FRIDAY, JUNE 2
1 Corinthians 6:1-3
Acts 25:1-12

"Dare any of you… go to
law before the unjust…?"

APPEAL UNTO CAESAR!

The Apostle Paul was filled with righteous indignation against the Corinthian Christians. By going before unbelieving judges, the Corinthian Christians were bringing shame to the name of Christ. Is it not true that the ungodly will often seek chances to bring about calumnies against the Christian faith? Moreover, they were destroying their brothers by leaving them in the hands of the ungodly. It is a conduct that is most unbecoming of a saint of God.

It must be noted, however, that Paul did not forbid going before the civil courts per se. For example, a Christian must obey a court order if he is summoned to appear as a witness. On the other hand, a Christian who is appointed a steward of a property, may find it necessary to appeal to the government court on behalf of the property owner; or when the Christian’s life or that of his family is unlawfully threatened. In cases of grave importance, the Christian is permitted to appeal to the high courts of the land. By doing so, he is appealing to the government of the land as a divine ordinance to maintain law and order, and to protect the rights of the people to life and living (cf. Rom 13:1-7). The government is God’s appointed authority to bring the sword against all wicked and criminal activity.

It is the Christian’s duty to be submissive to the authorities where it does not contradict the law of God. "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" (1 Pet 2:13-17).

THOUGHT: My country’s government is a divine ordinance.
PRAYER: Lord, I will pray continually for my government.