Be subject to the higher powers.

[瑤翰 김요한]

Be subject to the higher powers. (Romans 13:1-7)

As those born again in Christ and belonging to heaven, we worship God in the Spirit and in truth and receive life through that relationship.

However, the body is still subject to the gravity of the earth and exposed to law and order.

This is why the church must fulfill its cultural mission to society.

Therefore, since we are humans in the flesh, we must submit to the authorities above us.

Romans 12:3 tells us where the basis for this is.

Because that means not thinking more than you should.

This is because God uses the hands of those in power to take revenge (Romans 12:19).

Q. Why must we obey the superior authorities?

“Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1)

A. Although we are God's children and heirs who have been saved from the world, we are still each person (pasa pushke) on this earth, that is, a person of the flesh, an ordinary person.

That is why it is said that Adam is a living soul, a living ‘Pushke’ (1 Corinthians 15:45).

If we are to live only by the spirit, we only need to serve God and the Lord in the Holy Spirit.

However, while living in the flesh, we must obey the authorities above us.

Now that the authority of the nation, teachers, and parents is collapsing, we are witnessing the fact that humans are not even obeying the created order created by God.

This is the devil's clever tactic to prevent us from fearing God.

To confess my case, my father passed away when I was young age, so I grew up with my mother,  when I went to school far away, I developed the habit of thinking and making decisions on my own, and I was not trained to obey God, so I was seriously worried when I was 40.

It is not easy for someone who has never obeyed a superior authority to obey God.

Therefore, young children must first be trained to obey their parents.

The problems occurring in schools now can be seen as an aspect of the breakdown of basic human etiquette, which is regarded as an integral part of the nation, parents, and teacher.

Q. Why does going against authority mean going against God’s command?

“whosoever  therefore  resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” (Romans 13:2)

A. Look at how some political parties at one time did not sing the national anthem or perform the national flag ceremony.

This is proof that they are under God's judgment.

Not recognizing the authority of the state, the authority of parents, and the authority of teachers is a challenge to the authority of God's creative order.

Of course, God's judgment follows, that means something is wrong with one's character.

If a person's character goes bad, it is only a matter of time before he or she falls into ruin.

Take a look. The character of those who ignore the country and its elders...

So, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and you shall have praise of the same.” (Romans 13:3)

Although Christians are God's children, the temporal rewards and discipline that occur while living in the flesh come from authority.

Q. Why should we fear the powers that be?

“For he is the minister of God to you for good. but if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beares not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does wrath” (Romans 13:4)

A. God tells us to be afraid when we do evil because God can use the power of the world to be good to good people or to bring wrath on those who do evil.

Therefore, he tells us not to insist only on spirituality, but to act according to our conscience.

“Wherefore we must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” (Romans 13:5)

Instead of trying to force ourselves to obey creation and social order, we should follow nature and obey the laws of nature.

To be safe, the spirit must obey God, the reason must respond to the demands of the times, and the body must conform to the conditions of nature.

It is very difficult for children who do not respect their parents to obey their superiors or adults later unless they are forced to do so.

There are many people who cannot adapt to the military or workplace.

Trying to force obedience or failing to obey is itself the wrath of God.

Q. What about tax issues?

“For this cause pay you tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honor.” (Romans 13:6-7)

A. I think that Christianity's refusal to pay taxes to the state is not only about money, but also about not submitting to worldly governments.

You shouldn't think of it that way.

This is because the authority of the state performs the mission given by God separately from the spiritual authority of the church.

Because, whether they know it or not, they are working as ‘God’s servants.’

For example, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar in the Old Testament were all servants of God, although they were also negative.

Think again. Do you think that you can solve all the problems of avenging your enemies on your own without having to ask for their help? The law punishes evil people, right?

Therefore, whether positive or negative, it is natural for them to obey since they are also God's servants.

Romans 13 speaks of worldly judgment.

The human dimension is

1) Sarx Man - A physical human being at the animal level. We are humans with five senses.

2) Psyche Man - At the human level, he is a soul-like man with personality. It's rational.

3) Pneuma Human - This is the spiritual dimension and is a person who follows the Holy Spirit.

Adam was a being who listened to God's words and Eve's words.

This is the state of chaos, emptiness and darkness in Genesis 1:2.

God gives different rewards and retribution to people at each level.

He treats flesh as flesh, soul as soul, and spirit as spirit.

In the spiritual realm, the church is in charge of blessings and curses, but in the realm of the flesh and soul, we must not lose sight of the fact that God uses worldly authority.

Even though it is nature given by God, why do you always pay the entrance fee to the national park, but do not want to pay taxes to the country?

Why do you want to take advantage of national benefits such as national pension, medical insurance, and preferential treatment for bus and subway routes, but not pay taxes?

If the church wants to establish the authority of God's house and the body of Christ, it is right for it to pay taxes to the state, which is a worldly authority established by God.

Written by Ptr. Yohan Kim.

Translated by  Nancy Chung

COME AND SEE WORLD MISSION