THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
GOD’S SERVANT FOR YOUR GOOD
“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers (God’s WORDS, the governing authorities) do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
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“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD and RULER) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD and RULER) is God’s servant for your good....” (Romans 13:4 NIV). According to Strong’s, another Hebrew word for serve is sharath (to “minister to or become a personal servant to.”
Jesus was not just “doing” God’s will like one who follows rules and regulations or is simply being dutiful, but he literally “became” God’s personal servant while upon earth.
Jesus wholeheartedly served God, the Holy Spirit and his disciples were witnessing that HIS KINGDOM had come through HIM.
Jesus confidently said, “…the ... works that I do, bear witness of me (PROVES), that the Father (God, the Holy Spirit) has sent me (his Word and his RULE)...” (John 5:36 KJV).
Jesus also said he did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD and RULER) is God’s servant for your good....” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
Thus, Jesus was God’s servant, for YOUR good, while on earth. Jesus willfully served God by willingly becoming “…a ransom for many...”
The bible boasts that Jesus “…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).
Jesus is the ultimate example of how and why obedient servanthood is important in the covenant relationship with God. “…so the world may know that [Jesus] love[d] the Father, …[Jesus DID] ...exactly as the Father commanded…” (John 6:38 KVJ).
It is God’s will that every child of his “…be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Romans 8:28). God is saying “become” like Jesus, my obedient, personal servant (sharath).
God’s work, upon earth, requires that his citizens and ambassadors focus on doing KINGDOM business. “...Jesus explained: "My nourishment (fulfillment) comes from doing the will of God (serving God's purpose), who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT).
Jesus, his Word and his RULER, is the forerunner and example of obedient servanthood. “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
This means God’s people willfully, become like JESUS, by choosing to be God, the Holy Spirit’s, servants too. "… this is the love of God, that [his people]... keep (like Jesus did) His commandments." (1 John 5:3 KJV).
Obedient servanthood is a WITNESS of the RULE of God, the Holy Spirit, within the hearts of HIS PEOPLE. Jesus said: “…not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
This obedient servanthood will lead God’s people INTO the actual work (abad) of God’s KINGDOM. “… Jesus of Nazareth ...went around ... doing good and healing all (HOW?)...because …God [the holy spirit]… was with him…” (Acts 10:38 NIV).
"Jesus answered, and said…This is the work of God: that [his people]... believe (trust & depend) on him (his Word, his RULER) whom he hath sent...” (John 6:29 KJV).
Obedient servanthood shows God’s people, citizens, or ambassadors, believe in Jesus, God’s Word and RULER as well as his finished work on the cross. “….[Jesus]... came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NLT).
“...I (Jesus) lay down my life ... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord...” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “...After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith ... It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).
Jesus was an obedient servant. God sent the indwelling Holy Spirit to help and empower Jesus to do KINGDOM business. “…The Father (God, the Holy Spirit,) that dwelleth in [Jesus] he doeth the works (of confirming his RULE and that his KINGDOM had COME)…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
Because God was with Jesus, he went around doing good, healing ALL, and he became a “…ransom for many….” through obedient servanthood (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
“...[Jesus] went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing (revealing) the glad tidings (good news) of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 8:1 KJV).
“...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).
“...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV).
“...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).
“... The word of God spread....” (Acts 6:7 NIV). “... the word of God continued to spread and flourish...” (Acts 12:24 NIV). “... So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed...” (Act 12:20 KJV). “...God’s word [was un]chained...” (1 Timothy 2:9 NIV). “... the word of God [was un]bound...” (1 Timothy 2:9 KJV).
“...[Jesus, his Word, his RULER]... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
Jesus learned to become an obedient servant through the things he suffered through while upon earth. “...Though he (Jesus) were a Son (God’s Word and RULER), yet learned he obedience by the things he suffered…” (Hebrews 5:8 KJV).
Jesus CHOSE to stay FOCUSED and keep doing KINGDOM work no matter how difficult it became. Therefore, Jesus can “…be touched with the feeling of [God’s people’s]... infirmities...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).
Jesus (his Word and RULER) experienced human struggles too just like God’s people do now, “…yet without sin (without unrighteousness)...” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).
Jesus (his Word and his RULER), “...who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him (God, the Holy Spirit) that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect (MATURE), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
“...Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).
Being an example of obedience, in the flesh, was challenging for Jesus too. After all, he was the Word and the RULER, but he was ALSO God’s SERVANT “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
Jesus demonstrated to God’s people that being an obedient servant has a GREATER reward that any other path. Now Jesus, the Word and the RULER, is “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name...” (Philippians 2:9).
In addition,“…at ...the name of Jesus (the Word, the RULER) EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).
It wasn’t easy for Jesus, but he was obedient out of his love for God and for God’s people. “...not My will, but Yours be done..." (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). Aren’t you glad Jesus willfully and voluntarily choose to become God’s obedient servant? “…And being made perfect (mature), he became author of eternal salvation unto all [of God’s people]... who obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).
“… My righteous servant (Jesus, God’s Word and God’s RULER) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore] ... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).
“… [Jesus, God’s WORD and his RULE)… is the power of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…BY THE WORD (Jesus) of the Lord (the RULER) [you are SAVED]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…All things came into being through Him (the WORD and RULER), and apart from [the WORD and RULER] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Jesus suffered through some stuff, while upon earth, but he chose to stay obedient out of his deep love for God and for mankind. “…Owe no man (woman) any thing, BUT TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER…” (Romans 13:8 KJV). “…For all the law (of God) is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt LOVE THEY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF….” (Galatians 5:14 KJV). “...If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt LOVE THEY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF, ye do well…” (James 2:8 KJV).
“…Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets…” (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV). “…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV).
“… [Jesus]... bec[ame] obedient unto death, even the death of the cross...” (Matthew 20:28 & Philippians 2:8 KJV). “…[Jesus, his Word and his RULER]... came down from heaven, not to do [his]... own will but the will of [God, the Holy Spirit]... that sent [him]...” (John 6:38 KJV). Jesus’ obedient servanthood revolutionized the whole religious world.
Now Jesus is “highly exalted” with a “name (the Word of God) which is above every name...” (Philippians 2:9). “…at ...the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV).
Every citizen of God’s Kingdom or Ambassador of Christ, while upon earth, struggle with being an obedient SERVANT.
But if they choose to keep focused and STAY the course, Jesus said “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he (she) do also; and greater works than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father...” (John 14:1 KJV).
God’s people, citizens, ambassadors willfully chose to become God’s servants. “…In this world [God’s people]... are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “… [Jesus came]…NOT … to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
God’s people willfully chose to do God’s will and NOT their own. “…Father …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).
God’s people willfully chose to humble themselves to whatever God’s will is for their lives. “… [Jesus]…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).
God’s people willfully chose to give their bodies as a living sacrifice to God’s purpose. “… present your bodies a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1 KJV).
The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS, INDWELLS, and ANOINTS God’s people. What did the Holy Spirit DO “in” and “through” Jesus?
The Holy Spirit empowered, indwelled, and anointed him to DO God’s will as the Word of God and God’s RULER. “…The Spirit of the Lord [was] upon [Jesus, God’s Word and God’s RULER], because he hath anointed [him] to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“…God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
It was NOT Jesus who DID the WORKS of confirming God’s KINGDOM had COME, but it was the Holy Spirit within Jesus who DID the WORKS? “…[Jesus said]…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. …” (ACTS 2:22 KJV).
“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD and RULER) is God’s servant for your good...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
“...But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason....” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
“...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (his RULER)...” (Ephesians 6:17 NASB).
“...the word of God (Jesus, his RULER) is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword...CUTTING...” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).
“...for the weapons (the SWORD of the SPIRIT, the Word, God’s RULER) of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses...” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NASB).
“...They (God’s WORD and RULERS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
“...God, the ... ONLY RULER...” (1 Timothy 3:13-16 NIV). “… [Jesus, God’s Word came]... TO SERVE...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).
“… [Jesus’]... name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “....the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Jesus, the Word and God’s RULER said: “… I and my Father are ONE (Jesus and God’s were the SAME)…” (John 10:30 KJV).
Jesus also said: “…All authority has been given to [HIM, God’s WORD) in heaven and on earth …” (Matthew 28:18 NASB & Daniel 4 NLT).
“... Now the deeds of the flesh, [IF practiced by God’s people or anyone else, will be]... evident ....I forewarn [my people and others], just as I have forewarned [my people and others “before], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
“…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). “…choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
“...For the one in authority (God’s WORD and RULER) is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They (God’s WORDS) are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer...” (Romans 13:4 NIV).
“...do not be afraid of those [mere humans who].... kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him (God, the Holy Spirit]... who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell...” (Matthew 10:28 NASB).
“...Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies (mere humans). There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God (the Holy Spirit), who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands....” (Matthew 10:28 MSG).
“...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
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