Governing Authorities

 

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities…”

—Romans 13:1a

Almost every believer has one or more passages of Scripture that he or she finds annoying. Mine is the passage in Romans 13 regarding earthly governing authorities.

I am annoyed by this passage because for the last nearly seven years I have been very angry with our national government. Almost never do I agree with the policies this civil leadership has adopted.

Nevertheless, the teaching of the Apostle Paul is quite clear, as found in Romans 13:1-7:

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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

For 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.

For 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.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Let us obediently follow Paul's instruction. But let us also remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God through our Great King, Jesus. Above all else we are citizens of His Kingdom.

 

_{Copyright © 2015 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

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