Lawrence DeMetrius

Lyrics

Lesson 52 of 77
The Divine Ordinance of Authority
By Lawrence DeMetrius

It is the will of THE LORD that citizens of each community honor and support civil authorities. HE has ordained such to be of service thereto, by helping to maintain peace and order. King Solomon writes,

By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
[Pro 8:15, 16]

Apostle Paul writes,

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.
[Rm 13:1]

Yahweh expects HIS Elect Ones to adhere to laws of the land that are just and right. Disorderly members of every community are expected to fear the consequences of their conduct, as it is divinely purposed for such to be justly dealt with, by rightly ordained authority. By their actions, disorderly citizens choose to relinquish certain personal rights and privileges. Apostle Paul writes,

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
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:
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.
Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience’s sake.
For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
[Rm 13:2-7]
Apostle Peter writes,

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by HIM for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
[I Pet 2:13-17]

Per Apostle Paul, there is certain mannerisms that Sons of God are expected to practice at all times. Every person will not adhere to such standard, because every person is not spiritually born again of Christ the Word and the Holy Ghost. Therefore, they lack the power to think or act in a manner that pleases Yahweh. As it relates to seats of authority divinely established on earth, Apostle Peter writes,

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
For we also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Which HE shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;
That being justified by HIS grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
[Tit 3:1-8]

Although there be sons of Belial who are unduly appointed to public service and ordained seats of authority, one must not discredit those of just character, who are in place and do strive to rightly serve in their appointed jurisdictions.
Yahweh expects that earnest and continual prayer be rendered up to HIM on behalf of such magistrates. Apostle Paul writes,

Exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
[I Tim 2:1-3]

In regard to simply doing what is right at all times, Apostle James writes,

Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
[Jam 4:17]

It has always been expected of Yahweh worshipers to follow The Golden Rule, which includes honoring The Divine Ordinance of Authority established within earthly communities. The Lord Jesus said,

Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
[Mt 7:12]

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