Submission, Authority, Rebellion, Pride, Humility

Romans 13:1-2

1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. (Continued through verse 7)

(photo credit)

If you were going to remove any scripture from the Bible because it is too difficult to live by, this would be one of them. Boy, do we really hate authority sometimes. Be honest now.

Removing this from God’s Word is impossible, and pretending we don’t see it, or justifying not to live it will have devastating effects, as the scripture says we will be punished.

The life of David before he became king physically (because he had already been anointed by the prophet Samuel), was a life that was filled with submission to God’s anointed authority (1 Samuel 18-31).

What does this mean for us today?

Today we all have authority figures around us. From birth our parents, then teachers, older family members, our boss at work, the government locally and nationally, police etc. The list of authority around us is endless, and many times this authority pushes against what we want, then and only then is where submission to authority comes in. It’s not submission, unless you don’t want to do it.

God created Authority. The Bible is filled with examples of submitting to authority, and consequences when rebelling against authority.

Satan is the originator of rebellion. Because of our fallen sinful nature, rebellion in us makes us kindred to satan and in rebellion against God Almighty.

How do we overcome this?

James 4:5-6,10

5 What do you think the Scriptures mean when they say that the spirit God has placed within us is filled with envy?6 But he gives us even more grace to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but favors the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Rebellion and stubbornness can be directly linked, pride is directly behind all of these wicked behaviors. When we fall victim to this we basically our worshiping our own opinion. Very dangerous. The NKJV of the above verse says that this type of behavior “will bring judgement on themselves.”

So Men lets really try to humble ourselves before the Lord. Be broken for Him. Be weak for Him. Do not be afraid to show this to others. The world thinks this is foolish, and in fact teaches and glorifies rebellion in our culture; but God pours more Grace and Favor into our lives when we humble ourselves.

So you choose; favor from man, or Grace and Favor from God Almighty?

Heavenly Father, your Word says ask and you shall recieve, Lord Im asking for a spirit of humility. Father, get rid of all the junk in my heart and mind. Cut it out of me, help me turn from my prideful, rebellious ways. Teach me how to have a humble, servants heart just as my Lord Jesus had on this earth. Father I need more of you, I want your Grace and Favor to abound in my life. By your Spirit teach me to submit to authority, teach me to not rebel and be stubborn in my prideful ways. Thank you precious Lord, in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, AMEN!