06-09-2021, 07:55 AM
RHAPSODY OF REALITIES,
WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE MAY 2021.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
TOPIC: CIVIL AUTHORITIES ARE FOR GOOD WORKS
For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation (Romans 13:3 AMPC).
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 beto 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 leader does, therefore, is from God?” Absolutely not! You have to apply the right contextual understanding; otherwise, where would you place the likes of Stalin, Mussolini, and Adolf Hitler?
Their actions were ungodly. So we understand that not all leaders please the Lord.
Civil authorities are to promote a righteous cause; they’re for good works not evil. Proverbs 29:2 & 4 (AMPC) says, “When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh…The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.”
PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray for those you’ve placed in positions of authority, that they’ll promote human rights and dignity, peace, fairness, righteousness, and a conducive atmosphere for the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Proverbs 21:15
[It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 16:1-11 & Deuteronomy 7
#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN
I affirm that the Holy Spirit lives in the quarters of my heart; He is the fire and power of my life. His light blazes intensely in my heart, making the Father’s presence real to me, His passion aglow, and His purity aflame in my spirit.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father; and by the Holy Spirit, my spiritual eyes are continually opened to recognize those resources, gifts, and talents the Father has placed at my disposal, so I could be a solution provider, both in my life and in the life of God’s people.
I am life-conscious; life works in me! Every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, and every cell of my blood is inundated with divine energy! I will never be defeated because God is at work in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure. I am alive unto God; for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Hallelujah!
Grace and peace are multiplied in my life. That grace working in me is the power of promotion, unending success, and an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I take advantage of it now and always. I refuse anything and everything that is inconsistent with the Father’s perfect will for my life. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!
God bless you
WEDNESDAY 9TH JUNE MAY 2021.
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
TOPIC: CIVIL AUTHORITIES ARE FOR GOOD WORKS
For civil authorities are not a terror to [people of] good conduct, but to [those of] bad behavior. Would you have no dread of him who is in authority? Then do what is right and you will receive his approval and commendation (Romans 13:3 AMPC).
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 beto 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 leader does, therefore, is from God?” Absolutely not! You have to apply the right contextual understanding; otherwise, where would you place the likes of Stalin, Mussolini, and Adolf Hitler?
Their actions were ungodly. So we understand that not all leaders please the Lord.
Civil authorities are to promote a righteous cause; they’re for good works not evil. Proverbs 29:2 & 4 (AMPC) says, “When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh…The king by justice establishes the land, but he who exacts gifts and tribute overthrows it.”
PRAYER
Dear Father, I pray for those you’ve placed in positions of authority, that they’ll promote human rights and dignity, peace, fairness, righteousness, and a conducive atmosphere for the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Proverbs 21:15
[It is] joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction [shall be] to the workers of iniquity.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Acts 1:1-26 & 2 Chronicles 1-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Mark 16:1-11 & Deuteronomy 7
#AFFIRMATIONTRAIN
I affirm that the Holy Spirit lives in the quarters of my heart; He is the fire and power of my life. His light blazes intensely in my heart, making the Father’s presence real to me, His passion aglow, and His purity aflame in my spirit.
Every good and perfect gift is from my Father; and by the Holy Spirit, my spiritual eyes are continually opened to recognize those resources, gifts, and talents the Father has placed at my disposal, so I could be a solution provider, both in my life and in the life of God’s people.
I am life-conscious; life works in me! Every fibre of my being, every bone of my body, and every cell of my blood is inundated with divine energy! I will never be defeated because God is at work in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure. I am alive unto God; for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. Hallelujah!
Grace and peace are multiplied in my life. That grace working in me is the power of promotion, unending success, and an extraordinary life of excellence, victory, and dominion. I take advantage of it now and always. I refuse anything and everything that is inconsistent with the Father’s perfect will for my life. Blessed be God. Hallelujah!
God bless you