Scripture - Rom 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
Observation - Paul is giving instruction here to obey earthly government. While this scripture does not authorize a Christian to obey when asked to sin - the command is there to bring order in the kingdom. Paul is speaking to the church in Rome that has one of the strongest governmental powers of the time. The fiercest army and the strongest non-christian leadership. The church must have been trying to discern the purpose for non-christian rulership. Paul simply states that God has a purpose for Godly and ungodly government. Following them will allow God's purposes to be fulfilled. He says that rulers are a terror to evil. Throughout the old testament God used ungodly rulers for a season to chastise a sinful people and bring repentance.
Application - In a recent class we had a discussion on obedience. One of the taboo words of the 21st Century. The bible says to prefer obedience to sacrifice. We are a people called to obedience to both God and those that rule over us that are appointed by God. In the church it is our pastors and our leaders, in society it is our president and government. Our job is not to abandon either when we don't like what is happening - our job is to pray that God's purposes would be fulfilled through those men and women. That we are able to submit our lives to those that God has placed over us - that I am to submit my life to those over me in the Lord. God has placed some great people over me in both government and in the church and it is time to see the purpose of God fulfilled.
Prayer - God help me today to submit to the authorities you have placed over me. God you have appointed men and women in our church leadership as well as in our governmental bodies to lead and guide and cause a change. Father I pray that today and everyday I embrace your purpose for my life and follow with honor.
Application - In a recent class we had a discussion on obedience. One of the taboo words of the 21st Century. The bible says to prefer obedience to sacrifice. We are a people called to obedience to both God and those that rule over us that are appointed by God. In the church it is our pastors and our leaders, in society it is our president and government. Our job is not to abandon either when we don't like what is happening - our job is to pray that God's purposes would be fulfilled through those men and women. That we are able to submit our lives to those that God has placed over us - that I am to submit my life to those over me in the Lord. God has placed some great people over me in both government and in the church and it is time to see the purpose of God fulfilled.
Prayer - God help me today to submit to the authorities you have placed over me. God you have appointed men and women in our church leadership as well as in our governmental bodies to lead and guide and cause a change. Father I pray that today and everyday I embrace your purpose for my life and follow with honor.
