The Roman Empire was a foreign occupying force in Israel
They dislike for both Jews and Christians alike.
They saw Jews and Christians as traitors, as neither would bow to their gods, whose worship was enmeshed with the civil government.
Paul is writing this around 56AD–just about a decade before he would be martyred for his faith.
In Romans 1-11 Paul makes a masterful exposition of salvation by faith.
In Romans 12-16 Paul lays out how the gospel applies in various practical areas
In Romans 13 Paul addresses how we live out our earthly citizenship
God gives 4 authorities to live out his creation mandate:
Conscience – personal
innate sense of right and wrong
Romans 2
Family – relational
Foundation of society
Human government – civil
1 Tim 2
Isaiah 10
Church – spiritual
Each has its own realm of authority; we have problems when they intersect or when one tries to rule outside its given sphere of authority
4 Reasons We [e.g., every soul] Should Submit to Government
Submit for wrath’s sake
Submission to civil government (and other authorities) is an expression of our submission to God
We submit not because an earthly authority is respectable–but because God is
This instruction doesn’t give spiritual approval for any specific form of government, eg, socialist/democracy/monarchy
Paul’s instructions apply to every Christian, in every place, in every time
1 Peter 2:13-17
Titus 3:1-2
We are not to speak evil of our leaders
Titus 3:2
This does not mean we may not call out evil
Romans 13:1b, “those that exist have been instituted by God”
Some believe this means that God sovereignly appoints each specific government/leader
Others believe this means that God sovereignly appoints human government in general
Regardless, God desires us to respect our given authorities–until we are being commanded to disobey God
Governmental authority is derived authority
In those cases we appeal to a higher authority–same as other spheres of authority
Children need not obey wicked commands from parents
Congregants need not obey wicked spiritual leaders
Acts 5:29
We may also use the established governmental system
We may leverage judicial appeals
Acts 25:11
We may leverage civil rights
We may peacefully protest
We may hold civil servants accountable
Our default posture is peaceable, respect, and submission
We only disobey those orders that violate God’s law–we don’t just disobey all orders because the government issues wrong orders
Submit for conscience’s sake
Luther, “To act against your conscience is neither right nor safe.”
Submit for love’s sake
Romans 13:8
We submit to government as a specific expression of our love for our neighbor
“Owe no man anything” is not a prohibition against borrowing/lending, but an exhortation to pay everything we owe, eg, pay off loans, pay respect, pay others with kindness
Jeremiah 29:7, “pray for the peace of the city”–the city of Babylon, where they were going to be captives
Titus 3:8
1 Tim 2:1-3
Love seeks to actively do good to others–and this includes those who serve in government
Seek to live quiet and peaceable–as much as it is possible.
Why?
As a positive witness to draw people to Christ
Submit for Christ’s sake
John 18, “…my kingdom is not of this world, if it were my servants would fight.”
If you say the Pledge of Allegiance, our allegiance to our national is not absolute
We are not to be gripped by the things of this world–no matter how good they may be
God demonstrates his power over the physical and spiritual worlds to honor His Son and draw people to follow Him.
Real ministry focuses on the Word of God not the sensational.
Real Ministry exalts Christ, not men or ministries.
Real ministry relies on God’s power not manipulation.
Real ministry attracts frauds.
Satan deceives through imitation.
Satan distracts through confusion.
Satan destroys through perversion.
Live It Out!
2 Peter 3:14-18 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation–as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you. as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
