Bible Studies

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With all of the news about the shootings involving police officers in the past year, what does the Bible have to say about it all? Does it speak directly to the incident in Ferguson? The purpose of law enforcement and the response of people toward it, is very specifically stated in Romans 13:1-5.

"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience sake." (NASV)

Now, let's break this down a bit and see how this applies to today. We have people who are bashing cops, making them the problem. They are not holding them in respect. There is a prevailing attitude on the part of a group of people to kill cops, but the ones who are causing the problems are those who are afraid of them. It is true that police officers make mistakes, like anyone, because they are human. Some abuse their power. By and large, however, they are over us for our good, and to maintain peace and order.

We are to respect them and subject ourselves to them. (verses 1, 2, and 5)

We must realize that God has a divine purpose in placing them over us. (verse 4)

Their ultimate purpose is for our good. (vs. 4)

If one is doing good there is no reason to fear them. (verse 3)

Those who practice evil have reason to be afraid of law enforcement officers. (verse 4)

The Bible is so relevant for today!

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