Scripture to Read: Romans 13:1
We all have authorities in our lives that we are accountable to and must obey. We start this life with our parents as authorities and often our grandparents, aunts, and uncles are included as authorities. As we age, we add teachers, employers, law enforcement officials, and our government. God makes it clear in His Word how we are to respond to all authorities in our lives; that is a lot of what we will examine this week. God starts by telling us this in Romans 13:1: Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. When reading Romans 13:1, many want to make exceptions, especially when they disagree with the governing authorities. But though we agree or disagree with those in office, God’s Word is clear that He is the One who has allowed them to be in the position they are in (John 19:11, Titus 3:1,1 Peter 2:13–25). We must remember that God is not surprised by those in authority who are godly or ungodly, for we see both types of leaders throughout God’s Word. God even confirms in Romans 13:1 that there is no authority except the ones that He has placed in authority. God has allowed ungodly authorities to be in place to carry out His perfect will. Remember how God used Pharaoh in Egypt to teach the Israelites that He is the only true God. We must be careful about questioning God’s sovereignty.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today in Romans 13:1 that you did
not know before or needed the reminder of?
• How will you apply what God taught you today, and how
will you share what God taught you with others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!