SUNDAY October 11, 2020

Authorities Appointed by God

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. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2

As Christians, what does the Bible teach us about government? Do we have to obey the government? Do we have to obey those in the police force or the military? The answer is yes! We cannot rebel against the government or other governing authorities. No matter what other people might say. Recently, people are rioting and even hurting innocent people. God has given authority to these institutions, and He has allowed them to be established. Therefore, biblically we are subject to them:

Titus 3:1: …be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

1 Peter 2:13-16: Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God …Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

The only time not to obey the government is if they intervene with our freedoms in Jesus Christ. Then, we would have to make a stand against government––the line would be drawn in the sand.

When Paul wrote about the government, Christians were enduring the worst persecution in the history of the Church. Caesar Nero was killing Christians. They would have to say, “Caesar is Lord or Christ is Lord.” Those who said “Jesus is Lord,” were led away to be: crucified, fed to lions, beheaded, split in half, or their bodies were tarred and set on fire. Multitudes of Christians died! Those who did not denounce Christ paid with their lives knowing they were citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…
~Philippians 3:20~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!