Unashamed Reading Plan
Check out all the previous Unashamed readings here.
Unashamed Reading Plan | Week 14 | Day 1
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Ask Him to teach you more about Himself today.
Bible Reading: Romans 13:1-5
Read these verses three times slowly.
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.
Reflection & Questions
The words of Romans 13 sound a very different tune to what the media is pumping out on a daily basis. While the Christian does not need to agree with the policies of a government, Paul’s words are strong and clear about what our attitude towards the government should be: submission. He says, “It is necessary to submit to the authorities.” This includes not only our president, but governor, local council and law enforcement.
Why? Paul says, “there is no authority except that which God has established.” In submitting to authorities we are not just submitting to them, but also to God. He is the ruler and he decides our authorities. If we rebel against them, we are “rebelling against what God has instituted.” Paul would know all about the temptation to rebel. He was kicked out of town after town. He spoke before councils and governors. He was thrown in prison wrongly. So Paul isn’t speaking about submission with rose-colored glasses. We read in Acts of conversations he had with authorities (Acts 23 and 26) and what is striking is the respect with which he spoke. He wasn’t rude, rebellious or passive aggressive. Paul represented Jesus and the gospel well.
This week in our readings, we will be looking at various passages about what the Bible says about following authority. Today, think about your attitude to authority. Is it respectful and submissive?
- Where is it hard for you to respect authorities?
- What does it mean in this election season to respect authorities?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Bible Reading: Romans 13:1,5
Read these verses three times slowly.
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. …Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Reflection & Questions
Who do you think of when you hear the words, “governing authorities?” These authorities include our president, the governor, city council members, and law enforcement such as police officers. But it also means our school principal, the bus driver, the people who do recess duty, and your parents. Sometimes we don’t agree with those in authority over us, but Paul says that we should still have an attitude to submit and obey.
Why? Paul says, “there is no authority except that which God has established.” So when we obey those who are in authority above us, we are also obeying God. He is the ruler and he decides who our authorities are. Paul had some tough times with those in authority – he was kicked out of many towns, he spoke before councils and governors, and was even thrown in prison wrongly! But he still spoke to those in authority with respect. He wasn’t rude or rebellious. He represented Jesus and the gospel well.
This week we will be looking at various passages about what the Bible says about following authority, even when it is difficult to do.
- Think about your attitude towards authority. Is it respectful and obedient?
Pray
Ask God to help you have an attitude of respect towards the people who have authority over you.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
