December 03, 2019: SOAP #3652:  Romans 13-16

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 13:1 Everyone must submit himself 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, he who 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 he will commend you. 4 For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Observation:  God is the one who delegated to men the authority to judge other men and hold them accountable.  (Genesis 9:5-6)   God has established authorities and He takes the responsibility to judge the rulers who misuse their authority.

Rulers, those in authority, used to be called “public servants.”  In some places they still carry that name.  They are to be “God’s servant.”  They are to reward those who do good and in this encourage others to also do good.  And they are to punish those who do wrong and in this discourage others from doing wring.

Application:   In whatever area of delegated authority I have, I need to be careful to encourage people to do good and discourage people from doing wrong.  I must remember that all authority is yours and the authority I have is only delegated from you.  I will answer to you for how I used it.

Also, I need to pray for those in authority.  (1Timothy 2:1-3)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for authority.  It is a great tool to use in serving you.  Give me wisdom in its application.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!