INTRODUCTION

Bible-believing Christians in their desire for independence have sometimes been characterized as rebels disapproving of most authority. This characterization should not be the case and our lives should reflect just the opposite mind-set and approach. Those who know the Lord should be the first to obey, submit to (Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
See All...), and pray for (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...) those in authority. Those who walk in the flesh are the ones who“despise government” and “are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
See All...; Jude 1:8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
See All...). There are times when man’s authority comes into direct conflict with God’s authority. In these cases, men must choose to obey God (Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
See All...).  Yet, there are plenty of other times when the people of God need to learn a greater respect for authority.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Bible is clear that we should respect those in authority (Ecclesiastes 10:20Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
  See All...a; Titus 3:1-2 [1] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, [2] To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
  See All...; 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...). Paul quoted Exodus 22:28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.
  See All... when he was before the high priest (Acts 23:1-5 [1] And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. [2] And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. [3] Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? [4] And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? [5] Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
  See All...). What are some ways you can respect authority?
• (For everyone): Read Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
  See All.... Who establishes the powers that be? What is your level of respect for those who are in positions of authority in your life?
• Do you find it easy to speak evil of those who are in authority in your life (a parent, husband, pastor, boss, political leader)? What does this suggest about the condition of your heart?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to give you a godly and genuine respect for authority.
• Thank God for those in your life who are in authority over you.

HYMN

THANKS TO GOD

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