Slices
Prepare
Resolve that the next few minutes will be a good investment. Make the most of the time, absorbing something of God’s Word.
Bible passage
Submission to governing authorities
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
Explore
‘What do you do?’ the hitchhiker asked the driver who had stopped to pick him up. ‘I’m in public service,’ the man replied, with a marked Welsh accent. The driver was the then Speaker of the British House of Commons, George Thomas. ‘Public servants’ is how we often describe our politicians, police, judges, administrators etc, and so they are. It is a noble calling. In our passage we find that they are not just servants of the public but ‘servants of God’ (vs 4,6).
God has given them authority to govern, maintain order, administer justice, commend those who do right and punish those who do wrong. God has set this up for the common good (vs 3,4).
In essence, our primary duty as Christian citizens is to subject ourselves (vs 1,5) to these God-given ‘governing authorities’, so that society can function well. We pay our taxes, even if we don’t agree with everything the government does. We show respect to officials, even when we think they’re wrong, out of respect for their office (v 7). Ultimately, if governments or officials go badly wrong, other scriptures speak about how to oppose, resist or patiently endure them, like the examples of Daniel, Jesus himself or his apostles.
Respond
Pray for those in prison and for those who have been affected as a consequence: their victims and their families, and the prisoners’ partners and children.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Job 9,10; Luke 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mark, Barry and others Revealing Jesus in the sensitive context of young people of other faiths. Ask God to give them great wisdom and grace. Please pray for Barry and all Faith Guides and SU staff using sport and physical games to Reveal Jesus to children and young people not in church.
