Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)

Romans 13:1-5 (NIV)
1 Everyone must submit himself 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, he who 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 he will commend you.
4 For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent 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 because of conscience.

How is your submission mode working nowadays? This command to submit to the governing authorities goes for everyone and that includes the disciples of Christ. According to these verses there is no authority that has been established unless it is established by God. You can have some fun with these verses by asking some questions of this verse? In light of these verses was the United States established as an illegal nation? What about Hitler and his regime? Is it okay for a more powerful nation to be a regime remover? What about the Civil War? These verses tell us that if there is rebellion against the established authority that they bring judgment upon themselves. It would be good to remember that this is written to the Romans who were living in Rome. We can be free from fear of these authorities by being obedient. Here is where it gets even more interesting as to the one who carries the sword. Does a nation or state have the right to take a life? Many point to these verses to say yes. There are still others who say the state has the right to punish, but not to take a life. Try to remember where these verses are located for it is good to remind those around us at different times to understand that God establishes authority and we must trust Him who has placed it here.