Scripture

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.

Observation

We must submit to governing authorities. God has placed them over us in order to bring peace and order to society.

If we do the wrong thing we will be punished, but if we do what is right, we will be honoured.

Likewise, we are to pay taxes and fees in order that government workers may be paid.

Application

Paul tells us to submit to governing authorities as a part of our christian discipleship. Christians are not meant to be anarchists. Lawlessness is from the devil, not from God.

There are times when we must disobey governing authorities, for example, when they require us to do something that is contrary to God’s will.

When Peter and John were ordered by the Sanhedrin to cease preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, they refused. They said, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

In some jurisdictions where churches have been discriminated against in the name of public health, some pastors have refused to shut down their services. In the U.S. State of Nevada, where churches are forbidden but casinos are allowed to operate, some churches are circumventing the regulations by meeting in casinos.

There is a hierarchy of authority in God’s kingdom. God is over all, then governments in their area of authority, then church leaders in their area of authority, then husbands, wives and parents.

Of course, christians may disagree on where the lines should be drawn. Our default position is to obey, but where governments require us to disobey God, we must refuse the government’s requirements.

Prayer

Lord, today I pray for all who are in Government positions- Prime Minister, Premiers, parliamentarians and bureaucrats. May they know your blessing as they rule over us, and may they know your limits on their activities. Amen.