Previous Section: Daily Prayers
Certain passages of Scripture for various holy orders and positions, admonishing them about their obligations and responsibilities
To Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive.
1 Tim. 3:2–4
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.
1 Tim. 3:6
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Tit. 1:9
What the Hearers Owe Their Pastors
The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
1 Cor. 9:14
One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Gal. 6:6–7
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The labourer deserves his wages.”
1 Tim. 5:17–18
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thess. 5:12–13
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Heb. 13:17
Of Civil Government
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.
Rom. 13:1–4
Of Citizens
Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.
Matt. 22:21
It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him:
If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
Rom. 13:5–7
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour.
1 Tim. 2:1–3
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good.
Tit. 3:1
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
1 Pet. 2:13–14
To Husbands
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
1 Pet. 3:7
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Col. 3:19
To Wives
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
Eph. 5:22
They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
1 Pet. 3:5–6
To Parents
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Eph. 6:4
To Children
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honour your father and your mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Eph. 6:1–3
To Workers of All Kinds
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
Eph. 6:5–8
To Employers and Supervisors
Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with Him.
Eph. 6:9
To Youth
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
1 Pet. 5:5–6
To Widows
The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
1 Tim. 5:5–6
To Everyone
The commandments … are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Rom. 13:9
I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.
1 Tim. 2:1