July 30
Romans 13:1-14
In the middle of a section describing our relationships, Paul comments on our relationship with "governing authorities" (v.1). For many of us, we may vacillate between apathy, love, and hatred toward the government, but we do not see those options laid out in Romans 13. Instead, we are to be subject to and submit to them.
When Paul wrote Romans his government was heinous. Nero was the emperor. A man who was considered corrupt, thought to have started a fire that killed at least hundreds to clear land for himself, married a young boy, and intensely persecuted Christians. Yet even in the face of this, Paul challenges Christians to live in submission to the government. There are many in the Bible who cannot do what the government is asking of them (see Daniel, the apostles, etc.), but even these acts are done with gentleness, humility, and submission. There are exceptions, but our general posture should be one of obedience to the government God has placed over us. So, as you consider how you feel about your local, state, and federal government, consider how well you are obeying the commands of Paul. In every relationship we represent Christ, including our relationship with the government. So, pray for and submit to those who are governing authorities over you.
Father God, help me to submit to the governing authorities. I pray for authorities who are wise and love you, but regardless, help me to respond to them in the way you call me to respond. Amen.
How did Romans 13 challenge or correct the way you view your relationship toward the government?
In the middle of a section describing our relationships, Paul comments on our relationship with "governing authorities" (v.1). For many of us, we may vacillate between apathy, love, and hatred toward the government, but we do not see those options laid out in Romans 13. Instead, we are to be subject to and submit to them.
When Paul wrote Romans his government was heinous. Nero was the emperor. A man who was considered corrupt, thought to have started a fire that killed at least hundreds to clear land for himself, married a young boy, and intensely persecuted Christians. Yet even in the face of this, Paul challenges Christians to live in submission to the government. There are many in the Bible who cannot do what the government is asking of them (see Daniel, the apostles, etc.), but even these acts are done with gentleness, humility, and submission. There are exceptions, but our general posture should be one of obedience to the government God has placed over us. So, as you consider how you feel about your local, state, and federal government, consider how well you are obeying the commands of Paul. In every relationship we represent Christ, including our relationship with the government. So, pray for and submit to those who are governing authorities over you.
Father God, help me to submit to the governing authorities. I pray for authorities who are wise and love you, but regardless, help me to respond to them in the way you call me to respond. Amen.
How did Romans 13 challenge or correct the way you view your relationship toward the government?
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