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NASB | 1 Peter 2:13 ¶ Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 2:13 ¶ Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, |
Bible Question:
What if you know you are in a church that is spiritually abusing you. Using fear to keep members to stay. By saying you will be cursed if you leave. Where no one has a say as to how the money is spent. If you question anything they say you are in rebellion. What do you do? |
Bible Answer: It is a sad thing the way churches use scripture to their advantage. The verse you show, 1 Peter 2:13, I do not believe is intended to apply to the church. How can you be submissive to EVERY human institution? I believe what this verse is saying is not to break laws. We are to be good examples for the Lord's sake. I would like to make mention of other ways the church has mislead many of the Lord's flock. One thing to beware of is that many churches use Old Testement verses to validate things in the New Testement but unfortunately the scriptures are then taken out of context. One popular verse used is Mal. 3:9. In Gal. 3:13 it tells us that Jesus took our curse, we are no longer under ANY curse. We are redeemed and set free, as the book of Galatians tells us. Jesus took the curse for us. Anyone who tries guilt manipulation for ANY reason, this would also include tithing, does not know all of what Christ did on the cross. I would suggest reading Galations and Hebrews. Two books very clear on our freedom. We are servants to the gospel. Servants to God who redeemed us from death. We are obligated to no one except our Master, to hear where HE wants us to go, WHAT HE wants us to say, and how much HE wants us to give, to WHO and to WHAT. If I was you, I would pray and listen. Read the word. Interpret the old testement by the new. Be careful not to try to fit the "new" (NT) in the "old wineskin" (OT). I don't think anyone can tell you to leave your church, maybe God has you there so your eyes will open and you will be the messenger needed or for another purpose. But maybe you are there only to have your eyes open. Be strong and of good courage, put on the WHOLE armour. Be angry but do not sin. If you see a brother sin, go to him. There are many answers to our crazy everyday life. I do want to say that my husband and I have a burden for the people of God who have been taught the curses are still for God's children. Our hearts yearn to help free them. My husband is very wise in scripture and is presently writing a book on Spirit Free gifing - NOT OT Tithing. We are not 1/10th God's, we are 100 percent His and we are NOT the Church's property, we are GOD's, so if God tells you to give to a poor family, GIVE! You are blessed. You are guided by His Spirit. Jesus wants us to care for the poor around us and yes, also support those who labor among us, but why are there so many in need in the church when the leaders are making 3 times as the common folk? Yes, the church needs to have open books to their spending. God give wisdom, mercy, understanding, love, compassion, and forgiveness to all your children sitting under the teaching of bondage. Free more Lord, free more! |