God's Minister – The Government?

Alba 5-29-2022

GOD'S MINISTERS – THE GOVERNMENT?

Romans 13:1-7

A teenager once wrote this letter to Ann Landers: “I am a 15 year old and my biggest problem is my mother. All she does is nag, nag, nag. From morning till night it is, Turn off the TV. Do your homework. Wash behind your neck. Stand up straight. Go clean your room. How can I get her off my case?” (Signed) Pick, Pick, Pick.

Ann’s Response: “Dear Picky: Turn off the TV. Do your homework. Wash behind your neck. Stand up straight. Go clean up your room.”

Being subject to authority is a hard thing for some people. But God has instituted three different institutions of authority: The Family, The Church, and The Government.

Romans chapter 13 tells us that God has chosen to bless mankind and provide for our protection and safety by instituting human government. God is the one who established government.

This is not a scheme of Satan to trick and bind us, but an establishment from God. Does Satan uses governments and rulers for his wicked schemes? Of course. There are wicked governments.

Consider what was going on in Rome at the time the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians there. And consider who was the ultimate governing authority. It was none other than Nero.

Nero became emperor at age 15, and at age 22 he had his mother murdered, followed three year later by the divorce (and later murder) of his wife. It is thought by many historians that the great fire that swept Rome in AD 64 was instigated by Nero, who blamed it on the Christians.

Since Romans chapter 13 tells us that God has instituted government, some accuse God as having personally put into office every blood thirsty tyrant, every crooked politician and every immoral and bribe taking public official.

The fact that any leader, as a sinful human, takes authority and abuses it, the principle still is that government is to be in charge of society. And the one who rebels against government reaps judgment upon himself.

Let's turn to Romans 13:1-7 where we learn the purpose for government. It says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.

4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

It is important that we realize that it is God who established civil authority. The apostle Paul says it in verse one of this chapter. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except…”

Except what?... That which comes, “from God.” “And the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” God is the one who established government.

And do you notice a continuing phrase mentioned in these verses? What is it? (Government is God's minister). Isn't it amazing that phrase is applied to the authority of government?

These verses in Romans chapter 13 present the clearest biblical teaching concerning the God given origin and God intended purpose of human government.

No particular form of authority is specified: imperial, monarchical, oligarchical, republican, democratic. Whether this authority is exercised in a noble or in an oppressive manner, whether it was attained in a legitimate or in an illegitimate way, God can accomplish His work and His will in all kinds of government.

Every authority in this world belongs to God. God is the source of all authority and power in this world. Every other authority and power comes from Him.

Remember that Pilate said to Jesus, “Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. (John 19:10-11)

God has ordained the position of authority. but not necessarily the person in the position. Proverbs 29:2 says, When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.