Open Heaven 27 February 2023 TOPIC: Obey Constituted Authority
MEMORISE: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” – Romans 13:1 (KJV)
READ: Romans 13:1-7 (KJV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 20-22
MESSAGE:
Romans 13:1 says that anyone who is in authority was put there by God. In fact, Romans 13:4 says a leader is a minister of God and a revenger to execute wrath upon those that do evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:4 says, “Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?” Anyone in authority is powerful and should be obeyed unless their commandments negate the word of God.
Romans 13:3-4 says that the king bears a sword and you should fear him because he is not wielding it in vain. In other words, he is empowered to use that sword if you do wrong. Our experience when the Coronavirus pandemic started clearly showed the power of those in authority like never before. For example, when the government declared a lockdown, everyone was more or less automatically placed under house arrest. God gave them that much power. It doesn’t matter whether you are the most anointed fellow around – you must obey them because the One who anointed you is the same Person who put them in power.
What will we Christians look like if we always disobey constituted authority? Do you think our Heavenly Father wants the whole world to see His children as stubborn and unruly people? If anyone would disobey authority, it should not be Christians because the very essence of Christianity itself is in holiness, that is, complete obedience. When a businessman who is also a Pastor is the very one doctoring figures and evading taxes, would he be able to preach the gospel to the tax officials who discover his crime? When people see you throwing trash on the street or running a red light, what image are you painting to them of your Father? Believe me honestly, when you disobey constituted authority, you have disobeyed God, so when the authority uses their sword on you, God will not come to your rescue. God requires His children to obey constituted authorities. Disobeying those He has put in authority amounts to rebellion, which is a sin (1 Samuel 15:23).
KEY POINT:
Disobeying constituted authority is disobeying God.
HYMN 17: Praise My Soul, The King Of Heaven
1 Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven,
To His feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing.
Alleluia! alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
2 Praise Him for His grace and favour
To His people in distress.
Praise Him, still the same as ever,
Slow to chide and swift to bless.
Alleluia! alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness!
3 Father-like He tends and spares us,
Well our feeble frame He knows,
In His hand he gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes:
Alleluia! alleluia!
Widely yet His mercy flows!
4 Angels, help us to adore Him!
You behold Him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before Him,
Dwellers all in time and space,
Alleluia! alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
