#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“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. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” — Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)
Have you ever found yourself caught between following a government directive and staying true to God’s commands? It’s a tough spot, but Scripture gives us a clear framework: obey the government because its authority comes from God—unless, of course, obeying the government means disobeying Him.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
Paul’s letter to the Romans reminds us that government authority isn’t our own invention; it is ordained by God. As Norman Geisler and William Lane Craig have explained, the legitimacy of civil authority is grounded in the Creator’s design for order and justice. Yet, our loyalty to God must always come first. In Acts 5:29, when Peter and the apostles declared, “We must obey God rather than men,” they set a powerful precedent. Historical examples found in Daniel 3 and Daniel 6 further illustrate that righteously resisting commands that contradict God’s law is not rebellion for the sake of it, but faithful obedience to our Heavenly Father who saves and delivers.
Scripture itself supports this balanced approach. While Paul teaches us to respect governmental authority, the Bible also shows that God never compromises His truth. When obedience to government standards would force believers to forsake God’s commands, Scripture clearly commands us to choose God’s higher law. This balance of respect and righteous resistance is echoed by apologetics experts like Lee Strobel and Josh McDowell, who remind us that faith is not passive—it involves discerning when to lovingly stand firm for God’s truth, no matter the cost.
Encouragement & Application:
If you’re wrestling with questions about when to obey and when to stand up, remember that this discernment is a vital part of growing in your faith. Start by grounding your decisions in prayer and the study of Scripture. Make it a habit to ask honest questions about the challenges you face, and seek counsel from trusted mentors who honor God’s Word. By doing this, you’ll learn to recognize when government commands align with God’s will and when they do not.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Romans 13:1-2 influence your view of governmental authority?
- In what situations have you experienced the tension between obeying human authorities and following God’s command?
- What practical steps can you take to ensure that your ultimate obedience is to God?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for guiding us with Your Word in every area of our lives. Help us to respect and honor the governments You have established while always keeping our loyalty with You above all. Grant us wisdom to discern when to comply and when to stand firm in Your truth. Strengthen our faith, and lead us to be courageous witnesses of Your love and justice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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