SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES

SUBMISSION TO GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 13:1-7

Key Verse: "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." (Romans 13:1, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 22:15-22; Titus 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Daniel 6:1-23; Acts 5:27-29; Proverbs 21:1.

Description: God calls believers to respect and submit to lawful governing authorities while maintaining unwavering obedience to Him above all else.

INTRODUCTION
In Romans 13:1-7, the Apostle Paul teaches that civil government is part of God's order for society. Governing authorities are permitted by God to maintain law, justice, and peace. Therefore, believers are instructed to respect lawful authority, obey the laws of the land, pay taxes honestly, and live as responsible citizens. Such conduct brings honour to God and demonstrates the transforming power of the Gospel.

Submission to government does not mean blind obedience to every command of human rulers. Throughout Scripture, God's people respected earthly authorities while refusing to obey commands that directly contradicted God's Word. Whenever human laws conflict with God's commands, believers must obey God while maintaining a respectful attitude toward governing authorities.

Christians are therefore called to be exemplary citizens who pray for their leaders, contribute positively to society, and uphold righteousness. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, yet our conduct toward earthly authorities should display humility, integrity, and wisdom, bringing glory to Christ.

1. GOD ESTABLISHES HUMAN AUTHORITIES
Civil authority exists because God permits and ordains it for the good of society.

a) Authority Comes From God (Romans 13:1)
Every legitimate governing authority ultimately exists under God's sovereign control.

b) Government Maintains Order (Romans 13:3-4)
God uses civil authorities to restrain evil, promote justice, and protect society.

c) God Rules Over Kings And Nations (Proverbs 21:1)
The hearts of rulers remain under God's supreme authority and direction.

d) Pray For Those In Authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Believers should faithfully intercede for leaders so that peace, justice, and godliness may flourish.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 41:37-44). God elevated Joseph to a position of governmental authority in Egypt, where he wisely administered the nation and preserved countless lives during famine.

2. BELIEVERS SHOULD BE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS
Christians honour God by living responsibly within society.

a) Obey Lawful Authority (Romans 13:2)
Respecting lawful government reflects obedience to God's established order.

b) Do What Is Right (Romans 13:3)
A life of integrity removes the fear of punishment and earns respect.

c) Pay Taxes And Civic Obligations (Romans 13:6-7)
Believers should honestly fulfil their financial and civic responsibilities.

d) Show Respect And Honour (Romans 13:7)
Treat leaders and public officials with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Biblical Example: Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:15-22). Jesus instructed His followers to render to Caesar what belonged to Caesar and to God what belonged to God, demonstrating both civic responsibility and spiritual devotion.

3. GOD'S AUTHORITY IS ALWAYS SUPREME
Our obedience to God takes precedence whenever human authority contradicts His Word.

a) Obey God Above Men (Acts 5:29)
When human commands oppose God's commands, believers must remain faithful to God.

b) Stand Firm In Righteousness (Daniel 3:16-18)
Faithful believers refuse to compromise even under intense pressure.

c) Maintain Respect While Standing For Truth (1 Peter 2:17)
Christians should defend biblical truth without becoming disrespectful or rebellious.

d) Trust God In Times Of Opposition (Psalm 46:1)
The Lord protects and strengthens those who remain faithful to Him.

Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:13-28). They respectfully refused King Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship the golden image, choosing obedience to God and experiencing miraculous deliverance.

4. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE POSITIVE INFLUENCES IN SOCIETY
Believers should reflect Christ's character in every aspect of public life.

a) Be Salt And Light (Matthew 5:13-16)
Our godly conduct should positively influence our communities and nation.

b) Promote Peace And Unity (Romans 12:18)
As far as possible, believers should live peacefully with everyone.

c) Demonstrate Honesty And Integrity (Titus 2:7-8)
Our lives should display the highest standards of truthfulness and accountability.

d) Represent Christ Faithfully (Philippians 2:15)
Believers should shine as lights in a morally dark world, pointing others to Jesus Christ.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:1-23). Daniel faithfully served under several kings with exceptional integrity while remaining completely devoted to God, earning respect even from those who opposed him.

CONCLUSION
Romans 13:1-7 teaches that government is one of God's instruments for maintaining order in society. Christians are therefore called to be respectful, law-abiding, and responsible citizens who honour governing authorities, fulfil civic responsibilities, and pray faithfully for national leaders. Such conduct reflects the transforming power of the Gospel and glorifies God before the world.

At the same time, believers must never compromise their loyalty to Christ. Whenever human authority conflicts with God's revealed will, our ultimate allegiance belongs to the Lord. May we always demonstrate wisdom, humility, courage, and integrity as faithful citizens of our earthly nation while remembering that our highest citizenship is in the Kingdom of God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for establishing authority to maintain peace and order in society, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, grant wisdom, integrity, and the fear of God to every leader in our nation, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to be a law-abiding and responsible citizen who brings honour to Your name, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me the wisdom to know when to submit to authority and the courage to stand for Your truth, in Jesus name.

5. Father, deliver our leaders from corruption, injustice, and every evil influence, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let righteousness, peace, and justice prevail throughout our nation, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen every believer who faces persecution for obeying Your Word, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make me an instrument of peace, integrity, and godly influence in my community, in Jesus name.

9. Father, establish Your will in every level of government and frustrate every plan that opposes Your purpose, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to honour You above all else and remain faithful to You throughout my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall walk in wisdom and conduct yourself honourably before God and humanity.

2. The Lord shall grant you favour before those in positions of authority.

3. You shall never be found guilty of wrongdoing but shall be known for integrity and righteousness.

4. God shall give you courage to stand for His truth without fear or compromise.

5. Every plan of the enemy to silence your faith shall fail in the name of Jesus.

6. The Lord shall use your life as a positive influence in your family, community, and nation.

7. You shall enjoy God's divine protection as you remain faithful to His Word.

8. The wisdom of the Holy Spirit shall guide every decision you make in public and private life.

9. The Lord shall establish peace, favour, and divine order around your life.

10. You shall remain faithful to God, honour lawful authority, stand courageously for biblical truth, fulfil your divine purpose with integrity, and continually bring glory to Jesus Christ all the days of your life, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.