Obedience to God Above All By Major Frank Materu

Key Scripture:

"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."

—Romans 13:1


Introduction

As believers in Christ, we live in a world governed by earthly authorities. Romans 13 reminds us of our responsibility to respect and obey these authorities, as they are ordained by God. However, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, and our obedience must never contradict His will. This teaching explores the balance between obeying earthly rulers and prioritizing divine authority, especially when carnal governance strays from God's ordinances.


1. God-Ordained Authority

Reference: Romans 13:1-2

God has established human authority as a structure for order and justice. When we submit to righteous governance, we honor God's design. However, rebellion against such authority is equivalent to resisting God’s ordinance.

  1. Earthly rulers serve as ministers of God to promote good and restrain evil (Romans 13:3-4).
  2. Obedience to just laws reflects our submission to God's plan.


2. When Carnal Authority Conflicts with Divine Will

Reference: Acts 5:29: "We ought to obey God rather than men."

While earthly rulers are established by God, their directives must align with His moral law. When governments or leaders act in opposition to God's will, Christians face a choice:

  1. To obey man and rebel against God, or
  2. To obey God and risk opposition from earthly powers.

God’s people are called to stand firm in faith and prioritize His commands above all, even when it means defying human institutions.


3. Recognizing the Times: God’s Judgment on Wickedness

Reference: Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."

In times of corrupt leadership, God often uses the very desires of men as instruments of His wrath:

  1. Wicked leaders and unjust laws become tools for chastisement.
  2. The consequences of rebellion against righteousness manifest in societal decay, oppression, and suffering.

This is a reminder to believers to maintain their focus on God as their ultimate ruler and trust in His sovereignty during dark times.


4. Pilgrims in a Fallen World

Reference: Hebrews 11:13: "They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

As Christians, we are not bound to the systems of this world but belong to a higher kingdom. This eternal perspective helps us navigate:

  1. The cruelty and oppression of earthly rulers.
  2. The temptation to conform to worldly standards.

Our hope and allegiance remain fixed on the Kingdom of God, which surpasses all earthly rule.


5. God’s Sovereignty in Times of Judgment

Reference: Isaiah 10:5-6: "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against a hypocritical nation."

God allows nations to experience the consequences of their rebellion against Him. Through ungodly leaders, He demonstrates His wrath upon disobedient societies:

  1. Those who reject righteousness face the consequences of their choices.
  2. Idols and false freedoms become sources of torment rather than liberation.

Believers are called to remain steadfast, trusting that God’s justice will prevail.


Summary

Romans 13 teaches us the importance of submitting to God-ordained authority. However, when earthly powers act contrary to God’s will, our ultimate obedience belongs to Him. We live as pilgrims in a world filled with rebellion against God, trusting His sovereignty and looking to His eternal Kingdom.


Conclusion

As followers of Christ, we must navigate a delicate balance: respecting earthly rulers while prioritizing our allegiance to God. In times of moral decay and oppressive governance, our calling is to remain faithful to Him, the ultimate source of authority and justice. Let us fix our eyes on God, walking in righteousness, and standing firm in the face of adversity.


Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern when earthly authority contradicts God’s will?
  2. In what ways can you maintain allegiance to God during times of moral decay?
  3. How does your identity as a pilgrim on earth shape your response to worldly challenges?


Key Takeaway:

"The Lord is our ultimate ruler, and our allegiance belongs to Him above all."