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Timothy: Romans 13:1-7
Submission to the Authorities

1 Let every soul be subject to higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been ordained by God.

2 So that the one resisting authority has opposed the ordinance of God, and the ones opposing will receive judgment to themselves.

3 For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the bad. And do you desire not to fear the authority? Do the good, and you will have praise from it;

4 for it is a servant of God to you for the good. But if you practice evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to the one practicing bad things.

5 Because of this, it is necessary to be subject, not only on account of wrath, but also on account of conscience.

6 For on this account you also pay taxes, for they are ministers of God, always giving attention to this very thing.

7 Then give to all their dues: to the one due tax, the tax; to the one due tribute, the tribute; to the one due fear, the fear; to the one due honor, the honor.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I am delighted to welcome another day that You have graciously bestowed upon me. I am joyful in meditating on the Eternal Living Word of God. I am grateful for Your love and care for me, for the holy blessings from heaven poured upon me and my family. I pray that Christ may give me new strength for this weak and feeble body of mine. I pray that the Holy Spirit may grant me wisdom as I meditate on the Word of God. I thank Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Dear Father, I would like to present my reflection on Romans 13:1-7.

Dear Father, I understand verses 1 and 2 as follows: The Holy Spirit uses the phrase “every soul” instead of “every person” to emphasize the obedience from within the self of each person. Disobedience to the authorities is due to pride, ingratitude, and greed in the human sinful nature; it is the source of the first sin of mankind. God created humans and all things in a good way, but He gave humans the freedom to choose, and they chose not to obey Him.

In the family and in society, everyone is under the authority of many others because it is the order and respect needed to build a happy life together. In the family, children are under the authority of their parents, and younger siblings are under the authority of older siblings. In society, students are under the authority of teachers; servants are under the authority of masters; subordinates are under the authority of superiors; and citizens are under the authority of officials in the government. In the Church, the people of God are under the authority of pastors and elders.

All authorities come from God, so everyone has a duty to obey those in authority. Anyone who resists legitimate authorities is also opposing the arrangement of God and will bear the punishment. However, sometimes those in power abuse their authority, causing harm or behaving unjustly towards those under their authority. In such cases, those under authority may choose not to obey without committing a sin of rebellion against God. But those who are under the authority of those who abuse power need to be wise and sometimes need to endure the injustice to avoid harm to themselves.

Dear Father, I understand that verses 3 and 4 talk about legitimate authorities, especially those in the government of a country. They are the servants of You who rule over nations. I understand that even if a country successfully invades another and takes control, it is still by Your permission, Father. I understand that any leader who is not legitimate and is evil will be removed by You in Your time. I understand that Your people are not to participate in opposing or overthrowing leaders but have the right to vote for good leaders. Changing or overthrowing leaders is the work of You. You will use people or the necessary power to do it according to Your will.

Dear Father, I understand verse 5 as follows: Your people obey the authorities not only because they are afraid of punishment but also because they have a moral awareness that obeying the authorities is their duty as Your people.

Dear Father, I understand verses 6 and 7 as follows: Your people must honestly pay taxes and fees according to the law. Your people must show respect to those in authority and honor those whom You have bestowed authority upon.

Dear Father, please help me to always respect those in authority over me and help me to exercise the rights You have granted me over others correctly. I am grateful to You. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Timothy Christian Huynh
04/07/2023