Submission to Authority

I am to encourage and rebuke with all authority. I am not to let anyone despise me. The Lord does not want me to be harsh in my use of authority — the authority the Lord gave me for building others up, not for tearing them down.

The law has authority over a man only as long as he lives.

Because I have died to the religious law, it no longer has any authority over me.

I am to recognise the authority which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, I am not to rebel against the authority for that is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves. Rulers hold no terror for me if I do right. I want to be free from fear of the one in authority. Then I do what is right and I will be commended. I am to submit myself for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men.

The Lord wants me to pray for those in authority, that we may

live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I am to obey my leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over me as men who must give an account. I am to obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to me.

To him who overcomes and does his will to the end, Jesus will give authority over the nations. I will overcome and persevere in doing his work.

To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen.

(Titus 2:15; 2 Cor. 13:10; Rom. 7:1; 13:1—3; 1 Pet. 2:13; 1 Tim. 2:2; Heb.13:17; Rev. 2:26; Jude 1:25)