Page 71 - Foundations

unrighteousness.

Romans 13:1-7
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. For because of this you also
pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what
is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom
honor.

Paul wrote these words to Christians in Rome during the time of the Roman Empire. The Caesars
were the supreme rulers of the Empire, and they were renowned for their sinful failings. Nevertheless,
the apostle declares that these world rulers serve as ministers of God. So too do we understand that
Satan and his angels will continue as ministers of God until Yahweh’s judgment is carried out upon
them.

Yahweh does use unfaithful rulers to carry out His will. At present America is in a great state of moral
decline. Her President is promoting homosexuality, the murder of the unborn, and many grievous and
deceptive policies. Yet the government still continues to prosecute murderers, rapists, thieves,
swindlers, child abusers, and many other wicked people. The government is not faithful in upholding
God’s righteousness, for it does so with great inequity. Nevertheless, it still bears the sword of the
Lord. The same can be said of Satan and his angels.

Is it not inexplicable to those who do not understand these things that the apostle Paul could look to
Satan to carry out discipline against members of the body of Christ who were committing grievous
sin in an unrepentant manner?

I Corinthians 5:5
I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be
saved in the day of the Lord Yahshua.

Do not these words reveal that Satan continues to be used as a servant of God? It may be fairly said
that Satan even serves to save the lives of some from utter destruction. Is this not what Paul is
conveying in the passage above? The apostle is turning an unrepentant Christian over to Satan for
chastisement with the ultimate goal in mind that the spirit of the man might be saved in the day of
judgment. Satan, in this association, becomes an instrument in the hands of God to prevent a believer
from suffering complete loss.

In what is to many an equally perplexing Scripture, the apostle speaks of turning two men over to
Satan that they might be taught not to blaspheme.