THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES
BE IN SUBJECTION TO THE “GOVERNING AUTHORITIES.”
“....Every person (who is a citizen of God’s Kingdom)... is to be subject to the governing authorities (God’s WORD). For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil...” (Romans 13:1-5 NASB).
“...Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB).
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“...Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB). The word “subjection” is linked with meanings such as obey, be under or put yourself under, submit oneself to, or willingly yield yourself to.
“... be in subjection...” means to SUBMIT (Romans 13:5 NASB). The verb “be” is used to say what should or must be DONE. Thus, is it a Divine COMMAND to surrender or submit to the “governing authorities” SENT by God, the Holy Spirit.
“....Every person (who is a citizen of God’s Kingdom)... is to be subject to the governing authorities (God’s WORD, his RULER)....” (Romans 13:1 NASB). “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God), who ...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “...the Lamb (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
“....For there is no authority (all authority is GIVEN to his WORD, his RULER) except from God...” (Romans 13:1 NASB). “… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD, his RULER) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
“....those (authorities) which exist are established by God (in the beginning was the WORD, his RULER)...” (Romans 13:1 NASB).“…In the beginning was the Word (Established authorities, his RULER) and the Word was with God (the Holy Spirit), and the Word was God (the Holy Spirit). He (Jesus, his LIVING Word and RULER) was in the beginning with God (the Holy Spirit). All things came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
From the beginning God’s WORDS were God’s established authorities and his RULERS. “…MY WORD (God’s established authority and his RULER)… that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV).
God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word (my established authority, my RULER) to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB).
“…As many as are the promises of God, in Him (Jesus, his WORD, the RULER) they are yes …also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord (his Word, the RULER) had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).
“...All things came into being through [Jesus, the WORD, God’s RULER]… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
God’s people, citizens, ambassadors, chosen, and holy nation are to SUBMIT to God’s “governing authorities;” HIS WORD, which HE has given ALL authority to FOREVER. “… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV). “....those (authorities) which exist are established by God...” (Romans 13:1 NASB).
“…He (THE WORD) was in the beginning with God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). God SAID: “…my words SHALL NOT pass away…” (Matthew 24:35 KJV).“... I am the Lord (the Word, God’s RULER), I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “...[God’s Word, his RULER].... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
“...[God’s people]... must obey God [through his Word, his governing authority, and his RULER)]... rather than human beings!...” (Acts 5:28-30 NIV).
“...Peter and the apostles answered, “It’s necessary to obey God rather than men...” (Acts 5:30-32 MSG).
Therefore, “...Let everyone (of God’s people) 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).
“…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).
REMEMBER, “…The sinful nature (human nature) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature (human nature) desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“...So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).
“... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
“… His name (Jesus Christ) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
Men and women authorities are PUT in POSITIONS of government or rule temporarily, but their mere HUMAN beings that live in a sinful nature. “…The sinful nature (human nature) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
YEARS AGO God’s people REQUESTED a human king over God, the KING of king. “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king. He said, “This is what the (human) king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).
HUMAN leaders are PUT into POSITIONS of authority by PEOPLE who ELECT or CHOOSE them on their OWN volition. “…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... whom [they want to]... serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey (serve), his servants ye are to whom ye obey (serve)...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).
“...Peter and the apostles answered (WARNED), “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).
When God’s people CHOSE a mere MAN to be their king over God, the KING of kings. God conceded to their choice and was no longer their KING. “…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV). “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord (who is no longer their king) will not answer [them]... in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).
“...Yet the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel, and they said, “No, but there shall be a king over us, so that we also may be like all the nations, and our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” Now after Samuel had heard all the words of the people, he repeated them in the Lord’s hearing. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and appoint a king for them...” (1 Samuel 8:18-22 NASB).
“…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
Nonetheless, “...Jesus Christ (the LIVING WORD of God) ... [was]...the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... (Jesus, the LIVING WORD) ... is Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
God’s people are STILL choosing a HUMAN leaders, witnesses, especially through politics, to FOLLOW over God, the Holy Spirit. “...Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a (human) king...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).
God, the Holy Spirit, will ALWAYS be KING of his TRUE people and will RULE within their hearts. At this time in history, SAMUEL was God’s prophet and his mouthpiece.
God’s people complained and didn’t appreciate how GOOD they had it. This request for a human KING was the beginning of the government of human KINGS over God’s people.
God’s people no longer approved of Samuel, God’s prophet or his sons (who were bad news) and decided they wanted a HUMAN KING over Israel. “...Now it came about, when Samuel was old, that he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. His sons, however, did not walk in his ways but turned aside after dishonest gain, and they took bribes and perverted justice...” (1 Samuel 8:1-3 NASB).
God had RULED, as KING, over his people through SAMUEL, but they begin to be unkind, ungrateful and unjust towards him, because of his AGE. “...Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah; and they said to him, “Behold, you have grown old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint us a king to judge us like all the nations.” But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB).
God always respects the human will of his people and allows them to CHOOSE between one thing or another. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. Like all the deeds which they have done since the day that I brought them up from Egypt even to this day—in that they have abandoned Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you as well. Now then, listen to their voice; however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
This REQUEST for a HUMAN KING was NOT good. Men and women follow human leaders inappropriately even to this day. Samuel TOLD God’s people they were NOT rejecting HIM, but God as their KING. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them...however, you shall warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).
God GAVE them what they WANTED, but he WARNED them the human king may or may not PRACTICE the SAME PRINCIPLES of HOLINESS God, the KING of kings DID. “... The matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a (human) king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB). “...[God, through Samuel warned]...them strongly and [told]... them of the practice of the (human) king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB). “...When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the (human) king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day...” (1 Samuel 8:10-18 NIV).
“... “Give us a (human) king to judge us.”...” (1 Samuel 8:4-7 NASB). They WERE not rejecting SAMUEL, but God, the KING of all kings. “....the RULER of the kings of the earth...” (Revelation 1:5 NIV). “... Lord of lords and King of kings... (Revelations 17:14 NIV).
The REJECTION of SAMUEL, God’s ordained prophet, was actually the REJECTION of God, the Holy Spirit. “...they have rejected Me (God, the Holy Spirit) from being King over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).
They were not aware they were forsaking and abandoning the KINGSHIP of God, the Holy Spirit, his riches, and his spiritual blessings over their lives. “...warn them strongly and tell them of the practice of the (HUMAN) king who will reign over them...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB). “…They ABANDONED ME and did not obey my word….” (JEREMIAH 16:11 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “…The Lord replies, “This has happened because my people have ABANDONED MY INSTRUCTIONS; they have refused to obey what I said….” (JEREMIAH 9:13 NLT).
“…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…They (God’s OWN people) KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).
God TOLD Samuel to GIVE his people what they WANTED. “...And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me...” (1 Samuel 8:7-9 NASB).
“...Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB). “... be in subjection...” means to willingly be in submission to, but be WISE about who you yield yourself servants to obey (Romans 13:5 NASB).
“…[God’s people can FREELY choose]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey...” (Romans 6:16 KJV).
“... be in subjection...” (Romans 13:5 NASB). “... for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB).
Let’s take moment to define “conscience.” “Conscience” is said to be that part in your MIND, HEART, or psyche that makes a person AWARE of moral and ethical expressions of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
This “conscience” is said to KICK-IN when a person’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors DON’T conform or are contrary to their PERSONAL standards or right and wrong.
“Conscience,” in Christ, is sent into the MIND, HEART, or psyche of God’s people, through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… God has sent forth the Spirit of [HIS WORD]... into [the]...hearts...[of his people]...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [his people]...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).
“…I will put my laws (words, establish authorities) into their mind, and write them in their hearts…” (Hebrews 8:10 KJV). "…I will put my law (word, established authorities) in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people…” (Jeremiah 31:33 NIV). “...For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
The indwelling Holy Spirit makes a God’s people AWARE of moral and ethical expressions of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. “...The law of his God (his Word, the RULER) is in his (her) heart; none of his (her) steps shall slide...” (Psalm 37:31 KJV). “...I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law (thy Word, the RULER) is within my heart...” (Psalm 40:8 KJV). ““...With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. I have treasured Your word (established authority, RULE) in my heart. So that I may not sin against You. Blessed are You, Lord; Teach me Your statutes...” (Psalm 119:10-12 KJV).
“…the pledge of a clear CONSCIENCE toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” (1 Peter 3:21 NIV).
This “conscience” provided by the indwelling Holy Spirit KICK-IN when God’s people’s emotions, thoughts, or behaviors DON’T conform or are contrary to God’s standards (his WORD, the RULER and established authority) regarding righteousness and unrighteousness. “…“Having a good conscience. …” (1 Peter 3:16 KJV).
“…I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my CONSCIENCE confirms it through the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 9:1 NIV). “…The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good CONSCIENCE and a sincere faith…” (1 Timothy 1:5 NIV).
“…I strive always to keep my CONSCIENCE clear before God and man…” (Acts 24:16 NIV).
“…And Paul ...said ...I have lived in all GOOD CONSCIENCE BEFORE GOD until this day…” (Acts 23:1 KJV). “…Holding the mystery of the faith in a PURE CONSCIENCE…” (1 Timothy 3:9 KJV). “…I thank God, whom I serve ....with PURE CONSCIENCE …” (2 Timothy 1:3 KJV). “…I exercise myself, to have always A CONSCIENCE VOID TO OFFENCE toward God, and toward men….” (Acts 24:16 KJV).
“...Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB).
Citizens of Heaven and Ambassadors of Christ love God and keep his commands by submitting their conduct to God’s WORD, the RULER and established authority for righteous behavior.
They also do this for the SAKE of conscience, which REVEALS the integrity of their HEARTS.
“...Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience...” (Romans 13:5 NASB).
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