Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
One of the greatest lessons I learned as a young person was the importance of authority. Authority played a big role in my life. They helped shape me and my character to what it is today. I owe much to the men and women that God placed in my life.
Obeying and being under authority as a young person was not easy. It didn’t come naturally. God placed people and events in my life to help me understand and realize that I needed authority to help me. Here are some principles I learned that helped me understand the importance of authority.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
It doesn’t matter if they are saved, unsaved, good, bad, fair, or unfair, they are ordained by God. Remember in John 19, the Lord was questioned by Pilot. Pilot said in
John 19:10, “knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?” Christ replied in verse 11, “Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above:”
All authority is given by God! Most of the time, we don't submit to earthly authority because we don't submit to God’s authority.
Matthew 8:10 says, “When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.”
Why did Christ marvel? Why was He amazed? I truly believe that He marveled because of what happened in the verse prior. “For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.” I believe that Christ was amazed at this centurion, because he understood the principle of authority.
Sometimes we don’t see life as the Lord sees it. We don’t understand why God put people or situations in our life. But when we understand that God is in control and He has placed us right where He wants us, that is Faith.
When we complain and belly ache about our boss, husband, teacher, or whatever authority God has put in our life, we are in a sense saying, “God, you don’t know what you are doing!”
In closing, I am not saying to obey “blindly.” I am not suggesting you break God’s law to obey man’s laws. I am not suggesting you bow to governmental rule, if the government ask you to not obey God’s law. What I am saying is that God uses the authority in our life to help us, to protect us, and to direct us in life.
I want to encourage us to be under the umbrella of God given authority. Wife, be under the authority of your own husband. Children, be under the authority of your parents. Student, be under the authority of your teacher. Church member, be under the authority of the pastor. Citizens, be under the authority of our city officials.
Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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