FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 13:2–3: Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
An individual who rebels against the authority, therefore, is rebelling against (“has taken a stand against”) what God has instituted (lit., “the ordinance of God”). Such persons are thus actually rebelling against God, and bring civil and/or divine judgment on themselves. Those who obey and do right need have no fear of authorities; in fact, civil leaders commend those who do good. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 1 Peter 2:13–14
Your personal decisions can matter for time and eternity. The first order of daily business is your submission to God. Seek Him. Hear from Him. Get your marching orders from Him. Then whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
When your citizenship is in heaven, it is a joy to yield to the King of Heaven.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:9
Dear Father, keep my heart directed towards those who have no voice and and little strength.
1. Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 490). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
