Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Romans 13:1 WEB
Is there a conflict between worldly authority and the authority of God? As Christians, should we submit to worldly authority? Paul answers this question in his letter to the Romans. He teaches that the power of civil authority is ordained by God. Therefore, we should live in obedience to God and submit to higher authority on earth.
The question of whether or not devotion to God excludes submission worldly powers is nothing new. Looking for a way to accuse Jesus of subversion, the Pharisees confronted the Lord with this question recorded in Mark 12:14, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? WEB” Jesus had an interesting answer. The Lord responded in Mark 12:17 saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. WEB” This astonished his listeners who gave up trying to trap Christ with his words.
Given From Above
Jesus set an example for godly men and women to submit to both God’s authority and the authority given to men by God. When questioned by Pilate, the Roman governor pleaded with Christ to answer him saying in John 19:10, “Don’t you know that I have power to release you and have power to crucify you? WEB Jesus’ answer agrees with Paul’s teaching that worldly authority is ordained by God. In John 19:11 Jesus says, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin. WEB”
Like Christ, Paul teaches those saved from sin by the grace of God to submit to worldly authority. When confronted by civil authorities attempting to stop the spreading of the gospel, Paul remained resolute to God. He continued to teach the gospel message. When we encounter friction between our devotion to God and our worldly obligations we remain obedient to both governmental authorities and God. Ordained by God, civil authority establishes the greater good of organized, lawful communities. We submit to them or willingly suffer the consequences even when they seem unjust as with the persecution of Paul for evangelizing.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the wisdom and truth of your holy scripture. Thank you for making clear what you expect from those who love you. Give me strength to endure trials of this world. Guide me with your word to do your will. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Unequally Yoked
