Praying For Those In Authority

By Nick Coldagelli

Over the last few months I’ve had several conversations with fellow Christians who are anxious and dismayed about America’s political direction. Many fear the worst as our government pursues policies and programs they believe will bring disastrous outcomes—and they may well be right. However, whether you agree, disagree or are relatively indifferent regarding the political direction of our nation, as Christians, we all share the same responsibility to the civil authorities. Paul declares in Titus 3:1-2, Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. The vital issue for those whose true citizenship lies in heaven is not how our government treats us, but rather how we treat those who govern here on earth.

Our Submission

The first seven verses of Romans 13 are foundational for understanding how Christians (and all men) are to relate to the governing authorities. Paul declares in Romans 13:1-2, 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. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Like marriage, God created the institution of human government and in every age and every nation, He has established the authorities that exist. Daniel 2:20-21a confirms this saying, Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings. We are to submit to the governing authorities for in doing so we are submitting to God who is the source of all authority. Interestingly, the Roman government that was ruling when Paul wrote Romans was an oppressive, pagan, totalitarian empire that believed Caesar was divine. Nevertheless, Paul does not make submission to government conditional based on the manner in which they rule. Thus, our submission should (and must) be withheld only when the authorities command us to do something God forbids or forbid us from doing something God commands.

Paul continues in Roman 13:3-5 saying, 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; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. Governments are not only ministers for good but also God’s agent of wrath to punish those who do wrong. This should cause us to be thankful for civil government as even wicked governments act as restrainers of human evil. Regarding what a society without government might be like, the 19th century Scottish preacher Robert Haldane said, “Without the powerful obstacle presented by civil government to the selfish and malignant passions of men, it would be better to live among the beasts of the forest than in human society.” (An Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans [MacDill AFB, Florida: MacDonald Publishing Co., n.d.], p. 581)

Paul finishes this section of Romans 13 by telling us to render to all what is due them whether tax, custom, fear or honor. However, as we’ll see, these are not the only debts we owe those in authority.

Our Intercession

Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This command may be difficult to obey, depending on your opinion of those in government and how they govern. Unlike failing to publicly submit to government, which often brings punishment, failing to intercede for civil rulers may be done without fear of their retribution. Consequently, many of us who would never consider rebelling publicly against the authorities, do so privately by failing to make intercession for them. We should follow the example of our Master who lives to make intercession according to Hebrews 7:25, Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Additionally, Paul tells us that we should be thankful for human governments. Though they are not perfect, as nothing administered by fallen men can be, we are far better off with them than without. May we, with great joy and gratitude, intercede regularly for the governing authorities that God has established. In doing so, let us never forget that, ultimately, we trust not in kings or lords, but in the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Our Blessed Hope

Only time will tell if America’s current political path leads to prosperity or ruin. However, regardless of what the near future holds for the United States, the fate of every nation in existence when the Antichrist comes to power will be the same—join him or be conquered by him. In light of this, we should commit ourselves to endeavors that will bear eternal fruit as we submit to and intercede for the governing authorities. As we do, let us rejoice knowing that the day is coming when our glorious Lord shall return to establish His kingdom in perfect justice and righteousness. We will then be eternally free of fallen, sinful legislatures and politicians as we reign with our conquering King forever. Until then, may we live obedient, peaceable, Gospel-centered lives continually looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus (Titus 2:13).