How can we apply the respect for authority shown in 2 Samuel 3:7 today? 2 Samuel 3:7 in its context “Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, ‘Why have you slept with my father’s concubine?’” - Sleeping with a king’s concubine was widely viewed as a political move, asserting a claim to the throne. - Ish-bosheth, Saul’s surviving son and nominal king, confronts Abner, his commander. - Abner’s anger (vv. 8–10) shows his unwillingness to accept correction from the authority he had helped install. - The episode highlights how both taking what isn’t ours and rejecting rightful correction erode God-ordered authority structures. Biblical principles of honoring authority - God establishes every sphere of authority: • Civil: “There is no authority except from God…” (Romans 13:1-2). • Parental: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord…” (Ephesians 6:1-3). • Spiritual: “Obey your leaders and submit to them…” (Hebrews 13:17). - Usurping or undermining a leader’s role is rebellion against the Lord who appointed the leader (Numbers 12; 1 Samuel 24). - Correction must be received humbly; rejecting it mirrors Abner’s pride (Proverbs 12:1). Everyday ways to show the respect Abner lacked Government - Pay taxes honestly and comply with laws unless they clearly violate God’s commands. - Speak of leaders with civility, praying “for kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Workplace - Honor supervisors by doing tasks promptly and well, “not only to please them when they are watching, but as servants of Christ” (Ephesians 6:5-6). - Address grievances respectfully and privately before going public. Church - Receive biblical teaching with eagerness and discernment (Acts 17:11) instead of harboring silent resentment. - Support elders through prayer, encouragement, and fair compensation (1 Timothy 5:17-18). Family - Parents model authority by disciplining in love; children return honor through obedience and gratitude. - Adult children continue to treat parents with dignity, providing care when needed (Mark 7:10-13). Community life - Follow neighborhood guidelines, school rules, and civic ordinances without grumbling (Philippians 2:14-15). - Volunteer for service instead of criticizing from the sidelines. Healthy limits to submission - When human commands directly oppose God’s Word, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). - Respectfully appeal or seek lawful recourse; slander and violence have no place (1 Peter 2:21-23). - Hold leaders accountable through scriptural processes (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-20). Living it out - Examine motives before challenging authority; ask if the concern is God’s glory or personal gain. - Cultivate humility through regular confession of pride. - Practice grateful speech—thank a leader today for a specific action. - Remember that honoring imperfect authorities trains us to honor the perfect King, Jesus Christ, “the ruler of kings on earth” (Revelation 1:5). |
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