Daily Word

For rulers are a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear for the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for you good. But if you do wrong. Be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s own wrath on the wrong doer. Romans 13:3-4. Rebellion against the authority implies rebellion against God’s ordinance. The state’s authority is for society’s benefit; this is its normal function, and Paul assumes it may be realized in practical terms even when governments are professedly non-Christian. The power of life and death (the sword). Capitol punishment is undoubtedly in view here. Elsewhere Paul accepts the principle of such punishment appropriate (Acts 25:11). What the individual must not do out of revenge, the state may legitimately do in pursuit of justice. We certainly live in a day and time where it’s easy to question the appointed government. However, scripture is clear that He appoints, and we are not to walk in rebellion. Do you find yourself spending more time complaining about or praying for the appointed government before you?