Submission to Authorities
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1–7 (ESV)
1 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.
Paul teaches that governing authorities are established by God for the good of society. To resist lawful authority is to resist God’s order, which leads to judgment. The believer’s call is to submit, not out of fear alone, but for the sake of conscience, recognizing God’s hand in the structure of leadership.
This submission includes fulfilling civic responsibilities such as paying taxes and showing proper respect. While our ultimate allegiance is to God, we honor Him when we live as good citizens, reflecting integrity and humility in how we relate to those in authority.
Prayer Points:
Thank God for the order and protection that lawful authority provides.
Pray for wisdom and humility in relating to those in leadership.
Ask God to help you live as a respectful and responsible citizen.