The Election Is Over – Now What?

Romans 13:1-8 (NKJV)

1. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 8. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

I. WE CAST THE VOTE, BUT GOD MADE THE CHOICE

v.1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist ARE APPOINTED BY GOD.

Exodus 9:13, 16 (NKJV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: … 16. But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.

II. GOD EXPECTS US TO KEEP A RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARD THOSE WHOM HE HAS RAISED UP

v.4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Ephesians 6:5-8 (NKJV)

Servants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6. not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7. with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8. knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

III. GOD EXPECTS US TO GIVE DUE RESPECT TO THOSE WHOM HE HAS RAISED UP

2. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same….

5. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

7. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor

Titus 3:1,2 (NKJV)

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

Exodus 22:28 (NLT)

“Do not blaspheme God or curse anyone who rules over you.

IV. GOD EXPECTS US TO SUPPORT THOSE WHOM HE HAS APPOINTED OVER US

v.6-8 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Matthew 22:21 (NKJV)

[Jesus] said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NLT)

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks. 2. Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. 3. This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

CONCLUSION: