#69 The Constitution | Limitations
Dr. Stephen Phinney: Constraints on state governments, preventing them from exercising certain powers reserved for the federal government.
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Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution primarily outlines constraints on state governments, preventing them from exercising certain powers reserved for the federal government, such as issuing currency, making treaties, or engaging in war.
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account."
Hebrews 13:17
EASIER SAID THAN DONE
As political tensions rise and ideological divides deepen, it is becoming increasingly difficult for individual states to honor the federal government while maintaining their own sovereignty.
Issues such as federal mandates, judicial rulings, and economic policies often clash with the priorities and values of state governments, leading to disputes over compliance and enforcement. Worst yet is when states have to negotiate with Federal officials who are run by Deep State puppeteers.
The complexities of balancing state rights with federal oversight have amplified debates on issues like taxation, healthcare, immigration, cultural movements, and environmental regulations. Additionally, social and political movements have pressured states to either resist or actively challenge federal directives, creating legal battles and legislative gridlock. While the U.S. Constitution outlines the relationship between federal and state powers, ongoing conflicts highlight the struggle to preserve autonomy while functioning within a unified national framework. The key challenge remains: how can states uphold their distinct identities while respecting the overarching authority of the federal system?
WE LIVE IN A DIVIDED NATION
Since the real war is with individual states being “liberal” vs “conservative,” the states’ battle with Federal leadership is based on who is in the White House - is it a conservative or a liberal? When a liberal is in the White House, the liberals are happy, and the conservatives take up arms - and vice versa.
The Bible teaches that authority and governance should be upheld with justice and integrity, yet when divisions arise and laws drift from their foundational principles, disorder follows. Proverbs 29:18 states, "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." As states struggle to align with constitutional values, the need for godly wisdom and accountability becomes more urgent. The call remains for leaders and citizens alike to uphold truth, righteousness, and the foundations of justice, lest society move further from its moral and legal anchors.
However, we have a problem, Houston.
Now that God has been removed from the United States as its foundation, and the Word of God is no longer its founding Constitution, the nation is coming apart at its seams. Furthermore, unless this nation repents and turns back to God, destruction is promised.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV):
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
Is this even possible?
It is on God’s end of the stick! Isaiah 30:1 – "Ah, stubborn children," declares the Lord, "who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin."
The reality is, American citizens are adding sin to sin at such a devastating rate, it appears there is no way to recover.
Proverbs 29:1 – "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing."
This passage could be stated in this way: A nation that is often reproved, yet stiffens its neck, will suddenly be broken beyond repair.
A nation or individual states that persist in dishonoring God and rejecting His Word risk facing irreversible consequences, as history has shown time and again. When a nation abandons righteousness, justice, and truth, it erodes the very foundation upon which it stands, leading to spiritual, moral, and societal decay. The farther it drifts from God’s commands, the greater the likelihood that its strength, unity, and prosperity will crumble beyond repair. Yet, hope remains—for those states and possibly the nation as a whole, who humble themselves, repent, and return to God, restoration is possible. 2 Chronicles 7:14 reminds us of this promise: if God's people seek Him and turn from their wicked ways, He will heal their land. But if rebellion persists, so too will its consequences.
One of Abraham Lincoln’s most famous quotes on a divided nation comes from his House Divided Speech in 1858:
"A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free."
Mr. Lincoln, you had no idea how prophetic you were when you made those remarks.
Let’s face it, when individuals or societies embrace movements and ideologies that oppose God’s truth, they risk becoming enslaved to systems that distort the Biblical values our country was founded upon and lead to spiritual decay.
Romans 1:25-26a (ESV):
"Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! For this reason, God gave them up to dishonorable passions.”
This Romans passage warns of exchanging the truth of God for lies, worshiping creation rather than the Creator. Many Americans, knowingly or unknowingly, fall into this trap, prioritizing cultural trends, materialism, or self-centered philosophies over biblical principles. This enslavement blinds hearts and minds, fostering division and moral compromise. True freedom comes only through Christ, who calls His followers to reject worldly deceptions and walk in the light of His Word.
Has God turned this nation over to its dishonorable passions?
You are likely not going to like my answer. Yes!
Throughout history, God has given nations and individuals the freedom to choose their paths—whether aligned with His truth or steeped in rebellion. Romans 1:28 states, "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done." As societies increasingly reject biblical principles, God allows them to follow the consequences of their depraved ideologies, paving the way for the fulfillment of End Times prophecy.
The world’s growing moral decay, lawlessness, and spiritual deception are not merely random occurrences but align with the prophetic warnings of Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3, where sin escalates as mankind drifts further from God. In permitting rebellion to unfold, God demonstrates both His sovereignty and His ultimate plan, preparing the world for Christ’s return. Those who remain faithful are called to stand firm, discern truth, and persevere, knowing that redemption is near.
So what is a responsible believer to do?
In a depraved national and state structure, a responsible Christian must remain steadfast in faith, discerning in action, and unwavering in truth. When a nation abandons righteousness and embraces moral decay, believers are called to stand as lights in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16). This means actively engaging in prayer, biblical wisdom, and bold yet compassionate advocacy—not conforming to a broken system but seeking to influence it for Christ - through Yeshua. A responsible Christian upholds justice, defends biblical values, and leads by example, demonstrating integrity in personal and civic life. As 2 Timothy 3 warns of increasing wickedness, Christians are to remain faithful, not fearful, trusting in God’s sovereignty while working to protect the truth and minister to the lost. Whether through voting, community service, discipleship, or calling leaders to accountability, believers must not retreat but courageously stand for Christ, even as the world drifts further from Him.