Scripture to Read: Romans 13:2
Today, God starts by telling us in Romans 13:2, Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. God makes it pretty clear that anyone who opposes any authority over them is opposing the command from Him. So, people are in direct conflict with our Lord when they are unwilling to submit to the authorities over them. Now, God would never want us to be in direct opposition to Him and His Word and that may seem so obvious to us all, but it must be said. We needed this reminder because if anyone in authority over us ever asked us, or even commanded us, to disobey God and His Word, then we have every right to disobey those authorities in order to stay in right fellowship with our Lord. God and His Word are always our final authority, and we must never stray from walking in obedience to Him and His Word. Now, we may not like what every authority asks of us or the laws that they lay out, but as long as those authorities have not asked us to do something or obey something contrary to God and His Word, then we must obey. God warns us that if we choose not to obey, we are choosing to bring judgment upon ourselves. God tells us in Hebrews 12:7–11 that He lovingly disciplines His children to mature us in our walk with Him. Let’s be sure His discipline is not because of our disobedience to Him and His Word.
Challenge & Application
· From what God taught you, what would you tell someone who is having a problem with the current authority in their life?
· How is God changing your view on the authority in your life, and what is He teaching you to do?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!