The Devil and Authority

By: Dan Bailey

God has given all power and authority to His Son. We read in Matthew 28:18-20: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The Devil is against God. His Son, the authority of civil government, the authority of those who serve and defend the public, the police and the law enforcement officers, authority in the home and the authority of God's Word. The Devil rebelled against God and is therefore against the authority that God recognizes. We are seeing cities looted and set on fire. The people that do this are criminals and anarchists. Hundred have been injured while others have been murdered. There can be no such a thing as a society without law and order. Those who rebel against God's authority are working for the Devil. Those that support rebellion against God's authority share in sin and they are guilty of rebellion. We read in II Peter 2:9-11:"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." There would be those who fit this description, even the Lord's church.

We read in Romans 13:1-4: "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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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." Let us always support those who are charged by God to keep the peace and bring the criminals to justice.

I Peter 2:13-17 "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."