The Only Source I Trust

Here I am tossing and turning in my sleep because I asked someone I love dearly for sources regarding the subject of sovereign citizenship and its legitimacy.

They responded:

“When I have time, I’ll send you ‘Tiffany-approved’ sources.”

It made me pause. Pause for many hours.

Because what are my approved sources?

Not having an answer right away, I went to Abba. He reminded me of the truth and the path I’ve been traveling:

I only have one source. And His name is Jesus Christ.

It Started With a Census

The moment that came to mind wasn’t a courtroom or a protest. It was the quiet obedience of a young couple over 2,000 years ago.

Joseph and Mary made a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Why? Because Caesar Augustus issued a decree that everyone had to return to their ancestral towns to be counted in a census (Luke 2:1–5). It wasn’t convenient. Mary was pregnant. Travel was hard. But they obeyed the law—even though the one who issued it wasn’t godly or just.

And there, in the middle of that government-ordered inconvenience, Jesus was born.

Obedience didn’t rob them of their purpose—it positioned them for God’s promise.

The Illusion of Freedom:

We live in what’s called the “land of the free.” And yet most of us know we’re not fully free.

We’re required to have insurance just to drive. We pay taxes on everything from groceries to income. We need licenses to fish, marry, or cut hair.

It doesn’t feel free. So I understand the appeal of something like sovereign citizenship, especially when it comes wrapped in phrases like “constitutional rights” and “spiritual authority.” It sounds bold. It sounds independent. It sounds righteous.

But feelings don’t define truth. And spiritual freedom doesn’t mean rejecting earthly authority.

The Scriptures Sovereign Citizens Might Use:

Here are some verses often used to justify sovereign citizenship beliefs—along with what they actually mean when read in full context:

1. John 17:16 – “They are not of the world…”

Used to say: “I don’t have to follow worldly laws.”

In context: Jesus is praying for protection—not disconnection. He never told us to abandon the world but to be salt and light within it (Matthew 5:13–14).

2. Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven.”

Used to say: “I only answer to God.”

In context: Paul reminds us of where our hope comes from—not our earthly rights. Ironically, Paul used his Roman citizenship to escape abuse in Acts 22:25–29.

3. Galatians 5:1 – “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”

Used to say: “God wants me totally free from man-made systems.”

In context: Paul was talking about spiritual freedom from the bondage of sin and the law—not about evading legal authority.

4. Matthew 17:24–27 – Jesus pays the temple tax

Used to say: “Jesus paid taxes just to avoid drama.”

Yes—and He still paid them. Jesus sent Peter to find a coin in a fish’s mouth to pay for both their taxes. That’s not avoidance. That’s provision and humility.

5. Romans 13:1–7 – “Let every soul be subject unto the governing authorities.”

Often ignored—but clearly written. Paul says all authority is from God. Taxes, laws, and civil obedience are not anti-Christian. They’re part of what it means to live in peace.

What Did Jesus Actually Do?

Let’s not forget: Jesus lived under Roman rule. The empire was known for oppression, corruption, and cruelty. And yet:

He rendered to Caesar what was Caesar’s (Matthew 22:21). He respected Pilate’s authority, saying it was given “from above” (John 19:11). He paid the temple tax even though He was the Son of God. He endured an unjust trial without calling on angel armies to rescue Him.

Jesus didn’t model rebellion—He modeled righteousness through surrender.

What About the Apostles?

Peter tells us in 1 Peter 2:13–17 to “submit yourselves to every human authority… whether the emperor or governors,” and to live in freedom as servants of God, not rebels. Paul (who was wrongly imprisoned many times) still said to “pray for kings and all in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2), so that we might live quiet, peaceful lives.

These men walked in supernatural power, but they never tried to overthrow Rome. They overcame evil with good.

Why This Matters

Sovereign citizen arguments often:

1. Deny legal authority.

2. Twist Scripture to sound spiritual.

3. Use deceptive legal jargon.

4. Encourage law-breaking under the guise of righteousness.

Jesus warned that in the last days, even the elect might be deceived (Matthew 24:24). And Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 that even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.

If a belief makes you feel powerful, free, and above the law—but leads you into pride, division, and dishonor—it is not from the Spirit of Christ.

Real Freedom Looks Like This:

True freedom is not found in avoiding licenses, dodging taxes, or declaring ourselves above the law.

It’s found in:

Trusting the One who holds all kingdoms in His hands

We are in the world. Not of it.

But still within it.

Christ didn’t give us a roadmap to escape the world. He gave us Himself, so we could walk through it resting in the One who’s already given us freedom.

“Abba, may finding You as the only true and valid source help someone with whatever issue is keeping them up at night or weighing them down throughout the day.

“Thank you for always bringing me back to what You when I call out Your Name.”