Reminders...

...to you, but mostly to me. :) God has lots to say about authority - it's a topic of huge importance to Him. If you can't live in submission to authority, there are many, many not-so-nice things promised to you. And WHO the authority is doesn't seem to matter. If I'm not mistaken, the "governing authorities" referred to in Romans was the emperor Nero, who was arguably the most brutal killer of Christians who has ever existed.

So no, I didn't want Obama to win. But now it's my job to submit and pay him the respect and honor I owe him.

Romans 13

1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 8:28

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Exodus 22:28

28 Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

Titus 3:1

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

1 Timothy 2:1,2

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Col 2:10

10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority

Heb 13:17

17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Peter 2:11-15

11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

2 Peter 2:9,10

9if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.^[c] 10This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature^[d] and despise authority.

Jude 1:8

8In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings.