3: God’s Authorities (a)

Romans 13:1-4 NASB:

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for he is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword for nothing; for he is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”

This New Testament Scripture confirms seven things:

* God ordained and instituted His civil authorities.

* God ordained everyone to be subject to His civil authorities.

* God identified who are His legitimate civil authorities.

* God’s legitimate civil authorities praise those who do good.

* God’s legitimate civil authorities benefit those who do good.

* God’s legitimate civil authorities cause fear for evil behavior.

* God’s legitimate authorities put to death those who practice evil.

Satan counterfeits ALL three of God’s Institutions which Christians should never honor:

* Counterfeit Marriage Institution: Instead of one man / one woman, Satan counterfeits marriages with two men or two women marriages.