SUNDAY September 13, 2026
Godly Submission
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.
1 Peter 2:13-14
Previously, we spoke about our godly submission to Christ. Peter now addresses the Christian’s responsibility to be submissive to the governing authorities, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors ... those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.
I know there are Christians who feel that they do not have to pay their taxes, but that is not biblical. Every believer must pay their taxes; it is lawful. I thank God for our police departments and fire departments. They help keep us safe by bringing to justice those who are breaking the law. At times, they reward a brave citizen who heroically helped others in a time of need. We also applaud our brave men and women in the military.
As Christian citizens, we must always pray for our President, Vice President, the Senate and the House of Representatives––the United States Congress. God is the one who places people in positions of government for our good or to chasten our nation. In countries around the world, it is the same. Whether kings or queens, presidents or the prime ministers, God is always in full control. I like that.
It is our duty as believers to pray for these governing authorities:
I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
And as much as lies within us, we are to be in submission to governing authorities, so long as what is asked of us does not go against our Christian values. We do not have to submit to sin.
Submission involves getting rid of everything which hinders God’s control over our lives.
~Billy Graham~
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