Living Under Authority
November 1, 2026 | Romans 13:1–2
KEY VERSE: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Romans 13:1
MESSAGE:
How do you respond to those who have authority over you? Paul begins this passage with a clear instruction: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities.” Then he gives the reason. Authority is established by God. This takes our understanding of authority beyond the personality, position or performance of the person who leads. God is a God of order, and He has established authority as part of the ordering of human life. For the Christian, therefore, honouring rightful authority is connected to honouring God, from whom authority ultimately comes.
Paul takes this further in verse 2. Resisting authority is a serious matter because authority does not exist independently of God. This does not mean that every leader acts rightly or that every decision made by those in authority carries God’s approval. Human leaders remain accountable to God, and our highest allegiance remains with Him. Yet the failures of those who exercise authority do not give us freedom to treat authority itself with contempt. Our response should show that we recognise God’s place above every human position.
We live under authority in our homes, churches, workplaces, communities and nations. Sometimes we will disagree with those who lead us. We may question decisions, raise legitimate concerns and speak against wrongdoing. Even then, our words and conduct should reveal that we ourselves live under God’s authority. Disagreement should never become an excuse for insults, contempt, dishonesty or needless disorder.
Romans 13:1–2 therefore asks us to see authority first through our relationship with God. If you have been entrusted with authority, remember that it comes with accountability to Him. If you are under authority, let your response also reflect your submission to Him. When we recognise God as the One from whom authority ultimately comes, honouring rightful authority becomes part of our desire to honour God.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Let your response to authority reflect your submission to God. Speak respectfully, fulfil your responsibilities faithfully, obey what is right, and raise legitimate concerns in a manner consistent with your faith. Whether you lead or are led, let your conduct show that God comes first in your life.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to recognise Your order in the authorities You have permitted over my life. Teach me to honour You in the way I respond to them. Give me wisdom when I disagree, courage when I must speak, and a heart that remains submitted to You. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 305 Reading: Mark 5–7 — Jesus Demonstrates His Authority over Demons, Disease, Death, and Human Tradition.
DAILY word study: SUBJECT The word “subject” comes from the Greek hypotassō (ὑποτάσσω). It means to place or arrange under, to submit, or to be subject to rightful authority.
In Romans 13:1, Paul uses this word when he calls every person to be subject to governing authorities. It describes an ongoing posture of recognising an ordered relationship.
Hypotassō helps us see that our response to rightful authority is connected to our submission to God. Human authority remains under God, and the way you respond to leadership should show that God has first place in your life.
Reflect on This:
How does your response to rightful authority show that God has first place in your life?
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