¹Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.  ²Therefore whoever resists [governmental] authority resist the ordinance of God.  And those who have resisted it will bring judgment [civil penalty] on themselves.  ³For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of authority?  Do what is good and you will receive approval and commendation.  ⁴For he is God’s servant to you for good.  But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing.  He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.  ⁵Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God]. ⁶For this same reason you pay taxes, for civil authorities are God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance.  ⁷Pay to all what is due: tax to whom tax is due, customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.  ⁸Owe nothing to anyone except to love and seek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman] (Romans 13:1-8 NIV).

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Romans 13:1-8 beautifully explains the purpose of government. If a human government did not exist, we would be in a state of total lawlessness, resulting in a hopeless fear for people. We all would thus agree that even a bad government is better than no government. God is not approving of human government; instead, He is delegating human government for the purpose of preventing complete evil and lawlessness.

 

The most asked question is how can we as Christians submit to the authorities when we know that many human governments are corrupt and unjust?  Or, what should we do when we feel our own government is ungodly? The Bible commands us Christians to “submit…to the governing authorities” ²and to pray for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence (1 Timothy 2:2 NIV).  Take note that the word “obey” is NOT used because the believer may find it impossible to comply with every demand of the government. “Subjection” does not mean inferiority because believers are told to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ (Eph5:21).  Therefore this statement is neither absolute obedience, nor is it taking away the moral dignity or value of Christians who voluntarily submit to imperfect authorities.

 

Clearly governments do not perfectly carry out justice but ¹³what harm does it cause you to become enthusiastic for what is good? (1 Peter 3:13 NIV) because ¹⁴even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness [though it is not certain that you will], you are still blessed [happy, to be admired and favored by God] (1 Peter 3:14 NIV).  When believers suffer for the sake of Christ, their conscience is clear. ¹⁹For this finds favor, if a person endures the sorrow of suffering unjustly because of an awareness of [the will of] God.  ²⁰After all, what kind of credit is there if, when you do wrong and are punished for it, you endure it patiently? But if when you do what is right and patiently bear [undeserved] suffering this finds favor with God (1 Peter 2:19-20 AMP).

 

As long as we do so without denying Christ or compromising our faith, we must always strive to co-operate with government and our leadership.  ⁵²Then Jesus said to him, put your sword back in its place; for all those who habitually draw the sword will die by the sword (Matthew 26:52 AMP).  This does not necessarily mean that we will endorse all of their policies or approve of every specific action they take. Christians are responsible to uphold biblical righteousness in a hostile culture while also expressing respect for its leadership.

 

God is and remains sovereign over human events and He is always in charge.  At the same time gives people the freedom to make their own choices and go their own way. Meaning, no one can become a king, president or minister apart from God’s will.   This doesn’t mean that possession of political power amount to a stamp of approval from God. The Bible calls king Nebuchadnezzar God’s servant - ⁹and I will send for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant [to enact My plan] (Jeremiah 25:9 AMP). Obviously, this does not imply that he was a godly man.  We may not trust the governing authorities, but we have to trust Him.   ⁵If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. ⁶In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success (Proverbs 3:5-6 TLB).  We can demonstrate this trust by cooperating with the government by paying taxes, participating in the system and adhering to the law, but this does not mean we should be blind. Never forget that the power of human rulers is subject to a higher power and it is contingent upon the absolute sovereignty of God. In the event that these two authorities come into conflict with one another, Christians have to obey God rather than man. ²⁹But Peter and the apostles replied; we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29 TLB). 

 

Jesus is our perfect leader. If we truly want Him to lead us, our devotion must be more than just talk. If we are given the responsibility of leading others, we must take care of them even if it means sacrificing personal pleasure, happiness, time or money. We are responsible to God for witnessing to and teaching those we lead.

 

To be a strong leader like Joshua, we must be ready to listen and to move quickly when God speaks. Once we have His instructions, we must carry them out. Strong leaders are characterized by their commitment to follow Christ first. Being God’s leader is not just getting recognition, holding a position or being a boss. It requires planning, hard work, courage and perseverance. There is no substitute for doing the difficult work. In order to lead others you need to follow God’s direction in your own life.

 

The government of Namibia consists of three branches namely; the Executive, the Legislative and the Judicial.  Each branch is unique in its role but all forms part of one single government. God is a Trinity of Persons, each omnipotent, omniscient and wholly benevolent. There are not three gods, but one God in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ⁷For there are three that testify: ⁸the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement (1 John 5:7-8 NIV). ¹⁴May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14 NIV).

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¹¹So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹²to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV).

 

God guided His people using different forms of human leadership. The success of each leader didn’t depend on their technique, position, leadership style, wisdom, age or strength – it depended on their devotion to God. Being a true leader means letting God guide all your activities, values and goals.

 

God's ministry on earth is through His people. The five-fold ministry is an important part of what makes the body of Christ function properly. Each member of the body of Christ Jesus has a role to play. The fivefold ministry is to equip the body of Christ to function in gifts. Not everyone is called to one of the offices in the fivefold but everyone is called to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, ¹⁴for many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14 NKJV).

 

 

Apostles:

The thumb on one’s hand represents the Apostle because he/she functions in all five gifts. The word apostles means ‘one who is sent out’ with a specific mission of proclaiming the gospel.  In a sense, all followers of Christ are called apostles.

 

¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. ¹⁹therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV). ¹⁵And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news! (Romans 10:15 NIV).

 

 

Prophets:

The pointer finger on one’s hand represents the Prophet because he/she gives direction.  A prophet is a person who is committed to speaking God’s truth and Word. He/she will never contradict God’s revealed Word.  Prophets can prophesy over others to edify or build up the church and church leaders.

 

¹³Micaiah said, “As sure as God lives, what God says, I’ll say (2 Chronicles 18:13 MSG).

 

 

Evangelists:

The middle finger on one’s hand represents the Evangelist because he has the most reach. Evangelists gather people. An evangelist is someone who is responsible for sharing the gospel message with those who haven't heard it yet. They often do this through preaching and teaching. Evangelists also have a heart for discipleship, which means they help new believers grow in their faith.

 

¹¹All scripture says, anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame. ¹²For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, ¹³for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:11-13 NIV). 

 

 

Pastors:

The ring finger on one’s hand represents the Pastor because he/she is married to the sheep. A pastor is someone who shepherds the flock (local church). This means that they care for the spiritual needs of the people in their church. Pastors also have a role in teaching and preaching. They often do this through sermons and Bible studies. Pastors guard the sheep, just like a shepherd would protect his sheep.

 

¹¹I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. ¹⁴I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me (John 10:11 & 14 NIV). ¹⁵So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to Him, “Feed My lambs” (John 21:15 NKJV).

 

 

Teachers:

The pinky finger on one’s hand represents the Teacher because he/she brings balance to the body of Christ. Jesus, of course was the greatest teacher who always had the best interests of His students at heart; always, the subject of His teaching was the absolute and unchanging truth of God. Teachers also have a heart for breaking down the Word of God and equipping people to be able to study the Bible on their own.

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¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this – that I am with you always, even to the end of this world (Matthew 28:19-20 TLB).

 

Jesus taught the people using sermons, illustrations and parables. He showed the true ingredients of faith and how to guard against an ineffective and hypocritical life.  Jesus’ teachings show us how to prepare for life in His Kingdom by living properly right now. His life was an example of His teachings, as our lives should be. ¹⁸But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV).

 

God commanded His people to teach their children His ways. ⁶Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV).

 

⁴⁰A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40 NKJV).​​​​