A Proper Regard For The Rulers Of Our Nation

by Pastor Mark
August 09, 2018

Celebrating Singapore’s 53rd National Day

Today, we celebrate our nation’s day of independence. It has been 53 years since we became independent as a country. We thank God for providing us with a good government that is led by our Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. While we recognise that it is most challenging to rule our country, as citizens we must seek to do our part…in giving the proper regard to our government as believers. Let us be challenged by the Apostle Peter’s word to the pilgrims of the diaspora wherever they were.

Submitting to the government

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake,” (1 Peter 2:13)

The word “Therefore” (oun) makes inference to what has been previously written. Peter addressed the brethren as sojourners and pilgrims. (1 Peter 2:11) They were to have honourable conduct before the Gentiles and to do good works. (1 Peter 2:12) This forms the context in how we should relate to the government. The challenge is to submit. The word “submit” in Greek is “hupotasso” which means “to place under, to submit”. We should conduct ourselves well by subjecting ourselves to every ordinance or institution of man. This is to be done for the Lord’s sake. These ordinances of man have been appointed by the Lord. (Romans 13:1–7) Let us humbly submit to our country’s leaders.

Appreciating our government leaders

“whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13,14)

We are to submit ourselves to those who rule over us. The purpose of these rulers on one hand is to bring to justice those who are evildoers. They ensure that proper justice is served in the country. We thank God for a good judicial system in Singapore. The government also seeks to commend those who do well in serving our country just like the giving out of our National Day awards. We thank God for those who are deserving of commendation.

The will of God

“For this is the will of God,” (1 Peter 2:15)

Yet, our focus should not only be on our leaders but on the will of God. This is all part of God’s will for us as a country. It is part of His plan. Our greater focus must be that we are submitting to the will of God even as we seek to submit ourselves to our leaders. The Lord has revealed His plans to all believers and we should fulfil the will of God. Let us be challenged to know the will of God and to follow it.

Expressions of the will of God

What are some expressions of the will of God for us to fulfil?

  1. For us to do good…in order to silence those who do things against us. (1 Peter 2:15)
  2. To be bondservants of God…even though we are free, we choose not to abuse our freedom by entering into vices. Let us choose to be slaves of the Lord instead. (1 Peter 2:16)
  3. Honour all people…to value all citizens of the country. (1 Peter 2:17)
  4. Love the brotherhood…appreciating the distinction between how we should regard all people and our church brethren…that we should specially love them. (1 Peter 2:17)
  5. Fear God…to fear and revere God always, seeking to do His will. (1 Peter 2:17)
  6. Honour the king… being thankful for a good prime minister. (1 Peter 2:17)

Let us be challenged as believers to submit ourselves to our government…for the sake of the Lord and to fulfil His will.

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