By Jason Scherzer
The Word: Romans 13:1-5
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Mark 5:1-5
They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones.
Reflection Questions:
1. If I am a believer in Christ, what should be an appropriate general attitude toward government?
2. Do I put into practice my belief that Jesus holds power over all the earth, all realms, all dominion, and every authority?
The Gospel is the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the message is plain and simple: the Son of God came to be a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins; He restores our broken relationship to God and conquered death for us. Although the message is so simple that a child can grasp it, the Bible has many implications in regards to how we should live. One area is politics, and the Bible does have important things to say, although it will not tell us specifically how to vote.
Romans 13 states that every human authority has been put in place by God; this implies that God’s power effectively causes a governing authority to become established. In Timothy, Paul actually commands that believers pray for the governing authorities, which is quite a good idea.
Paul continues stating in Romans 13 that people who rebel against authority are actually rebelling against God, by extension, and that human authorities administer severe punishment to those who do wrong or commit the crime.
In Mark 5, Jesus visited the region of the Gerasenes and showed undeniably His complete power over evil spirits. Verses 1-5 describe the unimaginable torment endured by the man who had lived in the tombs; the remainder of the verses describes Jesus’ powerful encounter against the evil spirits and demonstration that He is the Son of God. We must conclude that Jesus holds authority over all creation.
Application:
Politics is a hot-button arena for discussion and debate, and can easily become an area of intense conflict, especially in our current climate. The Bible does not give us a framework for how to vote or how to become involved politically. Quite differently, Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world.
Instead, we are instructed in Scripture not to put our complete trust in “princes” or human rulers, although we should pray for those who hold governmental authority, which is pleasing to God.
What ought we to do if (or when) we are completely dissatisfied with our political leaders? There are many actions which might be a good choice, but the wisest action would be to pray for them. Pray for authorities to have wisdom from God, to govern effectively, that God will bless them, and for their salvation. If we are honest, we will admit that it is not always easy to pray for very flawed individuals who hold positions of authority. But, we can be sure that God will work in the situation for our ultimate good, just as He has always been deeply involved in human history.
V. Prayer:
Lord, I pray for our leaders _________ and _________ and _________ . I honestly don’t like their policies, actions, behaviors, or political philosophy. But I know that You alone are God and You have placed these leaders in authority for this season. Please bless them with Your favor, grant them wisdom, protection, and guidance, so that our people can live peacefully and worship You freely. Guide us so that we may have a truly Christian attitude toward our leaders. In Jesus’ name.
City Life Starter 
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