TEXT: ROMANS 13:1-7
1 Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God’s permission. The existing authorities have been established by God,
2 so that whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
3 For the authorities are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you like to live without being afraid of the authorities? Then do what is right, and you will receive their approval.
4 For they are God’s servants, working for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for it is not without reason that they bear the sword. Indeed, they are God’s servants to administer punishment to anyone who does wrong.
5 Therefore, it is necessary for you to be acquiescent to the authorities, not only for the sake of God’s punishment, but also for the sake of your own conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes. For rulers are God’s servants faithfully devoting themselves to their work.
7 Pay everyone whatever you owe them—taxes to whom taxes are due, tolls to whom tolls are due, fear to whom fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.
God institutes leaders whether cruel or not. As Christians we can make leaders soft and the vice-versa. Let me put it to you that, as a Christian there is nothing like freedom of speech. It will only be called freedom of speech if it pleases our Master and King Jesus Christ.
Christians insult leaders, they curse them with the same mouths they use to preach in churches. Ask yourself "would Jesus do that"? All in the name of parties a Christian can open his/her mouth wide. Christian, always close your mouth. It is to bless not to curse (James 3:9-12).
"Every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for no authority exists except by God's permission..."(verse 1).
So therefore "...whoever resists the authorities opposes what God has established, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves" (verse 2).
The word "judgment", the King James Version uses the word "damnation" which means in Greek "krima"
a decision (the function or the effect for or against [crime]): - avenge condemned condemnation damnation + go to law judgment.
Meaning your judgment may be avenged or through legal means which will end you in jail. As a citizen do your part and go. Don't leave dust in the eyes of people after your departure to eternity. Ask yourself am I doing the right thing? If your answer is no then this is the right time to begin. If your answer is yes then keep doing the right thing because pay day is coming very soon.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank you very much for your Word today. Help me to avoid attacking authorities. I've messed up in the past, I pray that forgive me and cleanse me to live for you in Jesus Mighty Name!
Amen!
Rev. John Wundengba
020 9 422 159
Totally agree we shouldn't be badmouthing our leaders. However, Romans 13 needs to be read right after Romans 12, which tells us to "hate evil" and not to repay evil with evil. It also tells us to "live peaceably with all people."
Whenever the instructions in Romans 12 are contradicted by the government, we are to obey God rather than men.
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Amen!
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