Bible-believing Christians in their desire for independence have sometimes been characterized as rebels disapproving of most authority. This characterization should not be the case and our lives should reflect just the opposite mind-set and approach. Those who know the Lord should be the first to obey, submit to (Hebrews 13:17), and pray for (1 Timothy 2:1-2) those in authority. Those who walk in the flesh are the ones who“despise government” and “are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:8). There are times when man’s authority comes into direct conflict with God’s authority. In these cases, men must choose to obey God (Acts 5:29). Yet, there are plenty of other times when the people of God need to learn a greater respect for authority.
The 2,000-year history of the church reveals that there have been teachers and whole religions who have rejected the biblical teaching of the coexistence of a Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Others have accepted their existence but rejected the fact that these three are one with each being fully God (1 John 5:7). Some have simply been unable to comprehend or unwilling to accept that God could exist as one God in three persons. Regardless of man’s intellectual inadequacies, the Bible reveals that each member of the Godhead works together on our behalf in prayer. The Lord told us that every believer should pray to God the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 15:16). The prayers are directed toward the Father with the Son acting as the mediator (Hebrews 7:25). The book of Romans further reveals that the Spirit of God makes intercession for us in our prayers (Romans 8:26).
There are very few matters in this life for which we ought to earnestly contend. Yet “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” stands as one of those things. “The faith” in this context refers specifically to the body of doctrine delivered to us. As believers, we should always be ready and willing to take a stand for the truths of God’s holy word. This contending does not suggest becoming violent toward those who oppose truth. However, it does mean that we should unwaveringly stand forth proclaiming the truth of God’s word despite man's disapproval. The Lord delivered these truths to us and for us and we should not allow the world to attack them unopposed. We must determine to take a bold stand! We must contend! No matter the repercussions, our allegiance to the One who graciously delivered such truths should shine forth as a light in a dark world.
