Submission To Authorities
TOPIC: SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITIES
Read: Romans 13:1-7
[1]Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that are ordained of God.[2]Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.[3]For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:[4]For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.[5]Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.[6]For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.[7]Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
MEMORISE:
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 (Romans 13:1).
EXPOSITION
In our days, there seems to exist three basic authorities–spi
ritual political/administrative and traditional/cultural authorities. Authority is the right to exercise certain powers over the subordinates. If a governor of a state declares a particular day as work-free for known and unknown reasons, there will be compliance. Why he is able to use such power, is the authority given to him by the Constitution. True children of God set the pace in complying strictly with all scriptural directives given by the government. You don’t portray the church of God well, if you are fond of flouting orders indiscriminately. What about your dues to the government? Render what Caesar’s to Caesar’s (Matt. 22:21).
Our spiritual heads are God-ordained just like the political ones. They are to be reverenced, honoured, obeyed and respected. The fact that some clergymen are derailing from the right path, is not a sufficient excuse to treat them with disdain. Remember David. He remains a classic example of follower who didn’t disdain the leader despite knowing that such was fumbling. He refused to pay King Saul back in his own coins, though Saul had already backslidden. He respected God’s anointed, even in death. What an example! Don’t judge them. Instead, help them in your prayers.
You cannot say you are right with God when you keep kicking and working against godly orders of the authorities. Their swords (of the God-ordained, God-instituted leaders) are not raised in vain when you keep not their instructions (Rom. 13:4). You can become a political/spiritual leader someday. How would you like your subjects to treat you? Treat your leaders in all ramifications, likewise, God enabling you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I refuse to join the crowd to do evil.
2. Lord, give me the right humility to submit to the authorities You constitute in the Church, at home, and the society.
3. Lord, help the citizenry of this nation to be truly committed to nation building in all respect.
Read: Romans 13:1-7
[1]Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that are ordained of God.[2]Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.[3]For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:[4]For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.[5]Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.[6]For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.[7]Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
MEMORISE:
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 (Romans 13:1).
EXPOSITION
In our days, there seems to exist three basic authorities–spi
ritual political/administrative and traditional/cultural authorities. Authority is the right to exercise certain powers over the subordinates. If a governor of a state declares a particular day as work-free for known and unknown reasons, there will be compliance. Why he is able to use such power, is the authority given to him by the Constitution. True children of God set the pace in complying strictly with all scriptural directives given by the government. You don’t portray the church of God well, if you are fond of flouting orders indiscriminately. What about your dues to the government? Render what Caesar’s to Caesar’s (Matt. 22:21).
Our spiritual heads are God-ordained just like the political ones. They are to be reverenced, honoured, obeyed and respected. The fact that some clergymen are derailing from the right path, is not a sufficient excuse to treat them with disdain. Remember David. He remains a classic example of follower who didn’t disdain the leader despite knowing that such was fumbling. He refused to pay King Saul back in his own coins, though Saul had already backslidden. He respected God’s anointed, even in death. What an example! Don’t judge them. Instead, help them in your prayers.
You cannot say you are right with God when you keep kicking and working against godly orders of the authorities. Their swords (of the God-ordained, God-instituted leaders) are not raised in vain when you keep not their instructions (Rom. 13:4). You can become a political/spiritual leader someday. How would you like your subjects to treat you? Treat your leaders in all ramifications, likewise, God enabling you.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, I refuse to join the crowd to do evil.
2. Lord, give me the right humility to submit to the authorities You constitute in the Church, at home, and the society.
3. Lord, help the citizenry of this nation to be truly committed to nation building in all respect.
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