Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Friday, February 13, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are! You are the ultimate authority in life, and yet You delegate Your authority for so much to us. You give us the opportunity to worship and praise You, and to call others to a relationship with Jesus, Your Son. I pray this day that You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live boldly and confidently under Your authority, and that I will respect the authority of others, and be an authority worthy of respect. Glorify Yourself in my life today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word Today
Romans 13:1-7
1Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. 2So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. 3For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. 4The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. 5So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.
6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due.
Reflecting on God's Word
For which governing authority do you have the most respect right now? Why?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What does the Apostle Paul tell us that disobedience to the government equals? (13:1-2)
How does Paul tell us that we may avoid fearing the government? (13:3-4)
What types of things may we “owe” to governing authorities? (13:6-7)
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
When we obey the government, what blessings do we receive?
What is the best way to show respect to another human being according to today’s Scripture?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
How will you live out today’s Scripture today?
Thoughts...Sent By God To Help
How often do you think of government officials as “sent by God to help” us? Something has happened along the way here in America that is disconcerting. Many of our government officials have forgotten that they are public servants. Sometimes the power that goes along with the authority they have in their positions is too great a temptation. At other times it is the “system” they are in that sucks them, and transforms their desire to serve others, to a desire to stay in office. No doubt, some went into the whole process with only their gain in mind in the first place, but such folks are not in the majority.
For all these reasons it is crucial that we pray for governing authorities. The tasks before any government official these days are tremendous. The temptations to look out for only themselves is great. Therefore, as followers of Jesus we need to do more they obey the governing authorities. We need to pray, and pray fervently for their well-being, and for their courage to do what is right even when others won’t!