The Responsibility Of Christian Citizenship

The third definition says this-

3. Republic: In a republic, the citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf. It is a representative form of government, meaning that while citizens do not directly vote on every issue such as they would in a pure democracy, they choose leaders to represent their interests.

This is why these elections matter- to pick the right people who will put the country first, and their own ambitions second, and the mood of a crowd dead last.

So that’s the end of the civics lesson, but in order for us to obey what the bible teaches, we need to understand the kind of government that we live with in America.

So, what does the bible say that our responsibility is in representing God’s kingdom while living as a good citizen of our nation?

1. Recognize God's Sovereignty Over Governments (v.1-2)

Romans 13 opens with a strong statement: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (v.1). This immediately reframes how we see political powers and our government

The first thing we see is that-.

? God is Sovereign: It’s important to remember that God is not passive or uninvolved in worldly affairs. Every government, no matter how just or unjust it may seem, ultimately exists under God’s sovereign rule.

This doesn’t mean that every action of a government is godly, but it means that nothing happens outside of His control.

Because our God is sovereign, in submitting to the government's authority we are really submitting to HIS authority.

? That is why the bible calls us to Submission: The bible uses the word “submit” That word is uncomfortable for us, especially in situations where governments act unjustly or impose policies that seem counter to our Christian values.

However, submission here doesn’t mean blind obedience or endorsing wrongdoing but recognizing the role God has given government in maintaining order.

The bible’s command to submit is rooted in the understanding that God, in His divine wisdom, has allowed this authority to exist. Rebelling against it is, in some way, rebelling against God’s established order (v.2).

When a person does rebel against that authority- verses 3-4 are applied

2. Governments as God's Servants for Justice (v.3-4)

The Bible continues by describing the primary function of government: quick reminder of what our central verses said-

“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong.” (v.3-4).

? The government’s job is to promote Good and Restrain Evil: Government is meant to promote justice, protect the innocent, and restrain evil. While we know human governments often fall short of this ideal, The bible is reminding us that this is their God-given purpose. Even secular authorities are meant to reflect, in some way, God’s justice.

? God’s Servant for Good: Notice how The Bible calls the governing authority “God’s servant.” Even those in power who do not acknowledge God are, in some sense, working under His providence. This does not excuse corruption or injustice, it does not excuse them promoting an evil policy like abortion, but it helps us understand that God uses even imperfect institutions and imperfect people to bring about His purposes.