Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Biblical Civics 101” Romans 13:1-7
Review
Last week we explored ten heart and hand checks when responding to difficult people. There are always balancing truths presented in Scripture. There may be times when telling the truth about someone becomes necessary.
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching. 2 Tim. 4:14-15
Paul warned against the “dogs”, “evil workers”, “false circumcision”. John warned against false prophets.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. 2 John 1:10-11
John called attention to a leader who was not living according to the truth.
I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church. 3 John 1:9-10
Introduction
Some commentators find no connection between this section and the previous or next. Given Paul’s demonstrated pattern thus far, I think the connection is most logical. If one views the whole section from 12-15 as areas needing renewed thinking leading to transformed living, then wise thinking and living regarding our relationship to government seems only one of many crucial areas the affects our life. Besides the fact that a godly response to government is crucial, I don’t think it is accidental that Paul addresses dealing with government after a section that teaches how to deal with difficult people. One of the chief persecutors of Christians making life miserable at that time was the government. The first century Christian faced a hostile government that lied about them. The government openly persecuted, hated, castigated, and even killed the child of God. The Christians were accused of all sorts of perversions: incest, cannibalism, pedophilia, open marriages, adultery, worshipping the head of a donkey, uniting to God through the slaughter and the blood of an infant to name a few. It was believed by much of secular Rome that Christianity was superstitious. It was believed that the followers of Christ were dangerous.
Dr. John MacArthur wrote these words:
“Our Lord was born into a society where political corruption and autocratic rule were common. Merciless tyrants and murderous dictators were everywhere, along with human slavery- the antitheses of democracy. Those were almost unchallenged norms.”
Just in case those in the church failed to specifically apply the ten principles in the last of chapter twelve, Paul offers some specific application related to government. Even though we possess heavenly citizenship and are technically not of this world, we still live in this world and have a responsibility to it.
We look at this passage from the vantage point of three groups.
God -- Government -- Christians
I. God establishes all governments
“For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” 13:1
Paul refers to “authority” one in a position of power over others.
In a parallel passage, Peter expands the reference when he mentions “every human institution whether to a king as one in authority or to governors went by him.” God’s purposes have never been hampered by the type of government in power.
He has used all kinds of governments to accomplish his purposes. In fact the passage is clear that God has specifically ordained every existing government. We may not always understand just how that all plays out in God’s economy but this passage clearly represents God as the supreme authority and we are to properly respond to those he ordains or puts in authority. The one with the power to ordain possesses ultimate rule.
Jesus set Pilate straight.
So Pilate said to Him, "You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have NO authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." John 19:10-11
Daniel enlightened Nebuchadnezzar
this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. Daniel 4:24-25
Solomon reveled who actually calls the shots.
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
Paul asserted to the Athenians that God is the God of all history and peoples.
"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, Acts 17:24-26
All through history God used existing governments to carry out his purposes on earth both for prosperity and punishment.
Habakkuk lamented Israel’s sin and called for God’s judgment on her but balked when God told him who he was going to use to punish her.
Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die.
You, O LORD, have appointed them to judge; and You, O Rock, have established them to correct.
Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You can not look on wickedness with favor.
Why do You look with favor on those who deal treacherously?
Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they? Habakkuk 1:12-13
Isaiah emphasized God’s power over earthly rulers.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.
Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble. Isaiah 40:21-24
Earlier in Romans Paul referred to God using Pharaoh.
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth." Romans 9:17
Governments serve God’s ultimate purposes. Paul goes so far as to call government God’s ministers not just once but three times in this passage using two different terms for minister. The first two are in verse 4.
for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:4
Government serves as a minister of God to people for good. Government serves as a minister of God to people for wrath. The word for “minister” here is the word used for “deacon” meaning servant, or minister. The third reference to government as God’s minister comes in verse six using a different term.
rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Romans 13:6
“Servants of God” is the Greek words “litourgos” people + work = one who works for or serves people. It was a term often used for the priest but also for civil servants.
to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:16
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; Philip. 2:25
And of the angels He says,"WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE." Heb 1:7
a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. Hebrews 8:2
Paul indicates that many of those who serve do it with great diligence.
to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor) :- attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
What does God ordain government to do? How does government serve God’s purposes? Paul I believe here outlines the scope and limitation of government.
II. Government serves God’s purposes
Government should focus on its two God-given purposes.
A. Reinforce and reward the good work by praise
B. Restrain the evil work by punishment
Rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:3-4
Peter mentions the same two functions concerning government.
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14
It is said you cannot legislate morality. That is the nature of legislation to control certain kinds of behavior. There are some things laws cannot legislate. The law cannot force you to love someone but it can legislate against killing them. Laws cannot keep you from coveting but it can make laws against stealing. What can the government do to encourage morality? People need secure guidelines.
Where there is no vision (revelation from God), the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18
The king gives stability to the land by justice, but a man who takes bribes overthrows it. Proverbs 29:4
Praise promotes good behavior. Punishment prevents evil behavior.
In an age where the lines between good and evil are becoming more and more blurred it is interesting the number of time Paul draws attention to good and evil. Abhor what is evil and cleave to what is good. Don’t be conquered by evil but conquer evil by doing good. Here the government is to restrain evil by punishment and reward the good by praise.
Is punishment a deterrent? If it is carried out properly and swiftly. The problem is when the punishment is so far removed from the crime. Paul pictures government as one who bears the sword of God’s wrath. Leaving room for the wrath of God advocated in the previous section may refer to allowing the government to carry out its God-given function of justice on God’s behalf.
Government exists to praise righteousness and punish rebellion.
Many examples of government recognition for positive contribution to society have been found in ancient inscriptions of this Roman period -- Medals, citations, certifications were issued to its citizens. Perhaps increased emphasis should be placed on praising those who do well than punishing those who do wrong. If promoting good behavior and punishing evil behavior are the core responsibilities of government what about all the other things government does? I am an advocate of small government. If you expect government to meet all your needs, than don’t complain when government takes all your resources. God intended individual families and communities to address needs of people under the protection and praise of the government.
God ordains government
Government protects and praises people.
What are we to be doing?
III. We must submit to God’s authorities
A. The instruction -- (command to submit to authority)“Submit”
“Submission” The word rendered “be subject or submission” is a military term meaning to rank oneself beneath another. As such, it denoted the activities of obedience to a military commander. The child of God must not merely tolerate the civil authorities, but needs to render honor, loyalty and respect to them. Paul uses the word rendered submission as a middle imperative word that indicates it is a command to do something willingly.
Subject yourselves. He doesn’t tell government to subjugate people. He instructs Christians to submit themselves. We must willingly subject ourselves to those in authority over us because God requires it. God requires obedience and absolute submission.
God also ordained three human institutions to keep order in a chaotic fallen world which become classrooms through which we learn and demonstrate submission to Him.
Government -- The family structure -- The church
If you cannot submit to earthly authority you will never be able to submit to God’s authority. Bad followers make horrible leaders. If expect to lead you must learn first to follow. God requires submission to each institution. Here we have government. Elsewhere the family structure requires voluntary submission. Hebrews calls believers to voluntarily place themselves under the authority of elders.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17
B. The inspiration (rationale for submitting to authority)
Most of the time God does not issue a command without providing with it some kind of reasoning or benefit associated with obedience. Such is the case here. There are at least three reasons to submit to earthly authorities.
1. Submission pleases God who ordains government
Responding to government ordained by God brings the same benefits of obeying Him.
Resisting government ordained by God incurs condemnation and guilt.
Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 13:2
2. Submission protects from punishment
Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath…13:5
We saw earlier that when we submit to the rules of the governing authority there is no need for fear. If we break the law there will be consequences.
3. Submission promotes peace (clear conscience)
Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection…also because of conscience' sake. 13:5
If we want to live with a good conscience we need to submit to government.
IRS letter came in saying, ‘I did not pay the taxes I should have this past year and I have been unable to sleep, enclosed is $150. If I still have trouble sleeping I will send the rest.
Every violation of God’s law violates our God-given conscience. No matter the level of the infraction, soul damage occurs. A buck or a billion equally bring about violation of the conscience and should damage and condemnation. We need to continually respond to earthly authorities in order to maintain a clear conscience and live in peace.
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Tim. 1:5
Having promoted proper thinking regarding government Paul summarizes by calling for transformed living.
C. Practical Application
1. Pay
Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:7
a) When tax is due, pay it.
The reference to tax here generally had to do with tribute paid like property taxes and poll taxes. In our day that would be property taxes and income taxes. Just think! Since government has been ordained of God and are minister of God, your tax money is actually an offering to God. Even Jesus paid taxes to local government and instructed His disciples (in three of the gospels) to “render to Caesar what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21; Mark 12:17; Luke 20:25
b) When custom is due, pay it.
The term used here refers to customs of tariffs on goods like an income tax or tolls or business tax or obviously a literal customs tax when bringing in goods from a foreign country.
c) When reverence is due, pay it.
Paul uses the Greek word “phobos” here. It is translated fear or reverence or terror. Our English word phobia comes from this word. Because government ministers for God, our attitude toward it should match our attitude toward God. We should give those in authority over us the respect due them as representatives of God not necessarily because of their actions but because of their office. We need to check our attitude toward law enforcement and judges and those representing our government at the local and national level.
d) When honor is due pay it.
This is similar to respect. The difference I feel perhaps Paul intends to communicate is that of internal attitude verses external expression of that respectful attitude. The difference also perhaps has to do with a respect that is continually due authorities as opposed to recognizing (honoring) them whenever we notice them fulfilling their ministry as God’s representatives.
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17
Much disrespect is tossed around concerning those in leadership. Perhaps some of it is deserved but God requires that we as believers show respect for leaders.
2. Obey
The meaning of submission was discussed earlier and Paul repeats it in his summary application. Submit to all your earthly authorities with the same reverence you have for God.
3. Pray
Paul does not call us to pray here but in other places we are urged to pray for those in authority over us.
'Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.' Jeremiah 29:7
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Tim. 2:1-2
NOTE
Is it ever right to disobey government? A complete study of scripture reveals that there may be times when we cannot obey government when it requires us to violate a direct command of God.
Paul himself refused to quit preaching and eventually lost his life by the hands for the same government he called the Romans to submit to.
Peter suffered imprisonment rather than obey the government’s instruction to quit preaching. He too eventually lost his life for the sake of the Gospel.
Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego were marched into a hot furnace for refusing the governments edict to bow down to an idol. God used their respectful disobedience to bring about a new respect for God.
Daniel was put in with a den of hungry lions for refusing a government edict not to pray to the one true God. Again God used Daniel’s respectful disobedience to bring about God’s purposes.
Thousands of Christians lost their lives to lions in the Coliseum for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ at the government’s insistence leaving a graphic example of commitment.
Romans 13 speaks of government as ministers of God. Perhaps this should be viewed narrowly in reference to God-assigned parameters. We find in Revelation 13 that government clearly becomes a minister of the devil.
Application
Sermon in a sentence:
Willingly submit to earthly authorities
as ministers of God assigned to praise good and punish evil.
? Pay what is due whether material or verbal.
? Obey as you would obey God.
? Pray for them regularly.
This weekend we remember those who gave life and limb to defend the freedoms we enjoy in our great country. America is not perfect by any means but God works through us.
Let us continually pray for reformation to come to America that we may once again become a driving for truth and freedom around the world. May God bless America as we return to the foundations from which we started and the purpose fro which God established government in the fist place.
Blessing for Americans
When truth stumbles in the street may God inspire us to lift it up again!
When justice loses its way in our court system, may God replace our judges with those dedicated to praising the good and punishing the wicked.
When government officials forget the mission God has called them to do may we uphold them in prayer and ask God to restore a passion to serve the people and uphold the truth.
When morality flounders at the hands of evil people may God have mercy and grant repentance that we may come to the knowledge of the truth and escape from the snare of the devil having been held captive to do his will.
May we humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways, so God may hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land. 2 Chron. 7:14
May God bless America!!!
