Christians And Government

Christian And Government

Romans 13:1-7

We have discussed our relationship with God, fellow Christians and those outside of the body of Christ.

Consummation of what we have learned:

• Complete Surrendering Unto God for His Service Romans 12:1-8

• Sincere Love To The Body Of Christ Without Respecter Of Persons Romans 12:9-16

• Love Your Enemy And Overcome Evil With Good Romans 12:17-21

Paul is inspired to further write concerning our relationship with government and with our neighbors.

See: Romans 13:1

1. Relationship With Governmental Authority

• Authority Is Ordained By God

When the nation of Israel was established God put over them governmental authority and laws for the people to be governed by and so it is today.

There are a couple of things we are told here concerning government authority:

a. They Are Servants Of God

See: Vs.4 For he is the minister of God

Point: Every higher power has been ordained to rule according to the Word of God

b. They Bear The Sword Of God

“A revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil”

Statement: God has ordained the position and not necessary the person in the position.

Mention: Prov. 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.

And: Prov. 14:34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.

Point: The people who sit in offices of government have been put there by the people. The powers of nations in this world has been permitted by God

See: Daniel 2:19-21, 4:17 God setteh up kings (kingdoms)

It is also God who will judge each power according the way they bear rule!

See: Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil…

How Are We To Dwell With Government?

A. Place Myself Under Their Authority

“Let every soul be subject unto higher powers”

See: 1 Peter 2:13-14 submit yourself to every ordinance

See: Romans 13:2 resisting is resisting the ordinance of God

He gives to reasons why we should be subject unto government:

• For Wrath Sake

• For Conscience Sake

In those days one of the things that the Jews despised was paying taxes to Caesar so Paul comments on it. Vs.6-7

Mention: Matt. 17:24-27 Jesus and the disciples paid taxes

Also: Matt. 22:21 Jesus taught we should do the same

There is a line as to how far we are to make ourselves subjected to governmental laws. We should never obey any laws that oppose the laws of God.

Mention: Acts 5:29 We are to obey God rather than man

Statement: God will judge the unrighteousness of all governments

B. Pray For All Authority

See: 1 Tim. 2:1-2

Comment: There would be less negative comments by me concerning them if I prayed more for them.

C. Participate

There are several ways you can do so.

• Cast Your Vote

• Campaign For Office