Respect Authority to Live Wise

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since a king’s word is supreme, who can say to him, ‘What are you doing?’ ” (Ecclesiastes 8:2-4)
       Passage: Romans 13:1-7

         When God created mankind, He designed that people would live under structures of authority that would be for their benefit. Parents would be authorities over their children. In employment, there would be people who both manage and be managed. In communities and ultimately, nations, God established the principle of government for the well-being of the citizens in an area. In the ideal, all those authority positions would be held by people who loved God, had good character, were intelligent and wise leaders and always sought to do what was good for those under them instead using their power selfishly.          When one looks at nations under dictatorships and even our United States with democratic elections, it is not hard to find people who are in positions of power that do not match the ideal. God’s word to live wise is simple. Respect authority. Respect is not about the person. It is about the position. Pray for those in government and trust the One who is the ultimate authority.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)