THE HIGHER POWERS OF ROMANS 13

The misinformation that has been promulgated by the, so called, leadership in the Christian Churches regarding Romans chapter 13 has cause no end to confusion. What they have said and even written into their own versions of the Bible is that the “higher powers” spoken of in Romans 13:1 are the government leaders. This is a lie from the pit of hell! This teaching has no contextual support nor does it have any support from any of God’s Word via scripture build up or previous usage. The “higher powers” are those men and women who are ordained of God and have Gift Ministries

THE HIGHER POWERS OF ROMANS 13
The misinformation that has been promulgated by the, so called, leadership in the Christian Churches regarding Romans chapter 13 has cause no end to confusion. What they have said and even written into their own versions of the Bible is that the “higher powers” spoken of in Romans 13:1 are the government leaders. This is a lie from the pit of hell! This teaching has no contextual support nor does it have any support from any of God’s Word via scripture build up or previous usage. The “higher powers” are those men and women who are ordained of God and have Gift Ministries.
Look at Ephesians 4:8, 11-15.
Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Who has the authority (power) here in Ephesians? Is it the President of the United States or a Czar or Premier or Queen, King or Sheik? NO! The ones who have authority over the Church are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. They are the ones that God has called and ordained to do very specific things among the believers. It doesn’t say that they are to subjugate, persecute or annihilate the Christians, as some governments have done. It specifically says that these leaders are to edify (build up) the believers. They are to perfect the saints by instruction and by speaking the truth in love. With this understanding let us look at the Romans chapter 13.
Romans 13: 13:1 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.
What are the powers that are ordained of God? It tells us in Ephesians that those Powers ARE apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Each one of these gift ministries has a different purpose in the body. Apostles bring new light to their generation. Prophets call people back to God. Evangelists preach or herald forth the Word. Pastors shepherd or nurture the believers and teachers instruct people in the Word and how to live according to the Word.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
On the surface it looks plausible that this could be talking about civil authority BUT remember that the Bible cannot contradict itself. Therefore, if God tells you not to do something and then tells people to do just the opposite then we have a contradiction and we have to look to either our understanding or the translation to see where the problem lies. In this case, it is the teaching of evil and our understanding that there is confusion. If it were the government, we would have blaring contradictions throughout the whole Bible. For example, if the higher powers were the government and civic leaders then Moses’ mother sinned against God when she hid Moses. She should have just let the Government kill Moses, if what these false leaders are saying is true. All of the judges sinned against God when they delivered Israel out of the hand of the rulers of the land. God would have had to contradict himself when he told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee Bethlehem before Harod’s men killed all of the male babies. You see how absolutely wrong and confusing this doctrine of the higher powers being the government is? If we stick with the Word and apply a couple of simple rules as we have just done there is no confusion and God’s people get a better understanding and are comforted and blessed.
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:
Paul is a good example of this In I Corinthians 4 Paul gives both sides
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
These men and women that are ordained of God are to exercise this power in the church. This power is the same power that Jesus Christ operated and the same power that Abraham operated and the same power that Samuel and all the rest of the men and women of God operated throughout the centuries. This power is NOT available to people because they how a political office. It is only given to those who God has called within the body of believers.
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.
What is the “sword” that God is talking about here? Is it a physical sword or the figurative representation of the military might of a nation? No, no a thousand times no. It is The Word of God rightly divided.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The Sword of the Spirit is The Word of God.
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.
Tribute is tithes and offerings and to whom do we give them? To God’s ministers those apostle, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers!
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.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
God has protected His Word throughout the ages and he has given gift ministries to the Church so that the Church is edified and can grow in an understanding and knowledge of God. He has done this so that all believers can be more than conquerors and live a life of peace and abundance. .
The government and political office has nothing to do with Romans chapter 13.