In The Word
Read: Romans 13
Submission to Governing Authorities
13 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.2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 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. 4 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. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 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.
Love Fulfills the Law
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
The Day Is Near
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Today, the Word of God speaks very clearly and directly to how God has set up authority on this earth. This chapter starts off with the statement that every person is to be in subjection to governing authorities. Our governing authorities in the United States are police officers, mayors, governors, our laws, judges, president, IRS, etc. If we resist these governing authorities, then we are in opposition of the ordinances of our Father. That is because these governing authorities are ministers of God who carry a sword against those who disobey. If we are acting according to the laws of government, then we should not fear them, for they are here to punish evil doers.
There is a time when we are allowed to disobey the laws of our government. That is when those authorities ask us to do something contrary to God’s Word. This is a time when our disobedience may result in persecution, jail time, or even death. But just like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and many others, we will have the Lord right there with us during these times. He is our defender; when we aren’t ashamed to take a stand for His truth, we can rest assured that He won’t leave or forsake us.
Take time today to pray for the authorities over you, that they may carry out the will of God. Pray also for yourself to operate in submission to them as an example of Christ to them.