Romans 13:1
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.
We cannot live in chaos and anarchy. We would not have existed as the human race if it weren’t for governing authorities. Even believers would likely have been trampled and lost without some kind of governing structure. We see this sort of organized existence very early on in the OT. Paul reminds us that this was how God structured civilization from the very beginning. How does this apply to me today? I suppose that first I could stop complaining. I may not like each and every bit of the structure that we have, but at least we have something. No one is getting rich off of my income taxes, even though I may complain that I pay too much. If each of us did more individually to help those in need, we might find less need for high taxes. If it is not the government’s job, then it is my job.
Holy Lord, you want us to have structure, but this does not absolve us from our individual responsibility to do more for others who need our help. Lead me forward, and help me to find ways to ease the burden of those who are in need. Amen
Becky, transforming
Government
Wednesday, October 9th, 2024
Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit themselves to the governing authority for there is no authority except that which God has established the authorities that exist have been established by God.
This scripture is very controversial for me. Yes; we are subject to the government. We the people elect these government officials. God allows them to govern. The only time the governing authorities are to be disobeyed is when they give commands that contradict God’s law. God’s laws are supreme and his sovereignty is unfathomable to us. God does not provoke violence and evil. God is sovereign over everything, including nations and governments. No one can be elected or take power without God’s consent. God allows…
Romans 13:1
This verse presents a challenge to me. Was Paul thinking specifically about Roman authority that persecuted Christians? I have trouble with the concept that God established the authorities of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Castro in our more recent past and the authorities of North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Gaza and so many other nations that harass, beat, imprison and even execute Christians simply for their faith in Jesus. I suppose this goes back to Bev’s point last night about how God’s ways are often beyond our understanding. In God’s eternal perspective, the existence of these coercive, dictatorial and atheistic authorities may fit somehow into God’s plan of the creation of a new heaven and new earth but how…