1 Timothy 2: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Romans 13: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour
When we read Romans 13, we may want to say, "What are you talking about Paul?" Weren’t you imprisoned by government? Beaten by government? Put to death by government after watching many Christians die for proclaiming the truth of Christ? Christ was crucified by the government or was he? When Pilate was interrogating Christ, look at how Christ responded. John 19: 10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?
11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Was Pilate a follower of Christ? No. Was Caesar a follower of Christ? No. So what is Paul talking about and what is Christ talking about?
1. God is Sovereign and God is in Control
2. God is Omniscient and knows not only today, but also tomorrow. He is working out His perfect plan.
3. Authorities are in place so that there is not anarchy
4. As Christians we are subject to the authorities who are over us with God being our ultimate authority. Example, if tomorrow there is a law that I cannot speak the name of Christ without being punished by imprisonment, then I will go to prison for speaking His name. However, I am not to retaliate by sinning and killing the guard who is taking me to prison.
5. I am to continue to pray for those who are in power over me.
If we are disturbed by the direction our nation is taking, then we are duty bound to pray for spiritual revival, we are to teach the Gospel where ever we go, we are to humbly submit to the laws in place (do not speed, do not steal, do not murder, do not evade taxes, do not resist the police), and we can write our congressman, as well as our president. We cannot transform our nation from the outside in, but we can transform our nation by preaching the gospel and changing men’s hearts from within. The Gospel is that which can enlighten the darkest heart and transform it.
2 Corinthians 4: 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.
We must pray for our leaders. We must pray for our nation. We must proclaim the Gospel of Christ to all those whom we meet.