Culture Wars
Mythical Mindsets that Drive our Culture – Part 3
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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling
against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. 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 you will be commended. For the one in authority 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 are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the
wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only
because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why
you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to
governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)
1. It’s not about the what. It’s all about the who.
2. All authority comes from God.
3. It’s a spiritual thing.
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God
has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:2 (NIV)
…when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing
good and evil. When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food
and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and
ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:5b – 6 (NIV)
4. Your attitude and response to your human authorities
reflects your attitude and response to your Father in
Heaven.
For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do
you want to be free from ear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you
will be commended.
Romans 13:3 (NIV)
For the one in authority 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 are God’s servants,
agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary
to submit… to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as
a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s
servants,
Romans 13:4-6 (NIV)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to
the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the
punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will
of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
1 Peter 2:13-15 (KJV)
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17 (KJV)
behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the LORD, ‘and
Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant,
Jeremiah 25:9a (NKJV)
Pilate said, “You won’t talk? Don’t you know that I have the authority to pardon
you, and the authority to—crucify you?” Jesus said, “You haven’t a shred of
authority over me except what has been given you from heaven…
John 19:10-11a (MSG)
5. Rebellion is not freedom. Rebellion is rebellion--, and it
cuts a person off from God.
…But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.
Psalm 68:6b (NKJV)
If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch
darkness.
Proverbs 20:20 (NIV)