The Authorities Act on Behalf of God (TMF:1830)

Friday, April 15, 2022
Peace to Live By: The Authorities Act on Behalf of God (TMF:1830) - Daniel Litton
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       “But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.” Notice that the law enforcement officer is an “avenger” of God who actually carries out “God’s wrath.” In this sense then, we as believers could fall under God’s wrath if we are disobedient to the government. Furthermore, Paul tells us to obey the law for the sake of our consciences. It would be no fun to go around all the time knowing we are being disobedient to the law in some area, and have that hanging over our heads, always wondering when we were going to get caught. That would be no fun, and Paul informs us not to go there, not to do that. The only time we should willingly disobey the government is if they are asking us to do something against God, or against his principles.