1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For 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 he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Respect for authority lately has been an issue I have been struggling with. Mainly parental but yes there is some national level disrespect. I struggle because I know that these verses teach us about authority and that we are to honor them and respect them but I still fail to. I make anti-Obama jokes because he is a Marxist, see there I go again.
The last part hits me hard because he is God's servant and I owe him my respect and honor. I dont't like him but I have to love him. Not you are soamazing but a love of respect and honor.
I like the beggining of verse 4. It tells us he is here to do us good. That shows more proof for God working for the good of those he loves. THis is where I struggle.
1 Peter 2: 13-17
13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
We need to honor them and respect them, they are our leaders. We are to give them honor and respect. I can't stress this enough on myself and on you. We all struggle with this but we have to ive out. We have to be able to honor an respect our leaders or else we are rebbeling against God.
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