DCLM HIGHER EVERYDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2021 — Respect Rulers
DCLM Higher Everyday 17 November 2021 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Respect Rulers
TOPIC: RESPECT RULERS
BIBLE TEXT: ROMANS 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
MEMORY VERSE: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (ROMANS 13:1, 2).
MESSAGE:
Julius Erving says, “I firmly believe that respect is a lot more important, and a lot greater, than popularity.” Unfortunately, the number of people who act without politeness, thoughtfulness, and civility is rapidly increasing. In this present day and age, respect is steadily declining, and at the same time, disrespectful behaviour is on the increase.
Youths are becoming more and more self-centred, and disrespectful to their principals, teachers and rulers. They have little or no regard for constituted authority at home or in the community. Such youths are always in the business of criticising those in authority contrary to the command of the Scriptures. Do not forget that disrespect for rulers and all other people around you has grave consequences. So, God requires you to treat others kindly and with the respect they deserve.
People who have no respect for others or treat others miserably make the world a lot less peaceful and become the source of unhappiness even for themselves. Therefore, to escape the pending damnation awaiting those who are disrespectful, you must not resist God’s instruction to respect others.
QUOTE: You must not resist God’s instruction.
CHALLENGE: God requires you to treat others kindly.
PRAYER: O Lord, make me a source of happiness in the world.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
