Romans 13:1 – Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
As we go through the book of Romans for almost a year, this week, we land on Romans 13 about honoring and submitting to governing authority. Though we’re not ultimately citizens of this earth, if Christians are respectful and responsible, God will oftentimes anoint them with the gift of leadership and raise them up to influence Godless governments. The Old Testament gives us several examples of such stories.
In the ancient Godless, demonic nation of Egypt, Pharaoh was worshipped as a god but, in God’s providence, one of His people was raised up to the equivalent of the office of Vice President of Egypt. His name is Joseph. Because he was a good citizen, he was raised up and, because he had the Holy Spirit, he could represent God’s interests in a Godless kingdom.
Elsewhere in the Old Testament, a man named Nehemiah was made cupbearer to the king in a Godless nation called Persia. In those days, the cupbearer was one of the most trusted positions, because they would eat and drink before the king to make sure the king wasn’t going to be poisoned and, if he lived, the king would then eat after him.
He was highly trusted for his character, honor, and respect for authority and, when God burdened him to go rebuild the ancient city of Jerusalem and the wall so God’s people could return and God could be worshipped freely, he was given resources, legal protection, financial support, and military defense by the Godless nation of Persia.
Another great example is Daniel. Living in Israel, he’s taken as a prisoner of war to the Godless nation of Babylon. Brainwashed at a secular university and castrated, he’s then raised up by God to be a political leader and trusted confidant over the course of decades to multiple Godless leaders and rulers, including Nebuchadnezzar.
We submit to earthly authority not always because we respect it, but because we love and serve the God who is over all authority and because we want to be used for His purposes, even if it seems to happen in unlikely ways.
How can God use you amidst Godless leadership in your workplace or elsewhere?
To find the free Romans 12-16 digital study guide for individuals and small groups, hear Pastor Mark’s entire sermon series on Romans, or find a free mountain of Bible teaching visit realfaith.com or download the Real Faith app.