How should Christians respond when facing challenges to their God-given authority? Setting the Scene: Edom Rebels “Edom rebelled against Judah’s authority and set up its own king.” (2 Kings 8:20) • Judah’s kings were meant to rule under the covenant promises to David. • Edom’s revolt was a direct challenge to that God-given authority. • The incident reminds believers that stewardship from God can be resisted by those who refuse His rule. Why Authority Is Challenged • Human pride resists submission (Genesis 3:5). • Spiritual warfare targets God-ordained order (Ephesians 6:12). • Sinful leadership may open the door to rebellion (2 Chronicles 21:10). First Response: Acknowledge God’s Ultimate Ownership “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness.” (Psalm 24:1) “...there is no authority except that which is from God.” (Romans 13:1) • Remember that every sphere—home, church, workplace, nation—belongs to Him first. • Confidence flows from knowing our commission rests on His unchanging sovereignty. Second Response: Examine Our Stewardship • Jehoram, the king during Edom’s revolt, had “walked in the ways of the kings of Israel” (2 Kings 8:18). • When pushback comes, check for compromise, negligence, or sin that weakens moral credibility (1 Peter 4:17). • Repentance restores spiritual authority far more than force ever could (Proverbs 28:13). Third Response: Stand Firm in Courageous Faithfulness “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) Practical outworking: • Keep speaking truth without dilution. • Maintain righteous conduct even under pressure (Daniel 3:16-18). • Resist the temptation to appease rebellion through unbiblical compromise. Fourth Response: Rely on God’s Armor, Not Mere Human Tactics “Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) • Prayer-saturated dependence on Scripture shapes strategies and keeps motives pure. • Spiritual battles are won with spiritual weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4). Fifth Response: Leave Vengeance to the Lord “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19; cf. Deuteronomy 32:35) • Personal retaliation undermines godly authority. • Trusting God to judge frees us to act with integrity and restraint. Sixth Response: Pursue Restoration When Possible “A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone... in the hope that God will grant them repentance.” (2 Timothy 2:24-25) • Seek reconciliation over domination. • Show Christlike meekness that disarms hostility (Matthew 5:9). • Even if rebellion persists, the witness of grace remains powerful (Romans 12:20-21). Living the Lesson Edom’s ancient revolt reminds believers that challenges to God-given authority are inevitable. The faithful response is neither fear nor tyranny but steadfast trust in God’s sovereignty, self-examination, courageous obedience, spiritual weaponry, patient restraint, and a heart for restoration. By walking this path, believers honor the Lord who entrusted the authority in the first place and display His kingdom character to a watching world. |
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