The Christian And Government

Title: The Christian and Civil Government Scripture: Romans 13:1-9

Type: Topical Where: GNBC 6-7-2020 (Riots)

Intro: During the past week and a half I have heard a lot of people demand and emphasize their rights. The result has been the wanton destruction of our communities, personal property, assault, battery and murder. I want to chart an opposite course this morning. If you want revolution preach on rights. If you want a revival, preach on responsibilities. Friends, we need a revival in America today. Christ is our only hope. Friend, when England was tottering on the brink of the same anarchy that shattered France, God sent revival in the form of George Whitefield and the John and Charles Wesley. Influenced individuals who influenced the government and saw real and lasting reform: prisons, families, poverty, child labor, and slavery.

Prop: Exam. Rom. 13:1-9 we’ll realize 4 Important Truths about the Christian and Government.

BG: 1. Apostle Paul wrote this mid/late 50’s ad. Not a friendly time in the Roman Empire.

2. Important to remember that at the time of writing, Xistians had no legal rights in Roman Empire.

Prop: Let’s exam Rom.13:1-9 so as to realize 4 Important Principles about the Christian and Govt.

• 1st Principle: The Precept – v. 1a

A. Every Person is to be is Subjection to the Governing Authorities.

1. The Bible Unequivocally States that every person is required to be in subjection to the governing authorities.

a. Although Paul wrote this as a Christian for Christians, the principle here is clear. It is for “every person”, both Christian and non-Christian alike. Subjection certainly includes obedience, but it implies even more. Subjection focuses on the spirit or attitude of the individual, which leads to obedience. It recognizes an authority over us to which we are obliged to give not only our obedience but our respect. It implies a spirit which seeks to understand the perspective and purpose of the one who is superior and to seek to enhance that one’s position and purpose.

b. Illust: Our society today has a real problem with the concept of showing respect and deference for others. Many in the minority communities have felt that for years they have been treated with a lack of respect by those in law enforcement. We have also seen horrible pictures during the last week of elderly people being attacked, women being attacked, government and personal property being burned, looted and destroyed. Officers and soldiers and firemen being cursed, spit on and attacked. Vile graffiti defacing personal or public property. We have a proud and arrogant attitude in our nation today that shows no deference or respect for others, and certainly not God, and we only want to demand what we want and we want it when we want it.

2. The Scriptural Reference here is to Political Authorities.

a. The authorities Paul speaks of are the governing authorities, those authorities which govern us politically. Submission to other authorities (e.g. wives to their husbands; slaves to their masters, church leaders) is discussed elsewhere. These governmental authorities are assumed to be legitimate, for there are those who claim authority but are illegitimate. (A Christian living in a country where a military coup or violent revolution; like many of you have experienced in Africa.)

b. Illust: Are there exceptions to this precept in the Bible? Absolutely! There were times when men had to chose to "obey God, rather than men" (e.g. Daniel 3, 6; Acts 4:19-20; 5:27-32). Now please listen very carefully… while the Christian may not, in good conscience before God, always be able to obey the government in every instance, true submission to the government is never actually set aside. Generally, submission is exhibited by one’s obedience. But when one cannot obey, they can still demonstrate a submissive spirit. A submissive spirit shouldn’t be set aside when it comes to those in authority over us. Illust: When King Nebuchadnezzar had Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah’s name changed did they revolt? In OT Daniel and S, M, and A, all required to eat king’s food which was a dietary requirement offense? Did they shout “Up the King”, I am eating what I am going to eat? No, made a humble appeal to their direct authority. Later in life when conspirators attempted to have Daniel executed they attacked him in the area of his devotional life. “If you pray to anyone other than the king for the next 30 days you will be thrown into the lion’s den.” (Dan.6:7). Did Daniel storm into Darius’ palace and say: “O Darius…FORGET YOU!” NO! He went onto his roof top prayer chamber, opened the windows and prayed as was his habit, and trusted God for the consequences. (v.10) Notice the attitude. Humble. Submissive. We have seen that attitude in many protestors and police this week. We have not seen that in rioters.