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Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. Romans 13:1-2 NLT
Paul raises a touchy issue in Romans 13: the call to submit to authorities. It’s a call to trust God’s sovereignty, that he knows who has the reins of the government and is still working all things together for good.
The matter goes deeper than political party. Paul wrote this when Rome, a government that would eventually sanction his decapitation, was in charge. His stance reminds us: Jesus didn’t come to bring social or political reform. He upended expectations, saying we should give the government what belongs to it and give to God what belongs to Him.
Ultimate authority belongs to God. He has a history of moving despicable rulers into positions that accomplish His purposes. Our first responsibility is to Him. He wants us to be good citizens, unless compliance means disobeying His commands. If you must resist, make sure you’re standing on solid ground biblically. Put on Jesus in every situation. His love fulfills the requirement of every good law.
Prayer: Lord, I need Your wisdom and Your Word to help me submit where I can and stand up where I must. Let my words and deeds glorify You above all else.
Paul raises a touchy issue in Romans 13: the call to submit to authorities. It’s a call to trust God’s sovereignty, that he knows who has the reins of the government and is still working all things together for good.
The matter goes deeper than political party. Paul wrote this when Rome, a government that would eventually sanction his decapitation, was in charge. His stance reminds us: Jesus didn’t come to bring social or political reform. He upended expectations, saying we should give the government what belongs to it and give to God what belongs to Him.
Ultimate authority belongs to God. He has a history of moving despicable rulers into positions that accomplish His purposes. Our first responsibility is to Him. He wants us to be good citizens, unless compliance means disobeying His commands. If you must resist, make sure you’re standing on solid ground biblically. Put on Jesus in every situation. His love fulfills the requirement of every good law.
Prayer: Lord, I need Your wisdom and Your Word to help me submit where I can and stand up where I must. Let my words and deeds glorify You above all else.