DCLM DAILY MANNA DEVOTIONAL FOR FEBRUARY 5, 2023 (SUBMISSION TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES)

TOPIC : SUBMISSION TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES

Text: Romans 13:1-7 (KJV)

13 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.

KEY VERSE: “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)

MESSAGE

God is the Source of all authority and power. Therefore, the authority or power exercised by the government is by His permission. He has instituted the civil government among men in order to prevent anarchy. The government has the right to enact laws and regulations to maintain peace, law and order in the land, and so has the power to punish whoever breaks the law.

From the text, Apostle Paul exhorted the Roman believers and, by extension, all believers to submit to civil government as long as the government does not demand from them what would contradict the laws of God. Believers are to carry out all their duties and responsibilities to the government such as regular and faithful payment of taxes, obtainment and regular renewal of license and exercise of franchise at elections without submitting to corecion, intimidation or bribes.

Believers should not disobey or resist civil authority so as not to displease God who instituted the government. They should do this, not just for fear of penalties, but because of conscience and because they see these duties as further ways of acknowleging God’s rule in the world.

Christians should refrain from every form of dishonesty and disloyalty to the government. They should not be involved in smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, rebellion against the state, treason, riots or evading responsibilities.

They should not join in the destruction and vandalisation of government properties. They should be diligent in government services just as they do in their private assignments. Anyone who is guilty of any of these should repent and be submissive to civil authorities as real Christians should.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He disobeys God who disobeys His delegated authority.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Matthew 17-19

Daily Manna is the daily devotional of the Deeper Christian Life Bible Ministry (DCLM) written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi. It is an extraction of God’s Word designed to draw the sincere seeker closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word.