Read: Romans 13:1-7
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.
Suggested prayer for my own receiving:
Lord Jesus, King of Kings, I struggle when a human government leader does not act as “God’s Servant;” when they do not “avenge evildoers” but seem to promote and allow evil. Transform my heart to look to you Jesus for good government. You are the perfect prince, who “in majesty rides out victoriously for the cause of truth, and meekness, and righteousness.”
As I think of someone who might struggle to hear this passage, I pray:
Father, for someone I know who struggles with the idea of being in subjection to the government, grant them your assurance. Help them know you are the ultimate sovereign, so their obedience to laws can be an act of worship to you.
Suggested prayer for the preaching this Sunday:
Holy Spirit, giver of understanding, preaching this passage is difficult for anyone who has experienced corrupt, ungodly government that works against your design for leadership. Please bring us clarity and understanding of precisely what you meant when you had Paul write this.
