christ is the head of every man, husbands are the heads of their wives, and God is the head of Christ. This verse reinforces the importance of submitting to authority within the context of God’s divine order.
Matthew 22:21
“Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”
In response to a question about paying taxes, Jesus advises giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and giving to God what belongs to God. This verse emphasizes the need to fulfill our earthly obligations, including submitting to the authority of civil government, while also remaining devoted to God.
Matthew 10:24-25
“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master…”
Jesus teaches that disciples and servants should not consider themselves superior to their teachers and masters. This verse highlights the humility and submission that should characterize the disciples of Christ, modeling their behavior after their ultimate authority, Jesus Himself.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Paul instructs children to obey their parents in everything, highlighting that such obedience brings pleasure to the Lord. This verse emphasizes the importance of honoring parental authority as a fundamental aspect of living a life that pleases God.
Hebrews 13:16
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
This verse encourages believers to engage in acts of kindness and generosity, emphasizing that such sacrifices are pleasing to God. It reminds us that by willingly submitting to God’s commands, including submitting to authority, we bring joy to the heart of our heavenly Father.
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Jesus cautions that true discipleship is not merely about verbal expressions, but it necessitates obedience to the Father’s will. This verse emphasizes the significance of submitting to God’s authority through obedience, reflecting a transformed heart and a life that aligns with His purposes.
1 Corinthians 14:33
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints…”
Paul asserts that God is a God of order and peace, providing this principle as a basis for how church gatherings should be conducted. This verse reminds us that submitting to authority and functioning in an orderly manner promotes harmony within the community of believers.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…”
Paul encourages believers to do everything with great enthusiasm and sincerity, as if serving the Lord rather than people. This verse reminds us that by submitting to the authority of God and giving our best effort in every task, we demonstrate a heart of obedience and honor toward Him.