Good Citizenship
Opening Prayer
Lord, I live in Your Kingdom and You are my King. I want to love You, submit to You and serve You to the best of my ability.
Read Romans 13:1-7
[1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. [6] This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. [7] Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does Paul justify civil authority in God's world?Christians living in Rome under the emperor Nero were in a tenuous situation. They had a reputation as a subversive sect and the authorities were watching them closely for signs of insubordination. Paul wants the Roman church to know that it is OK for them to live under secular authority, to cooperate with the laws of society, to participate and contribute to the running of their city through civil obedience and the paying of taxes. He is throwing in a counterbalance to his teaching on their new and separate identity in Christ (12:2). What Paul doesn’t intend to do, though, is to give a divine mandate to any national leader, however corrupt, repressive or power-hungry. Our first loyalty is to Christ (Acts 5:29), and he would have us stand up to injustice on his behalf wherever we encounter it, whatever the cost. Christians around the world need to pray for their leaders to be God’s servants and act for the good of those they govern (13:4).
Apply
Thank God for your leaders and the way they have given up their lives to rule over you. Pray for Christians who live in unjust regimes.
Closing prayer
Lord God, I trust Your authority and power over my life. May those who exercise authority over me and others be guided by You.
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