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Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
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Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
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John 19:10-11
Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin."
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1 Peter 2:13-20
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
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Daniel 4:17
"This decision is by the decree of the watchers,
And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,
In order that the living may know
That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,
Gives it to whomever He will,
And sets over it the lowest of men."
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Matthew 22:21
They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."
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1 Timothy 2:1-3
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Civil Government
Resources
Authority and Government
Sermon by John O. ReidWe live in a world where disobedience to laws seems to be the norm, with many manipulating man's laws to serve their own desires. Yet, for those called by God, obedience to His laws is paramount, designed to produce happiness and build godly character. God places us under the governments of men—national, state, town, …
Should We Obey the Laws of Our Government?
Article by John O. ReidGod hates rebellion, and the influence of Satan, the prince of all rebellion, permeates our society, fostering lawlessness and chaos. This rebellious spirit is evident in governments, where leaders often fail to set an ethical example, defending themselves against charges of fraud and misconduct. Judicial systems mock laws …
How Does God View Human Government?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn times of national disappointment and betrayal, the purpose and function of government come into question, especially during crises like wars or pandemics that prompt extraordinary governmental measures. Such circumstances often blur the line between protecting citizens and eroding their civil rights, raising dilemmas for …
Self-Government (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)In the context of civil government, we are reminded to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, and to show humility to all men. This guidance is challenging in times when governmental actions may seem evil to their core, yet we must live …
Self-Government: Overcoming
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAll authority in civil government derives from God, who appoints or allows rulers in towns, cities, states, and nations. These rulers function as ministers of God to reward good works and to execute wrath on evildoers. Submission to such authorities must occur not only to avoid punishment but also for conscience sake. Taxes, …
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughCivil government exists because God delegates authority to rulers for maintaining order and punishing evildoers. Christians must submit to every ordinance of civil authorities, whether kings or governors, and honor them for the Lord's sake. This submission applies even when governments are unjust, as their power flows from God …
Government (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughUnder the New Covenant believers are to be subject to the civil governments of men. Though these governments are not the government to which believers are directly responsible and though they may be corrupt and oppressive their authority according to Romans 13 is derived directly from God. Being subject to them is being obedient …
Government (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOnly those who are governable will be allowed to govern with God. No government will work without each individual submitting in his area of responsibility.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Civil Government