Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
rOMANS 13:1
Today, we have freedoms that first century Christians could hardly dream of. We typically don’t have leaders like Saul who are chasing after us, and yet we run from this “crazy” concept of submission. Many of us do not consider that our criticism or encouragement of rebellion against the leaders God has placed in our lives is not only disrespecting our leaders, but is disrespecting God. The reason we are to submit is for the Lord’s sake—that we may honor Him.
13:1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. Bible Hub
Submission is hard. It does not come naturally, but we have an amazing example. Let us always remember that Christ lived the perfect life of submission. He not only submitted to the Father, but to the unjust authorities. He chose to submit because of his deep love for us. Even when it is extremely hard to submit to the leaders that God has established for us, may we always remember the example of Christ, and His ultimate example of submission.
It is of God’s ordering that there should be human governments and human laws. Without them there could be no order, security, or progress among mankind. Imperfect as they may often be, and in some instances oppressive and unjust, still they exist for a purpose of good, and form part of the Divine order for the government of the world. In this sense all are from God and ordained of God; and in submitting to them we are submitting to God. Romans 13:1
Bible Hub
Reflections:
- Think about the authority figures God has placed in your life. If you are not humble enough to come under the authority of any human being, what does this say about your willingness to come under the authority of God?
- Romans 13:1 says, “There is no authority except that which God has established.” Do you tend to think of your authorities as purposely given by God?
- Take a few moments to write down the various authority figures that play a role in your life (parents, professors, political authorities…etc.). Spend some time praying for them and thanking God for them.
Prayer: Before reading God’s word, take a few minutes to pray that God would open your eyes to the authority that He has placed in your life. Pray that God would show you how you can honor Him through your submission to authority.
hope14me.org 