Civil Authorities Are For Good Works ~ June 9th 2021 (RHAPSODY OF REALITIES - Ep. 270)

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY 09 JUNE 2021 PASTOR CHRIS TOPIC: CIVIL AUTHORITIES ARE FOR GOOD WORKS ______________________________________________ KEY VERSE: For civil authoritiesRHAPSODY OF REALITIES WEDNESDAY 09 JUNE 2021 PASTOR CHRIS TOPIC: CIVIL AUTHORITIES ARE FOR GOOD WORKS ______________________________________________ God’s Word teaches that we obey civil authorities because they’re established by God (Romans 13:2). So, whether it’s the king, the prime minister, the president, the governor or mayor, etc., we’re to obey them, but only in the context of God’s Word. 1 Peter 2:13-15 says, “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.” Peter, by the Spirit, shows us that these ordinances were set up for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. However, we’re in a world where some government leaders do the exact opposite of what the Word says. That’s why it can become a problem if you leave the definition of “right” or “wrong” to the government. The Word of God is what determines right and wrong. In Romans 13:1-4, the Spirit of God, through the Apostle Paul, admonishes everyone to obey state authorities, because no authority exists without God’s permission. But He didn’t stop there; He went further to spell the responsibilities of the state: “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” (Romans 13:3-4). You may then ask, “Doesn’t it follow that whatever a l