In this AMA, Pastor Nic is joined by Monte Knetter as they discuss the biblical tension between submitting to governing authorities and obeying God when they conflict. Drawing from Monte’s recent sermon on 1 Peter 2, they examine when rebellion might be justified through historical examples like the American Revolution and Protestant Reformation, while wrestling with modern dilemmas such as COVID restrictions. The conversation reveals how Christians must balance respecting God-ordained authority with standing firm on biblical principles, emphasizing that both blind obedience and reckless rebellion can be harmful, and acknowledging that faithful Christians may sometimes reach different conclusions about when conscience must override governmental commands.

Questions they discussed:

• How would you justify the Reformation and also keep with the command to obey authorities and institutions?
• Can you talk more about examples of rebellion? The US was born out of rebellion against taxation to the King of England. How do you view the revolution and rebellion against communism in Eastern Europe in the late 80s and early 90s?
• What do you think of "white lies"? An example comes to mind of Exodus 1:15-21, about the Hebrew midwives in Egypt who helped the Hebrew baby boys to stay alive despite the order of the king to kill them.
• How would you counsel a Christian to engage with perceived societal injustices while still honoring authorities?
• Do you have any book recommendations, historical accounts, theological works, or biographies related to this topic?
• How do we exercise our freedoms in a democracy where we have the freedom to protest or to work towards change while still submitting?
• How does a wife submit to her husband who is unfaithful several times and believes it is her duty to stay with him? Do we continue to submit to those who mentally abuse us?
• In light of this passage, is direct action against our government ever justifiable? For example, American Revolution, resistance to Hitler by Bonhoeffer?
• Are constructive, peaceful criticisms of authority and honoring authority incompatible?
• What ways can we honor authority in situations when it commands us to do something that is against the will of God?
• Is there a point where it's right for believers to flee an oppressive, unjust authority? For example, pilgrims fleeing Europe to come to North America.
• If the government decrees that nobody should speak out against their wrongdoings, should the church obey and stay quiet and cooperate with the government?
• Where does the legitimacy of government come from in the perspective of a Christian?
• How do you honor someone practically when authority is corrupt, i.e. abusive parents?
• During COVID, when we were strong armed into taking the vaccine by our government, if we were convicted against getting it and didn't, or if our church met in person against the suggestion of our government, does this mean we aren't submitting to the government in the way the scripture commands us to?

Episode Notes:

Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.

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Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)