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The Sword Bearer - Romans 13:1-7
The Sword Bearer - Romans 13:1-7 [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.
[7] Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
See All...
See All...
INTRODUCTION
Perhaps no passage better describes the authority and responsibility given to a country’s leadership than Romans 13. From this passage, it is clear that "the higher powers" are "of God," and that "they are God’s ministers." As such, a country’s leaders are to condone righteousness and condemn evil . When one does what is right, he should "have praise" of a country’s leaders, but when one does evil, he should "be afraid." Why? Because leaders are called to be a terror to evil, bearing the sword of judgment, and executing "wrath upon him that doeth evil." Any country led by men who understand these truths would enjoy a supernatural blessing known only by following the will of God.
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For smaller children) King Artaxerxes gave Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem and to appoint magistrates and judges over the land of Judea. Notice their qualifications and what power they had (Ezra 7:25-26 [25] And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
[26] And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
See All...). Solomon gave us wise advice regarding the sword bearer (Proverbs 24:21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
See All...a; Ecclesiastes 8:2-5 [2] I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. [3] Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. [4] Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? [5] Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.
See All...). - Do the leaders in your country encourage Christians to obey the Bible? Do they punish those who depart from the truth?
- How is it a fallacy to think that all can have and maintain equal rights? What rights do any of us truly possess? From whence do our "rights" originate?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Thank God for the opportunities you have to serve Him!
- Ask God to keep you from those desirous of thwarting His work.
HYMN
Be Still, My Soul
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Proverbs 29:1
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.