Good Morning “Respecters of Authority.” Today we are in Romans 13.
Respect for and submission to our authorities is BIG in Gods Book. Clearly Paul is speaking government authorities here… but it’s not much of a reach to extend this to other authorities in our lives. Consider parents for instance. Remember, Old Testament Law left no room for rebellion to parents. It was obedience or ultimately stoning if one continually rebelled against parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). We see that “honoring your mother and father” comes even before “do not murder” in the run down of the 10 Commandments. That says something. It’s also the only command that comes with the promise of long life (Exodus 20:12).
In this chapter Paul continues to lay out rules for living. This time he begins by talking about the governing authorities in our midst - all put in place by God. ALL AUTHORITIES according to the text. Could this principle be applied to any authority? Older wiser relatives, Teachers, Coaches, Pastors - I believe God puts em all in place as tools to love us well. Did you know Leviticus 19:32 commands us to rise when our elders enter the room. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32 Wow how far have we gotten from that practice? Maybe they are still here, maybe they are elder because they obeyed their parents? (Ephesians 6:1-3) Hmmm
Finish the sentence… Respect is _________________. The natural response is “earned”. We’ve found our selves at a place in society where we believe, “If you want my respect - you have to earn it.” This is yet another area that just isn’t Biblical. Respect and submission is commanded by God. You see He appoints the authorities and they exist as an extension of His hand. When we rebel against an authority, He takes it personally. We are actually rebelling against Him. God or bad, they are to get our honor and respect because of the position they hold - period!
Is there ever a time when we don’t obey or respect them? Absolutely! Our number one Authority is God! He has given us His inspired Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! It is the standard for all life and living! It is our guide. If any authority ever asks or demands something of us that conflicts directly with The Word of God - then absolutely we obey The Word of God. You want a black and white example. An authority asks you to steal something or murder someone. Obey the Word - take whatever consequences come as a result. Admittedly sometimes it’s harder to decide what to do.
I once had a student that wanted me to side with them against mom and dad. You see they wanted to go on our mission trip, but mom and dad wanted them to go to baseball camp to better their chances of receiving a college scholarship. The student cited The Great Commission Matt. 28:19-20. “It’s wrong”, he thought, “for his parents to demand baseball over spreading the gospel.” Although that case may demonstrate priorities out of order, maybe even lack of faith that God could provide - they were in no way telling him that he couldn’t share the Gospel. Plenty of opportunities exist to share it on his team, or at camp. Obey your parents. He didn’t like my answer.
We have to know the Word and prioritize according to It! That’s the expectation!
There’s more here too! Love you all! Dig in and live it out!
Respect for and submission to our authorities is BIG in Gods Book. Clearly Paul is speaking government authorities here… but it’s not much of a reach to extend this to other authorities in our lives. Consider parents for instance. Remember, Old Testament Law left no room for rebellion to parents. It was obedience or ultimately stoning if one continually rebelled against parents (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). We see that “honoring your mother and father” comes even before “do not murder” in the run down of the 10 Commandments. That says something. It’s also the only command that comes with the promise of long life (Exodus 20:12).
In this chapter Paul continues to lay out rules for living. This time he begins by talking about the governing authorities in our midst - all put in place by God. ALL AUTHORITIES according to the text. Could this principle be applied to any authority? Older wiser relatives, Teachers, Coaches, Pastors - I believe God puts em all in place as tools to love us well. Did you know Leviticus 19:32 commands us to rise when our elders enter the room. “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:32 Wow how far have we gotten from that practice? Maybe they are still here, maybe they are elder because they obeyed their parents? (Ephesians 6:1-3) Hmmm
Finish the sentence… Respect is _________________. The natural response is “earned”. We’ve found our selves at a place in society where we believe, “If you want my respect - you have to earn it.” This is yet another area that just isn’t Biblical. Respect and submission is commanded by God. You see He appoints the authorities and they exist as an extension of His hand. When we rebel against an authority, He takes it personally. We are actually rebelling against Him. God or bad, they are to get our honor and respect because of the position they hold - period!
Is there ever a time when we don’t obey or respect them? Absolutely! Our number one Authority is God! He has given us His inspired Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path! It is the standard for all life and living! It is our guide. If any authority ever asks or demands something of us that conflicts directly with The Word of God - then absolutely we obey The Word of God. You want a black and white example. An authority asks you to steal something or murder someone. Obey the Word - take whatever consequences come as a result. Admittedly sometimes it’s harder to decide what to do.
I once had a student that wanted me to side with them against mom and dad. You see they wanted to go on our mission trip, but mom and dad wanted them to go to baseball camp to better their chances of receiving a college scholarship. The student cited The Great Commission Matt. 28:19-20. “It’s wrong”, he thought, “for his parents to demand baseball over spreading the gospel.” Although that case may demonstrate priorities out of order, maybe even lack of faith that God could provide - they were in no way telling him that he couldn’t share the Gospel. Plenty of opportunities exist to share it on his team, or at camp. Obey your parents. He didn’t like my answer.
We have to know the Word and prioritize according to It! That’s the expectation!
There’s more here too! Love you all! Dig in and live it out!
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