Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
I have wondered, How does one become subject to another? I remember being taught in school the pledge of allegiance, was that when I swore my service to the United States. If I go to a foreign country, do I become subject to the local authorities or remain subject to my citizenship.
Either way it does not matter. God has instituted all governing authorities. Many have used this text to teach various different lessons. But at the heart of the text, it teaches that God is wielding a mighty sword through all governing authorities. God establishes these authorities to carry out his wrath. God carries out his wrath against those who do what is not good.
Have you done good? Therefore, you should be afraid of those in authority over you. But remember that it is God who truly knows whether you have been good or bad. God is our ultimate authority. God is the one who sits enthroned over all the earth and its various kingdoms. Therefore, if you have not lived up to his commands, you should fear God above all others.
God has instituted these authorities for their purpose. God has likewise sent his son in the flesh for another purpose. God loved you so much that he brought down the full power of his wrath upon his own beloved Son. He does this so you may have life eternal. Give him honor and respect and any owed money. Give to your Government all that they have requested of you. The rest should still be used to serve Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment