INTRODUCTION

Because political abuses are becoming increasingly common, people have become disillusioned with their elected representatives. However, God is very specific concerning His purpose for government. It is empowered by God for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of the righteous (Romans 13:1-6 [1] 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. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. [3] 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: [4] 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. [5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. [6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
See All...). The Bible refers to rulers as “God’s ministers” (Romans 13:6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
See All...) and these ministers are offered as a gift from God to the people. As believers, we are to submit ourselves to the ordinances of man for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13-17 [13] Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; [14] 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. [15] For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: [16] As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. [17] Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
See All...). In our passage, Titus was reminded that one of his responsibilities as a preacher was to put the people in mind “to be subject to principalities and powers” and to encourage them “to obey magistrates.” This may sound like a daunting responsibility because governments frequently go beyond the scope of their God-given authority. This is why God has not left Christians without direction when He instructs that is better to obey God than men (Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Discuss what might happen if dad chose to run all stop signs, ignore red lights, and never yield to an ambulance on an emergency call. Laws are made for our protection and God wants us to obey them.
• (For everyone): As citizens of a country, we are responsible to obey the laws. Do you obey the laws of the land? If not, who are you really disobeying so long as these laws do not contradict the laws of God?
• As believers, we are to pray for those in authority that we might live a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2 [1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
  See All...). Do you pray for the government? Do you pray for your king or president? Do you ask God to give your leaders wisdom?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a love for the country in which you live.
• Ask the Lord to help you be a good testimony by obeying the laws.

HYMN

Have I Done My Best for Jesus?

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