Romans 13:1-5 (NLT)
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
Titus 3:1 (NLT)
Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT)
13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
Acts 4:18-20 (NLT)
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”
Acts 5:27-29 (NLT)
27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.
27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “Didn’t we tell you never again to teach in this man’s name?” he demanded. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.
Reformer Martin Luther
spoke in good faith and conscience at the Diet of Worms: “Unless I am convinced
by the testimony of the Holy Scriptures or by evident reason-for I can believe
neither pope nor councils alone, as it is clear that they have erred repeatedly
and contradicted themselves-I consider myself convicted by the testimony of
Holy Scripture, which is my basis; my conscience is captive to the Word of God.
Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one's conscience is
neither safe nor sound. God help me. Amen.”
Father what appears to
be a dilemma in how we respond to human, religious or governmental authority,
is in reality as clear as crystal. We understand and believe that You are the
Sovereign LORD, and Your Scriptures are our absolute authority. Therefore how
we respond does not leave us in a dilemma. Father, like Martin Luther, may we be
submissive to the appropriate authority You have established, with a clear
conscience, and a courageous heart. May we also willing and graciously accept
the consequence of suffering for our obedience to You in an unjust,
unbelieving, and intolerant society. May we be ever mindful of 1 Peter 4:16 (NLT) “But
it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of
being called by his name!”
Father, help us to love
You and Your Scriptures. Help us to demonstrate that love by humbly and
faithfully obeying Your will as revealed in Your Word.
Through Jesus our Savior
and Lord, Amen!
1 comment:
Hi Dearest! A long read, but worth it. Love the scriptures you used and your thought patterns. I know how your brain works..haha, so know the time and thought put into this.
Keep blogging my dear. I love it!
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