Purpose of Government

Intro

As we get into this portion, understand that when this letter was written, there were no chapters and verses.

Chapters were added in 1227 called the Geneva Bible. Verses were added around 1560 but in Paul’s day Romans would have been one long scroll. But these added chapters or subtitles were are not inspired. They help us get around but they are not God’s word.

So as the church leaders of Rome read this scroll, it would been understood that the main theme revealed the benefits of the gospel, the concept of this gospel begins and ends with Israel so chapters 12-15 Paul reveals on how the gospel lived out affects society and the church if we follow these benefits!

So then Romans 13 is a continuation from the last paragraph for if the believer is free enough to be a “living sacrifice” holy and acceptable to God as a spiritual service of worship and they are being transformed by the renewing of their minds will know the will of God intuitively!

The seven motivational gifts Paul listed help us to discover how they fit with our natural abilities. We really don’t need somebody’s bestselling book to tell us how to find our gifts.

It's emphasized that these gifts are given by God through the Holy Spirit, not chosen or developed by the believer and meant to be used mainly within the church or life situations.

We only need the Holy Spirit to guide us on the right path because Jesus said He would lead us into all truth. So in chapter 12, verses 9-16 Paul reveals a spirit filled Christian life in action. verse 9

Having genuine love, Clinging or uniting to what is good, being devoted or friendly to each another, fervent or enthusiastic in spirit, rejoicing or being glad in hope, persevering or enduring in our affliction, being devoted or steadfast to prayer, contributing to or sharing the necessary needs of saints, pursuing hospitality, blessing those who persecute us, being of the “same mind” toward one another, associating with the humble and avoiding pride in ourselves. These are all linked to the motivational gifts.

Without the power of the gospel and God’s grace, we could not begin to be this way with others!

But verses 17-21 seem to link to chapter 13 verses 1-7.

Never paying back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men, if possible, so far as it depends on you, being at peace with all men, never taking your own revenge, beloved—instead leave room for the wrath of God. ....Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

This is where we all may differ in handling evil but if worldly hostility corrupts our moral integrity to act inconsistent with Christ we can overcome evil so far as it depends on us with good!

Later Paul will continue this theme in Chapter 14 verse 5 “Let everyone be fully convinced in his own mind!” So in all the years I’ve been a believer chapter 13 seems to be the go-to passage regarding Christians being in subjection to government.

But let’s read Vs 1-7 together.

1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God.

2Therefore whoever resists that authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of that authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same;

4for 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 in vain, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also because of conscience.

6For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.

7Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Now there is much debate over this idea of “subjection” but note the first verse “every person” - so this was a universal reminder that there is a purpose for government - The Greek word "hupotasso,"= "under placement or position of; status or rank”. It is a willing response of submitting to rightful authority, not blind obedience and never forced.

God instituted government going all the way back to Genesis 9

Titus 3:1–2 LSB

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, demonstrating all gentleness to all men.Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.

Hebrews 13:17 LSB

Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they will do this with joy and not with groaning, for this would be unprofitable for you.

1 Peter 2:13–17 LSB

Be subject for the sake of the Lord 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 good. For such is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom or liberty as a covering or cloak for evil, but use it as slaves or servants of God. Honor all people, love the brethren, fear God, honor the king.

Now keep in mind, Caesar Nero was ruling at this time! Initially, Christianity was viewed as a form of Judaism and was tolerated for a time. However, as the churches’ identity became more distinct & apparent, Roman authorities began to view it with suspicion. Christians were accused of atheism for not honoring Roman gods, because they believed if the Christians didn’t bow to them, it would anger the deities and remove their protection from Rome.

In 64 AD there was a devastating fire that destroyed much of Rome, and it appears Nero targeted the Christian community. He arrested and executed them in horrific ways, allowing them to be torn apart by dogs, crucified, and burned alive as human torches in his gardens. So these men were not under the Constitution, but the Roman Empire. Christians were seen as a threat to social unity due to their exclusive truth claims of Yeshua being God and the refusal to participate in emperor worship. So in that case, it doesn’t appear that the church submitted to the governing authorities.

So while Scripture tells us to be in subjection to the ruling authorities it doesn’t mean we must submit no matter what!! Remember back in Romans 12 Paul said Never pay back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men, if possible, so far as it depends on you. Certainly, the underground churches in China disagree with their government. And the many people who risked their lives hiding the Jews during the Holocaust defied the government! Let’s turn to Acts 5

A little background first: As Peter, John and the Apostles were seeing multitudes being healed the Jewish leaders were jealous and warned them not to speak in the name of Jesus and put the apostles in jail. But that evening an angel of the Lord woke up these men and supernaturally opened the doors of the prison and said “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” That is, defy the governing authorities!! The next morning, when the officers went to the jail to interrogate them, they found the jailhouse was locked securely and guards were standing at the doors, but they found no one inside and were greatly perplexed about what would come of this. Now, keep in mind these men obeyed what the Angel of the Lord told them to do and let them out. No doubt they passed those guards put under a deep sleep and never heard a thing! STARTING IN VERSE 25

But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned). And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. [note the Apostles didn’t protest, resist or disrespect these leaders, they walked back willingly as the public watched] verse 27

And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them saying, “We strictly commanded you not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than men. “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree. “This One God exalted to His right hand as a Leader and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. “And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those who obey Him.”

Peter explains the Lord commanded them to leave the prison and preach the gospel in the public square and indeed the Lord did but today this kind of thing has been abused to justify murder, rape or robbery. Sadly, many believers might be well- studied in law but using God’s name in all those protests with signs that God is going to judge the sinner hasn’t done us any favors either. And we wonder why God remains silent with the corruption going on today.

So we see two sides: Being a proper citizen and exceptions to this command: when it requires that we disobey God’s Word!

This happened in 2020

...during the COVID epidemic, there was a lot of unanswered questions that needed answers but we were told “only what the government could prescribe was allowed” Churches and public events were closed for weeks! Initially, everyone was scared! But after a few weeks it started to feel fishy with an election coming up. News outlets would show emergency rooms with people lined up for help but when people went to that location ER was empty! Ventilators were ordered by the thousands. The government held their ground, in fact the whole world shut down! Masks were mandated in public stores, social distancing, and of course the vaccine was required for military and medical staff were required to take the jab or lose their job. But even those who got vaccinated were still getting COVID. So boosters started being offered.

Many physicians who prescribed Ivermectin as a cheaper alternative were forced to resign for not prescribing the jab! After 18 days with the virus myself, my doctor advised me that I should get the jab 10 days after I was better!

How many families were forced to be separate from their dying parents in nursing homes in 2020 completely defying God’s command to honor your father and mother, to shutting down churches defying that we not forsake the assembling of ourselves?

We opened our doors on May 31 but it was out in the parking lot due to the 6’ ruling. We had the wipes, the masks, everyone in their cars...it was quite an operation.

Yet Dr. Fauci admitted later that the 6’ rule of social distancing “just appeared” but wasn’t based on data! While some were calling it the “plan-demic”, others accepted it hook, line and sinker quoting Romans 13!

Then you had those who wore masks or got the vaccine when they came to church and when they others not wearing one, they were irritated at such irresponsibility!

Then there were others who said “If I’m forced to wear a mask, I’m out of here”. So I was caught in the middle as a pastor. So, I need to wear a mask as I teach? Make people wear masks during worship? My convictions were personal and I respected both sides but some were pressuring me to enforce the mask mandate and I told them “if they want to stand at the door of the church and make others put on a mask, go ahead”

Of course, they wanted me to enforce it because of Romans 13

The pressure was so unreal I finally told the congregation “I am not going to be the cop with anyone here, if you feel conviction to wear a mask, go for it! If you don’t, go for it! Just respect each other’s convictions! Some people chose to leave the church over it because they saw this as a compromise to breaking the rule of social distancing and even sinful citing Romans 13!! Funny now, all these mandates really did nothing to stop the virus, these folks remain silent on the issue!

However...on the other side.... Land laws have always been important since Torah said “to obey the laws of the land”. God instituted government. Why? To maintain order. There must be people accountable to govern to protect the states, and their cities ...city councils, mayors, public works, police, firemen, foremen who supervise building sites or mills, a chain of command at businesses, CEO, CFO, President, Executive President, office manager, secretaries etc...Schools, principal, teachers, superintendent, board of education etc.. and churches have pastors, elders, deacons, directors, leaders big and small, even posted signs attempt to govern us “no smoking” “Don’t pee in the pool!” I think we would all agree from that vantage point.

For instance, the other day, I was driving over the bridge and a police car with lights was right behind me. I thought he was pulling me over but I looked at my speed limit and I was fine yet I could tell he wanted to pass so I pulled over. I willingly pulled over respecting his lights, so the officer could pass me!

I agree with 13:3 ...For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil!

But on the other hand, one Saturday morning we were having a men’s breakfast and a work day following and I forgot my tools so I drove home real quick and raced back but this time those lights were for me! I was driving 39 in the 25 mile an hour speed limit! Yup I got a ticket, right outside the church for all to see!

Now the term “subjection” is applied to others things as well!

Remember, it means "under placement or position; status or rank”. It is a willing response of submitting to rightful authority, not blind obedience and never forced. The first one is huge!

1] Being subject to one another in the fear of Christ - but if a brother or sister betrays your friendship can you trust them in the same way? No! You can forgive them but you may not trust them again.

2] Wives are to be subject to their husbands - but if a wife is being battered by her husband or cheating on her, must she submit to his authority without question?

3] Younger men are to subject to their elders - but if an elder abuses this young person mentally or sexually does he remain subject to that elder? Doesn’t that youth have a right to disassociate and avoid this elder?

4] Children are to be in subjection to their parents - but if parents are verbally abusing or physically harming the children, ignoring or leaving them alone with the dog to go party all night. Must these kids submit to such parents?

But most importantly;

5] Be subject to God

James 4:7 LSB

Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

So these exhortations of scripture are the standard we should live by but when any of them defy God’s word We must obey God rather than men.

[If time] Turn back to Romans 13

So verse 8-14 gives us the horizontal and vertical application to being subject to God as a living sacrifice and a renewed mind.

Romans 13:8–14 LSB

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does not work evil against a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.

The horizontal approach to any of this is “agape’” love - It’s what a living sacrifice looks like! Note Paul doesn’t mention the Sabbath but includes if there is any other commandment. The bottom line is how we should treat the law of God when living for others! This sacrificial love fulfills the law or God’s principle of governing ourselves!! But then the Vertical. Verse 11.

And do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

A conformed mind to this world will walk in the deeds of darkness, always looking to party, get drunk, sleep around, get into fights, and be jealous of others. But...

A renewed mind is set on things above, having the mind of Christ which means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, putting on Christ, putting on the armor of light, looking for the Lord’s sudden return.

Now we read many passages saying “the Lord is at hand, Behold, I come quickly, this is the last hour.” But hasn’t it been over 2000 years? These saying refer to an imminent completion of salvation and the second coming of Christ. It’s how the renewed mind thinks!! So Govern yourself by loving people and loving God! SO LET’S BE CAREFUL NOT TO USE SCRIPTURE OUT OF CONTEXT TO MAKE A POINT!

[Worship team] NEXT WEEK WE WILL LOOK AT ROMANS 14 - Being introspective or analyzing our convictions without coming down on others who may see things differently.

LET’S DO THAT AT THE TABLE -