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Mike Winther of the Institute for Principle Studies discusses the concepts of power, authority, and their interplay with rebellion and submission. Drawing from Romans 13 and historical events, he explores when to purify or separate from an imperfect institution.
He outlines the divine origin of authority, contrasting various forms of government and our roles within them. Mike delves into biblical principles regarding submission and authority, using historical examples, including the American and French Revolutions.
This episode provides insight into power dynamics, authority’s origins, and our roles within these systems. It’s an essential listen for those interested in understanding the biblical principles that underpin authority.
You’ll Learn:
- [01:00] As we study the colonial picture in America, there’s the idea of rebellion against England. Who was rebelling?
- [01:47] You don’t have to be a subject to be in rebellion. Kings can be in rebellion to God. The same goes for Congress or senators.
- [02:47] What is our role when an institution is less than perfect.
- [03:46] Just like the pilgrims, we have to debate whether we want to purify or separate; just like the Separatists and the Puritans did during colonial times.
- [04:36] A question for our founders was when do we try to purify and when do we separate? This revolves around submission or rebellion against authority.
- [04:48] Romans 13. This chapter is about proper submission to authority.
- [07:30] Samuel Adams was one of the first to move from being a Puritan to a Separatist. Is it biblical to rebel against the king?
- [10:01] In society, we want the right amount of power with the right amount of authority. All authority comes from God.
- [15:13] Family government, civil government, and church government all get their authority from God. The principle of how God delegates authority is the same for all three institutions.
- [17:09] Acts chapter 4. Are we required to submit all the time? What if we’re told to do something that we’re against?
- [21:12] Vindiciae Contra Tyrannos: A Defence of Liberty Against Tyrants. Christians should always be under biblical or God’s authority.
- [23:14] Principle of creating a substitute government before rebeling.
- [23:45] The Killing Year in Scotland where they executed one pastor every day for a year.
- [25:02] Mike draws a parallel between different forms of government.
- [28:26] It’s not biblical to think that any human being is outside of authority.
- [31:53] The Bible applies to everybody.
- [32:50] God’s law is the higher authority.
- [34:13] Absolute power corrupts absolutely. This is why we need accountability. We should be all about submission but not elevate authority that doesn’t come from God.
- [35:19] Mike talks about the difference between the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The American Revolution still had civil authority. During the French Revolution, many people were executed. It was anarchy which led to tyranny from Napoleon Bonaparte.