Self-Control Under Tyranny: The Reformed Doctrine of Resistance

Before he was a magistrate, David was a private citizen on the receiving end of multiple forms of tyranny—and he demonstrated both extreme proactivity in resisting where he could, and consistent refusal to cross the line of unlawful resistance. Throughout Saul's reign we see David disobeying unlawful orders, fleeing, harboring refugees, planning a future government, forming an underground economy, praying imprecatory Psalms—but always refusing to take up the sword of justice against a magistrate. This message goes into great detail on the options and limits of civil disobedience.