Grace for Today: Embracing God’s Unfailing Love

THURSDAY, 12 JUNE 2025

 

TEXT: ROMANS 13:1-7 (NIGERIA’S DEMOCRACY DAY)

 

[1] 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 honor, then honor.

 

(New International Version Holy Bible)

 

TOPIC: SUBMISSION TO GOVERNING AUTHORITY

 

Authority is an instrument through which one or a group of people leads, directs and distributes resources to all under their influence for peaceful coexistence. Paul exhorted believers to submit to such authority.

 

Rebelling against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted and brings judgement on oneself (vs.2). This shows that any governing authority allowed to be established is of God and for purposes of holding in trust God's people (vs.3-5).

 

Believers must not rebel against God and should pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Government is expected to be put in place by the people before it can be of God. Society calls such a government "democracy", which Nigeria is commemorating today.

 

Christians have an ethical obligation to obey civil laws (Romans 13:1-6; 1 Peter 2:13-14).

 

QUESTION: Have you submitted to the governing authority of your country?

 

PRAYER: O Lord, give me the humility to submit to the governing authority of my country, in Jesus' name. Amen!

Remain Blessed     

ECWA Food For The Day, 2025.