ROMANS 13:2

“Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”

I have had a lot of bosses in my lifetime. Some were great and others, well, not so great. When I was young, I didn’t understand the principle of submission. I just knew to do what the boss told me. My dad taught me that. He also taught me to respect anyone in authority over me. That included teachers, coaches or bosses. I sure do miss his advice and guidance.

Paul continues his teaching on submission to authority in today’s verse and this time makes it abundantly clear that resistance to authority is really opposition to God. The Greek word translated as “resists” is a strong word, stronger than “resists” implies. It’s antitássomai which means to be “squared of (opposite to); opposed to in principle and in practice.” (HELPS Word-studies). It’s in the Middle Voice which means this person is making a personal decision to resist. And the word “opposed” is anthístēmi which means to stand against someone or something.

APPLICATION

Opposition to God is not a smart thing, is it? Oh, but you don’t know my boss, Carl. They’re horrible! Let me ask you a question. Did you agree to work where you working? Then you have agreed to obey your authority. For some reason, God has placed them over you, if for nothing else to drive you to your knees to pray for them.

Paul gives another example of ungodly opposition in 2 Timothy 3:8. “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith.” Who were these men? They are said to be two of the magicians who opposed Moses in Egypt. Their opposition to Moses was really opposition to God since Moses was speaking for Him. We know how it ended for them, don’t we?

As you consider your response to today’s verse, ask yourself is there something you can do to better serve those in authority over you. I have always tried to work just as hard in the presence of my boss as when he/she was away. When we honor those God has place over us in this world, we are really honoring our Lord. When it’s difficult God understands and will give you the endurance to get through. Just be Jesus.

Lord, it’s hard sometimes to submit to our authorities when we disagree. Help me to focus on my submission to You.

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