THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
GOD’S ESTABLISHED AUTHORITIES
“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
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Apostle Paul in Romans 13 tells God’s people that “governing authorities” were God’s idea and established by HIM.
However, they, like everybody else, SEE the “governing authority” as a MERE human being and NOT God, the Holy Spirit’s, WORD.
“...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
The “governing authorities” are ESTABLISHED by God, which means they have been around for a LONG time.
God, the Holy Spirit, ESTABLISHED the “governing authorities,” which means that authority is SETTLED, PERMANENT, and ORDAINED.
The WORD of GOD is SETTLED, PERMANENT, and ORDAINED ordinances established by God from the beginning. “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… the Word was with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…He (THE WORD) was in the beginning with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
God SAID: “…my words SHALL NOT pass away (they are settled, permanent, ordained, and ESTABLISHED authorities FOREVER)…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).
There been many humans put in positions of authority such as kings, lords, chiefs, heads of families, presidents, leaders, and other temporarily, but every single one of them PASS AWAY or LOSE their positions, sooner or later.
Yet, God’s Word remains settled, permanent, and ordained forever. God’s Word has the inherent POWER and AUTHORITY that is established by God, the Holy Spirit, himself.
“God’s Almighty word” is SO powerful as his “governing authorities,” they can SUSTAIN “all things” forever. “…The Son is ….sustaining all things by [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... powerful WORD…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “…Heaven and earth shall pass away, but [God, the Holy Spirit’s]... WORDS SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).
Great human leaders, who were put in positions of authority, throughout history, have come and gone, but God’s established authorities (HIS WORDS) are GREAT spiritual leaders that are permanent, settled, ordained, and are STILL in existence. “…my words ... [are forever established and] ... SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). God is the Holy Spirit.
He told HIS people: “…ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV).
God also told HIS people: “...Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
“...there is no authority except that which God has established...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
“...The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
“…He (THE WORD, the settled, permanent, ordained and established authority) was in the beginning with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Jesus had another name. “… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV), “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… the Word was with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Jesus, the Word said: “… I and my Father are ONE (God, the Holy Spirit, and HIS WORD are one and the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV). Jesus, the Word of God also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD) in heaven and on earth … [therefore,] the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth [submit to HIS WORD (the governing authority)] …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT).
From the beginning God GAVE mankind his WORD or “governing authority” to assist in GOVERNING righteous and holy behavior.
The “governing authority” was NOT a human being, but it was God’s HOLY SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).
HE was the WORD and therefore the permanent, settled, and ordained STANDARD ( or governing authority). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
The WORD of GOD, from the beginning, was the “governing authority.” “…In the beginning was the Word… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
God, the Holy Spirit GAVE the first “governing authority” ever! This was God, the Holy Spirit’s, permanent, settled, and ordained standard for Adam and Eve. “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
God established a “governing authority” in which Adam and Eve could choose to be subject to or not. “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
God had gifted them with human will. Being submissive to God’s “governing authority” was a choice. Nonetheless, God had established the “governing authority” that existed. “...All things came into being through [God, the Holy Spirit’s, established authority], and apart from [the established authority] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
The Hebrew Boys were perfect examples of submitting to the “governing authority,” which is God’s WORD.
The Hebrew Boys knew the difference between permanent, settled, and ordained “governing authorities” and N those who were merely PUT into temporary POSITIONS of authority.
God’s WORDS are the “governing authorities” in the LIVES of his people, his citizens of Heaven, his ambassadors of Christ, his chosen, his holy nation, his special possessions, etc.
The Hebrew Boys knew the “governing authorities” to follow. Their hearts were subject to God’s KINGDOM or RULE and it SAID THIS: “...Thou shalt have no other gods before me...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV). “...Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth...” (Exodus 20:1-4 KJV).
The MERE, finite human who was PUT in a temporary POSITION of authority was King Nebuchadnezzar and he REQUIRED THIS of the Hebrew Boys: “...Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).
The Hebrew Boys’ conduct was GOVERNED by the “governing authority” (his WORD) of God’s KINGDOM or RULE: “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).
TO THE APOSTLES, of the New Testament, IT WAS SAID: “...We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV). “...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).
Therefore, “...Let everyone (of God’s people, citizens of Heaven, ambassadors of Christ, etc.,) be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NIV).
The bible also says: “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB). This kind of submission is DIFFERENT.
God’s citizens submit to human institutions NOT because THEY are the “governing authorities,” but “...for the LORD’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13 NASB).
This means God’s citizens or ambassadors are to submit to doing the RIGHT things, while upon earth, in order not to discredit God’s name or their OWN witnesses. “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).
Thus, “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).
To submit in this contest means to show honor or respect for human institutions. This submission attitude and conduct toward human institutions will help God’s citizens and ambassadors live peaceful lives, among the inhabitants of the world, while doing God’s business.
For the LORD’S sake citizens of Heaven or ambassadors of Christ demonstrate a heart of respect for God, the Holy Spirit, by submitting to human institutions.
Citizens of Heaven or Ambassadors of Christ have an attitude of respectful submission, because of the “governing authorities” of the KINGDOM of God. “….Give to everyone what [they] owe them: … if honor (respect), then honor (respect)…” (Roman 13:7 NIV).
God’s people CHOOSE to submit to human institutions out of OBEDIENCE to the “governing authorities” of the KINGDOM of God. “…These events (submitting to human institutions) will bring great honor to the Lord’s name...” (Isaiah 55:13 NLT). “...Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).
When submitting to human institutions citizens of Heaven or Ambassadors of Christ are NOT necessarily agreeing with those human institutions, but they are simply showing respect for their CHOSEN way of life. “...Jesus said upon to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what belongs to God.’ His reply completely amazing them.” (Mark 12:17 NIV).
Submission or respect, to human institutions, is simply a voluntary TRIBUTE yielded out of obedience to God, the Holy Spirit. “...render to Caesar the things that Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s...” (Mark 12:17 KJV).
God’s citizens or ambassador are driven to HONOR God, at all times, because of their HEARTFELT respect for HIM, his KINGSHIP, and the KINGDOM. “….Give to everyone what [they] owe them: … if honor, then honor…” (Roman 13:7 NIV).
God’s people’s HONOR is a verbal or visual show of respect, love, or high regard for HIM. “…These events (submitting to human institutions) will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love...” (Isaiah 55:13 NLT).
Godly HONOR is SHOWN through his citizen’s or ambassador’s praise for HIM, their obedience, their conduct, their worship, their testimony, and their respect for human institutions. “…I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them…” (Isaiah 25:1 NLT).
The BIBLE says: “....be subject (OBEDIENT) to the (DIVINE) governing authorities (God’s WORD)....” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB). “...Submit yourselves (SHOW RESPECT) for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution... (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).
DIVINE government is the KINGDOM of God and HUMAN government is human institutions, which can OFTEN conflict. However, for God’s citizens and ambassadors “... “...it’s necessary to obey God rather than men....” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).
“...[Human institutions]... gave [God’s citizens or ambassadors]... strict orders not to teach in this name,” [The current AUTHORITY] said [to God’s citizens or ambassadors]. “ ...You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “...We must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings (human institutions)! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV).
Though God’s people have had several awesome, human kings, they were NEVER meant to have ANY KING, but God, the Holy Spirit.
God chose HIS PEOPLE to be unique, special possession. He wanted to be their KING, but they want to be common and have a human king like everybody else. “… [god’s people were] . … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB). “….set apart for the gospel of God...” (Romans 1:1 NASB).
“Know that the Lord is God ... we are his; we are his (HOLY) people...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV).
“…[God’s people] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
They rejected their chosen position, their royal status, their holiness as people who are set apart for God’s purpose, and as his special possessions. “…[God’s people] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…(1 Peter 2:9 KJV).
His people literally became jealous of nations who serve false gods. “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).
To this day God’s people are conflicted between OBEYING DIVINE government and HUMAN government.
God has rescued his people over and over from the mistreatment of human governments and institutions. “…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their sin. Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love. He even caused their captors to treat them with kindness. Save us, O Lord our God! Gather us back from among the nations, so we can thank your holy name and rejoice and praise you. Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).
“…He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).
HUMAN governments and institutions have caused God’s people to forsake him over and over and serve other gods. “... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).
The human kings (leaders) DIVIDED God’s people into two different GROUPS. Some human kings were good; others bad. Some human kings served God, the Holy Spirit, but many others worshipped IDOLS, particularly BAAL.
Biblical history reports that God’s people struggled with conflict and disunity among each other, which was often instigated by the human king who presided over them.
The MESSAGE is crystal clear, God’s people are ALLOWED to PUT mere, finite human men in POSITIONS of authority or leadership, but they are not to become their “governing authority”
When a mere finite, human man becomes the “governing authority” for God’s people they have inadvertently REJECTED God as their KING and his established “governing authorities:” HIS WORD.
Every CHOSEN leader PUT into a POSITION of authority may or may not be SELECTED by God, the Holy Spirit. God allows his people to CHOOSE whom they want to SERVE just like he did in 1 Samuel, chapter 8. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV).
Though his people REJECTED him as their KING, God, out of HIS “loving” MERCY, still GAVE them leaders to PUT in POSITIONS of authority, but some of them come on their OWN. “…No one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). “…He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers …[and other leaders]...” (Ephesians 4:11 NASB). “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV). “…He gave some …..pastors and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV). “…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).
Those who come on their own and are PUT into POSITIONS of authority, such as false prophets, can be troublesome for God’s people. “...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit...” (Ezkiel 13:3 KJV). “...This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to his people: “Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes. They are making up everything they say. They do not speak for the LORD...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT).
Every human, finite man or woman PUT into POSITIONS of AUTHORITY, God DID NOT “GIVE” or “APPOINT.” “...They (those PUT into POSITIONS of authority by themselves or other humans) do not speak for the LORD...” (Jeremiahs 23:27 NLT). “… [Those PUT into POSITION on their OWN or through other humans]… are such [that]… serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “..[A]... prophet (PUT into a POSITION of authority on their OWN or through other humans) who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die...” (Deuteronomy 18: 20 KJV).
“...God, the blessed and ONLY RULER, the King of kings and Lord of lords .....” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “...the government will be on his shoulders..” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). God’s DIVINE GOVERNMENT (the KINGDOM of GOD) “STILL” exists and RULES through Jesus, HIS WORD (his governing authority).
While upon earth “...[God’s people]... are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through [them]....” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV). “...[their]... citizenship is in heaven. And [his citizen’s]... eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “…[The Ambassadors of Christ]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT).
Evil finite, human leaders PUT in POSITIONS of authority on their OWN or through other humans will have to ANSWER to God, the Holy Spirit. “... The great day of judgment [is coming] ...Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT).
“... These things happened as a warning to us ...These things happened to them as examples for [those living in the present times]. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).
So God’s citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ, “....be subject (OBEDIENT) to the (DIVINE) governing authorities (God’s WORD)....” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB). AND “...Submit yourselves (SHOW RESPECT) for the Lord’s sake to EVERY human institution...” (1 Peter 2:13-17 NASB).
The Hebrew Boys’ were RESPECTFUL to King Nebuchadnezzar, but they CHOSE to obey God’s “governing authorities” HIS WORD. “...Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered (respectfully) and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. (YET, THEY WERE OBEDIENT TO GOD’S WORD) ...But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up...” (Daniel 3:13-19 KJV).
“…Honour (respect) ALL…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). BUT “...We (HIS CITIZENS and AMBASSADORS) must obey God [and his Word (his governing authority)]... rather than human beings (kings or human institutions)...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV).
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