Go! And Live As A Godly Citizen Series

Go! And Live as a Godly Citizen

Introduction

We live in a world filled with governments, laws, and authorities. As followers of Jesus, we are called to honour God in every aspect of our lives, including how we interact with earthly governments. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13, gives us a clear command regarding our relationship with governing authorities. But what does it mean to submit? How do we balance obedience to rulers with our higher allegiance to God? Today, we will explore the biblical principle of godly citizenship and how we, as followers of Christ, are called to live in this world while preparing for eternity.

1. Go! And Acknowledge God's Sovereignty Over Governments

Romans 13:1-2 (NLT): “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.”

Paul reminds us that all earthly authority ultimately comes from God. The Greek word for “authority” here is exousia, which refers to delegated power—authority that derives from a higher source. Even when governments seem corrupt, God is still in control.

Daniel 2:21 (NLT) – “He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.”

God is the ultimate ruler. Earthly leaders rise and fall according to His divine plan.

John 19:11 (NLT) – “Then Jesus said, ‘You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.’”

Jesus acknowledges that even Pilate’s authority came from God.

We must trust that God is sovereign, even when governments fail. This does not mean blind allegiance but recognising that God’s will prevails in all situations.

“God has a purpose for government, and that purpose is to restrain evil and promote good.” – John MacArthur

2. Go! And Obey the Laws—Unless They Contradict God’s Law

Romans 13:3-4 (NLT): “For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honour you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.”

Governments exist to maintain order and punish wrongdoing. However, we see in Scripture that when governments demand disobedience to God, believers must take a stand.

Examples of Civil Disobedience:

Exodus 1:17 (NLT) – “But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.”

The Hebrew midwives disobeyed Pharaoh’s command to kill baby boys because they feared God more than man.

Acts 5:29 (NLT) – “But Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than any human authority.’”

The disciples refused to stop preaching the Gospel despite governmental threats.

Christians should obey laws that promote justice and righteousness but must stand firm when those laws contradict God’s commands.

“To be a Christian means to live in the world without being of the world, to obey rulers but worship only God.” – Tim Keller

3. Go! And Pray for Leaders

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT): “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

Prayer changes hearts and nations. Even when leaders seem corrupt, we are called to pray for them.

Make it a habit to pray for local and national leaders, asking God to grant them wisdom and righteousness.

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero—a brutal persecutor of Christians—Paul still urged believers to pray for those in power. If early Christians could pray for Nero, surely we can pray for our leaders today!

“When we pray for those in authority, we invite God’s power into the affairs of our nation.” – Charles Stanley

4. Go! And Be Citizens of Heaven First

Philippians 3:20 (NLT): “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Saviour.”

Our highest allegiance is not to any earthly nation but to the Kingdom of God.

Live in a way that reflects your true citizenship. While we respect and submit to earthly authorities, our ultimate loyalty is to Christ.

“God’s people are called to live in the world but not be conformed to it.” – A.W. Tozer

The Gospel Message

The greatest example of submission was Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to the will of the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His sacrifice, we can have eternal life. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, today is the day!