Introductory Thoughts
Because political abuses are becoming increasingly common, people have become disillusioned with their elected representatives. However, God is very specific concerning His purpose for government. It is empowered by God for the punishment of evil doers and the praise of the righteous (Romans 13:1-6). The Bible refers to rulers as “God’s ministers” (Romans 13:6) and these ministers are offered as a gift from God to the people. As believers, we are to submit ourselves to the ordinances of man for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13-17). In our passage, Titus was reminded that one of his responsibilities as a preacher was to put the people in mind “to be subject to principalities and powers” and to encourage them “to obey magistrates.” This may sound like a daunting responsibility because governments frequently go beyond the scope of their God-given authority. This is why God has not left Christians without direction when He instructs that is better to obey God than men (Acts 5:29).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Discuss what might happen if dad chose to run all stop signs, ignore red lights, and never yield to an ambulance on an emergency call. Laws are made for our protection and God wants us to obey them.
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(For everyone): As citizens of a country, we are responsible to obey the laws. Do you obey the laws of the land? If not, who are you really disobeying so long as these laws do not contradict the laws of God?
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As believers, we are to pray for those in authority that we might live a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Do you pray for the government? Do you pray for your king or president? Do you ask God to give your leaders wisdom?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to give you a love for the country in which you live.
- Ask the Lord to help you be a good testimony by obeying the laws.
Song
What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do? (Bliss)
