From honoring parents, to
disciplining children, Loving God, Loving our neighbors, forgiveness,
repentance, and many more.
It is also clear on how we, as Christians should treat governing authorities.
¹Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1-7 NIV
Here are some basic instructions regarding governing authorities according to the Bible.
Submit to governing authority.
¹³Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 1 Peter 2:13-15 NIV
Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:2 NIV
As believers of Jesus, we must submit to authorities. The Bible says rebellion against God-established authorities is punishable.
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13:5 NIV
God wants our decision to submit
to human authorities to be a result of our obedience and love for Him.
¹I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV
We must pray that the governing authorities would listen to God's voice; that they may serve with the fear of the Lord; that there would be peace.
Does it mean we should stop questioning wrongdoings of authorities? No, amen. We may call out and hold them accountable, but with respect. And the prayer must continue.
Remember, we are free to choose who to vote
for, but we are also called to pray for whoever wins the election (the governing authorities). Remember, they are
established by God.
3. Pre-eminence of God's authority.
²⁸“We gave you strict orders not
to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your
teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” ²⁹Peter and
the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!" Acts
5:28-29 NIV
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1 NIV
God Himself established
authorities. He is superior to it.
But keep this in mind - when we are forced to hurt God's heart, that is the time we may disobey human authority, for we are called to honor the superior authority of all – God.
Conclusion:
Submit to and pray for human
authority, but keep in mind that God is the King of kings, Lord of lords, God
of gods.
When we are forced to choose
between God and man, the choice should be easy - God, the one who established
these human authorities.
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