Romans 13:1-4

We live in a world that doesn’t like authority, right? In fact, I think it is safe to say that most people hate authority! Have you ever thought about why that is? If you’re honest, I think you would admit with me that at your core you do not like being told what “to do” or what “not to do.” When we stop and think about the overall context of what Paul has written in this letter to the Romans, Paul told us that this world is God’s because He is the One who created it and all things in it (including you and me), and as Creator, all of creation stands accountable to Him, under His authority. While Romans 1-11 give us doctrine of man’s sin and what Christ accomplished for man to give Him the ability to stand before God, Romans 12-16 give us the application we are to live by based on that doctrine.
Authority is given to keep order within God’s creation because sin still exists. Authority was setup to reward good and to restrain sin. Therefore, we have parents as authority over children, government as authority over citizens, bosses as authority over employees, the church as authority over believers, teachers as authority over students, etc... You name the scenario, there’s an authority figure who was placed there by God.
So I have to ask you: What’s your view of authority? Do you submit to it? or do you fight against it? In the next few moments, read Romans 13:1-4 and see that Paul says authority should be your friend and not your enemy. Your view of authority will prove whether or not you are submitted to God’s ultimate authority or one still fighting against His authority.

Food for Thought: Read Romans 13:1-4. Why do people hate authority? Why was authority given by God?

Alan ObrienAssistant Pastor | www.libcky.com
Alan and his wife, Amy, have been serving the church family of Landmark Baptist Church since 2008. They have a daughter, Allison.