The Believer’s Relationship to the Government
Romans 13:1-7
* An Idaho sheep rancher was approached one day by a stranger in a suit. The stranger said, “If I can guess how many sheep you’ve got, may I have one?” Thinking this to be impossible the rancher agreed. “You have 1,795 sheep.” Stunned by the correct answer the rancher told him to choose his sheep. The man selected an animal and slung it over his shoulder and started to walk away. The rancher said, “Hey, if I can tell you who you work for, can I have that animal back?” The stranger nodded his approval. “OK, you work for the government.” Now the stranger was amazed and so he asked, “How did you figure that out?” The rancher spit on the ground and said, “Well, put my dog down and I will tell you.”
* In any honest attempt to study, learn, and understand the principles in the Bible, we will come to those days which are decidedly messages to believers. That is, a message to those who know and have an intimate walk with Christ. As we have read our text, today is one of those days.
* So let’s begin this way. In 2 Peter 3:9 we read, “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” It is the desire of God that all of us find forgiveness of our sin which leads to life. The Bible tells us that by our sin we are separated from God and have no hope of eternal life because the wages of sin is death. However, the GIFT of God is eternal life, don’t you like that? But God gift of eternal life is only available through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Here is what this means. In Acts 16 the Philippians jailer asked the most direct question of anyone in the Bible. His words, “What must I do to be saved?” The parallel question is this, “What must I do to have my sin forgiven, abundant life here, and eternal life is heaven?” Here is the answer; believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved! With your mouth you can pray to ask for forgiveness and for Jesus to save you. If you have never done this, why not take a moment right now and pray. (PRAY)
* Tuesday night I arrived home shortly after President Obama began his remarks which led up to some sharp questioning from the press. As the problems were outlined once again, the question in my mind was this; is the US government about to implode? This country has some real problems. In an old movie Michael Douglas portrayed the president of the US and said these words, “We have some serious problems and we need serious people to tackle these problems.” For my two cents worth, these words have never been more true than today.
*
* For me, it is no accident that in preaching through the Roman letter, we find ourselves in chapter 13 today. The serious nature of our national problems have caused even the most patriotic to ask questions?
* The questions which come to our minds are many. Why should I support this government if it’s giving away money which is seemingly squandered? As a believer do I have to respect it and respond to it? As a citizen of both heaven and the USA, which one should require my first allegiance?
* From our text today let’s answer 3 questions about Government.
1. The Reasons For it – Why is government necessary? Where did the concept come from? It would seem there are at least 3 reasons.
a. It is an Institution from God. – From our early days most of us have been taught about the institutions of God; the home, the church, and the state (or government). The Bible teaches us that all authority is from God. The sobering thing about this is the thought that every ruler, president, magistrate, and leader is a minister. Candidly, in the politics which we know in this country, it is difficult to believe this truth, yet, if God is sovereign (and He is) then leaders are ministers who have a divine responsibility for which they will answer one day.
* Please consider one truth about the government of the USA. This form of government is the first of its kind, considered the great experiment, and has survived for over 200 years. For the first time the citizens have a say in the government. This was unheard of in days past. As a Constitutional Republic, we are more blessed than any other people who have ever lived. The government of, by, and for the people is from God.
b. It is an Instrument of God. – Verse 4 says, “The government is God’s servant to you for good.” Notice that it doesn’t say for “YOUR” good, but rather “for good.” The same concept is presented in Romans 8:28. Unfortunately, some translations have rendered the verse with a little different meaning, but it actually says, “We know that to them that love God, all things work together for good.” Again, not particularly for OUR good, but for the (here’s a concept rarely talked about anymore) “greater good.” God is always interested in the greater good. Governments are used by God to perform His will. One example might be Nebuchadnezzar, a wicked King who was used by God to punish His sinful chosen people. God used Alexander the Great to bring a common language to the people.
* God is capable of using the government (good and bad) to fulfill His divine purposes.
c. It is Implemented by God. – God instituted the government, uses it as His instrument, and gives it the authority it needs to perform the functions He wants it to perform. Never forget that if God gives the authority He also gives the support in the form of empowerment. Now, this may be difficult for us to hear because we know some of the ungodly things which may be supported by the government. However, just like God has some specific expectations of us, as individuals, He has expectations for the state.
2. The Responsibilities of It – Verse 3 & 4 gives us a bird’s eye view of what I’ll divide into 3 responsibilities.
a. To protect its citizens. – Verse 3 begins with these words, “Rulers are not (to be) a terror to good conduct, but to bad.” The responsibility for the believer is to live as good citizens and the country’s responsibility is to protect its good citizens. To be a good citizen in America encompasses many things. We should involve ourselves in the processes; vote, pay taxes, and live according to the Biblical principles of conduct laid out for us. As a good citizen, we can let our light shine by living like Christ. The state is charged with the responsibility of protecting her citizens.
b. To punish its criminals.- Verses 3 & 4 carries a number of warnings for the criminal. It says, “Rulers are a terror to bad conduct”, “if you do wrong, be afraid”, and “the government is God’s avenger on the one who does wrong.” One of the ways a nation gets into trouble is to go soft on punishing her criminals. With so much “feel good” in the church today there are few things which evoke the ire of some as much as hearing their pastor says, “God is the initiator of capital punishment.” When this country began to change it approach to lawbreakers, the foundations of the law-abiding culture began to crumble. For those younger than me, possibly you have no recollection of being able to leave your doors unlocked, your house without a security system, and even leave tools laying in the yard. A nation must punish or pay the price in its culture, which brings us to the 3 responsibility of the Government.
c. To preserve its culture. – Verse 4 begins, “The government is God’s servant to you for good.” According to the scripture the government is designed to bring order, peace, and some quality of life. Wouldn’t it be great it the Federal Government only focused on this Biblical design?
*
3. The Respect for it –Before I develop this thought, allow me to remind you that when Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Rome that the Romans were under persecution by the Government. So, these words were even more difficult for them to hear than they are for us to read.
a. To submit. – Does this mean that we are to do what the government says “if” it is contrary to what the Bible says? For instance, under the present leadership there is a good possibility that this country will pass a law saying “unborn babies are open game for murder in the womb,” the question is, “Do we have to accept and believe this?” The answer is NO, but with a comment. Just like the first century believers, our citizenship in heaven supersedes our citizenship in America. God’s laws are final. However, when believers refuse to submit we must be prepared to accept the consequences of our behavior. So, when we choose to speed, we must pay the ticket. If we are arrested for our beliefs, we are to submit to their consequences. You may not like this, but I suspect the Apostles didn’t either when they were crucified, sawn in half, & decapitated.
* Do you remember that Peter echoes these truths? Turn to 1 Peter 2. Between Paul and Peter, we are left with little room to be dissidents.
b. To support.- Verses 6-7 tells us to pay our taxes, tolls, respect, and honor. As most of us remember, this builds on the principle which Jesus gave in His teaching, “Render to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.” It seems that God does not allow His people to be freeloaders, He wants His people to live in such a way that they can be “lights” in the country where darkness is reigning. Let me offer one more thought.
c. To speak. – Although I can see this quality in this text, I admit, it took me a while to find it here. So let me remind you why I believe, the Bible teaches us that we can speak to the government. First, in America, this is our designed way. It is unusual, but it is our way. Good citizens take an interest in this government and cast a vote to create leadership and by extension, policy. God expects us to act good, do good, and be good. Next, we need to speak to the government just like Paul did before Festus and Agrippa. King Agrippa said, “I ALMOST believe.” If we don’t speak, our governmental leaders may never know and if we don’t take part our leaders will never be believers. And if we don’t support, then we may never be heard and the country will never be what God desires.
