What other Scriptures emphasize the importance of respecting authority and avoiding arrogance? Setting the Foundation: 2 Peter 2:10 “Such punishment is especially reserved for those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and arrogant people, they are not afraid to slander glorious beings.” Peter warns that despising authority and indulging arrogance invites God’s sure judgment. Scripture consistently echoes this theme. Old Testament Voices on Respecting Authority • Exodus 22:28 — “You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” • Numbers 16 (Korah’s rebellion) — rejecting Moses’ God-given leadership brought swift, supernatural judgment. • Deuteronomy 17:12-13 — the presumptuous man who ignores the judge or priest “must be put to death… so that all the people will hear and be afraid.” • 1 Samuel 24:6 — David refuses to harm Saul: “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing… he is the LORD’s anointed.” • Proverbs 24:21 — “My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not join with the rebellious.” Old Testament Warnings against Pride • Proverbs 16:18 — “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” • Proverbs 6:16-17 — “There are six things the LORD hates… haughty eyes” tops the list. • Isaiah 14:13-15 — Lucifer’s “I will ascend” pride ends in being “brought down to Sheol.” • Daniel 4:30-37 — Nebuchadnezzar’s boast, then seven years of humiliation until he “praised the Most High.” New Testament Commands to Submit and Stay Humble • Romans 13:1-2 — “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities… whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place.” • 1 Peter 2:13-17 — “Honor the king… live as servants of God.” • Titus 3:1-2 — “Be subject to rulers… malign no one, be peaceable and gentle.” • Ephesians 6:1-9 & Colossians 3:22-25 — orderly relationships (children-parents, servants-masters) modeled on submission to Christ. • Hebrews 13:17 — “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” New Testament Warnings against Arrogance • Jude 8-10 — like 2 Peter 2, the arrogant “reject authority and slander glorious beings.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12 — “So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” • James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Matthew 23:12 — “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Drawing the Threads Together The same God who established earthly and heavenly order expects His people to honor that order. Disrespect for authority and a proud spirit are never harmless; they defy God Himself and invite discipline. Humility, by contrast, positions us for grace and protection. Everyday Practice • Speak of leaders—civil, church, workplace, family—with measured, respectful words. • Pray for those in authority rather than vilify them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Examine motives: is a complaint driven by righteousness or by self-importance? • Choose humility in disagreements, trusting God to vindicate truth in His time. |
    |