My Journey through Romans 13:1-7

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! God Is In Control

What does Paul say about us subjecting to higher powers? Who gave him the authority to say so? Do you believe that Paul’s trip on the road to Damascus gave him this awareness?

Romans 13:1 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

The first thing I want us all to see is that this verse clearly states “every soul”. Since the beginning of man, we must acknowledge that there was and is to this very day, no power but that of God, our Creator. What person or “god” do you know that is capable of having such powers that He alone spake and all things were created?  What other being alone breathed and man became a living soul? Do we even think deeply about the fact that He prepared the earth for man before he formed man and gave man authority?  Peradventure, those questions are answered correctly, then some may understand that any power that men have or think they have is ordained of God. Read Genesis 1:27-28

When we believe as fact “For there is no power but of God:”, then we can better understand the choosing of our leaders. I hear so much negativity about the newly elected U.S. president and his chosen cabinet that are to be subject to him. I won’t preach about it here. I have say, but no control over “the powers that be are ordained of God.”  We can be assured knowing the history of God; that God was the Authorizer of a person’s earthly authoritative position from the book of Genesis to Revelation.

Secondly, verse one (1) brings to remembrance all the kings, seers, judges, midwives, etc., that God allowed people to put in place in the Holy Bible. This verse is also applicable to those who are head of household, those over others in the workplace, those shepherding others in the church, those under military rules, etc.  Therefore let us be mindful of three (3) things concerning authority  out of that one verse:

1. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers
2. There is no power but of God
3. The powers to be are ordained of God

In other words, Trust God. If you are upset about any rulers, just repeat verse one (1) over and over again, so much so that when somebody communicates with you their feelings about current rulers, you will have a quick and true response.

Peter, who saw the transfiguration of Jesus also confirms what Paul said: “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 ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”-1 Peter 2:13-17 

And if we do not obey God, Paul clearly informs us of our outcome and why we should be subject to higher powers in verses 2-4: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

In verses 5-7, we are taught the basics about paying tribute, custom and honour to others, which I won’t dwell on either, because it too leads back to verse one. All over the earth, many citizens are upset about those in authoritative positions(yes some are crooked, selfish and evil) and many want to retaliate and do physical harm. For the many who are Believers, please remember what we are told in Romans 12:

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 God is in control….For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? –Isaiah 14:27

Thank you for stopping in. Be blessed.