The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, October 6, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, October 6, 2022
Thursday, October 6,2022
TOPIC: OBEDIENCE TO THE AUTHORITIES
TEXT: Romans 13:1-7
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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 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:
4 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. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Thursday, October 6, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Paul always teaches that Christians must obey established authority in the context of the household and the government, because these institutions are ordained by God (v. 1). Paul's teaching here is in line with that of Peter in 1 Peter 2:13,14. Jesus Himself also teaches about obedience to authority (Mat. 22:15-22). Paul wants to ensure that believers act as good citizens and avoid civil conflicts. However, this does not mean blind obedience. The Bible sometimes depicts people going against public authority in order to obey God (Exod. 1:17; Dan. 3:10-17; Acts 5:29).
God has ordained the authority to be an agent of justice, to restrain evil by punishing the wrongdoer and to protect the good in society. A proper Christian response to authority reflects positively on Jesus. For the sake of Christ's reputation, Christians should be submissive to the authority. God has instituted government because in this corrupt world, we need certain restraints and authority to protect us from the chaos and lawlessness that is a natural result of sin.
But when the authority requires something contrary to the word of God, Christians must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:28, 29; cf. Dan. 3:16-18; 6:6-10). Some of the ways to obey the instituted authority are listed in verse 7, "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to Om fear, honour to whom honour."
Prayer: God give me grace to perform my godly civic duties in Jesus' Name. Amen.