Natives Or Exiles-Romans 13:1-7

Am I a Native or an Exile?

Imagine two people living in a foreign country. One acts like they own the place—complaining, criticizing the leadership, and expecting others to conform to them. The other, while not from there, lives respectfully—abiding by the laws, caring for people, and working for the good of the community.

Which one best represents how Christians should live?

According to 1 Peter 2:11–17, believers are called “sojourners and exiles” in the world. Peter pleads with us to keep our conduct honorable and to submit to every human institution for the Lord’s sake. He even goes so far as to say, “Honor everyone… Honor the emperor.” This was written during a time when the emperor was Nero—a violent persecutor of Christians.

Similarly, Paul in Romans 13:1–7 teaches that governing authorities are placed by God, and resisting them is resisting God’s order.

The question is:

Are we living like natives—who think this world belongs to them? Or exiles—who serve the Kingdom of God while respecting the systems of men?

What if the government is corrupt or ungodly?

It’s one thing to submit when a government is just and leaders are noble. But what about when they’re not? When they promote ungodly agendas? When they misuse power?

This is the struggle:

How do we honor earthly authority when we belong to a higher Kingdom?

Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 weren’t written in ideal circumstances. They were written to believers under unjust rulers. So this call to respect government isn't a call to blind allegiance—but a call to faithful submission under God’s sovereignty.

How Do Christians Show Respect for Government?

Point 1: We Respect by Submitting, Not Worshiping

Text: Romans 13:1–2

Romans 13:1–2 ESV

1 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. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

“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. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”

Exegesis:

Paul isn’t calling Christians to blind allegiance or compromise with sin. He is reminding us that behind every human government stands a sovereign God who rules over rulers. When we choose to rebel against lawful authority, we are ultimately resisting God’s design for order and peace in society. But this doesn’t mean we worship the state or obey commands that contradict God’s Word (see Acts 5:29).

This submission is rooted in humility—recognizing that God can accomplish His purposes even through flawed leaders (think Pharaoh, Cyrus, or Pilate).

Application:

As exiles, we submit as a faithful witness. We obey traffic laws, pay fines, honor court rulings, and respect processes—even when we think they’re inconvenient or imperfect. This doesn’t mean we never advocate for change—but we do so through lawful, peaceful means rather than rebellion or lawlessness.

Big Idea: Submission to earthly authority reflects our trust in God’s supreme authority.

Point 2: We Respect by Doing Good Publicly and Consistently

Text: Romans 13:3–4

Romans 13:3–4 ESV

3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval…”

Exegesis:

Paul describes government’s God-ordained role: to reward good and restrain evil. Even broken governments often function in some measure to promote order and suppress chaos. Christians should be known not as troublemakers but as people who consistently do good in public and private life—building trust and credibility.

This reflects the Old Testament vision in Jeremiah 29:7, where exiled Israel was told:

Jeremiah 29:7 ESV

7 But 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 find your welfare.

“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 find your welfare.”

Application:

What does it look like to “do good” publicly?

Volunteer in your community.

Be a faithful, hard-working employee.

Serve on school boards or in civic groups.

Be generous and kind to neighbors.

Speak words of peace, not conflict.

By doing good, we disarm critics, build relationships, and give the gospel credibility.

Big Idea: Consistent public goodness honors God and silences critics.

Point 3: We Respect by Paying What Is Owed

Text: Romans 13:6–7

Romans 13:6–7 ESV

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

“For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

Exegesis:

Paul gets specific: part of our respect for government includes fulfilling our obligations—whether financial or social. Taxes, fees, duties, and showing honor—these are tangible acts of submission that keep society functioning. Paul calls government God’s servant (Greek: diakonos), reminding us that civil order is part of God’s common grace.

Jesus echoed this in Matthew 22:21 when He said:

Matthew 22:21 ESV

21 They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Application:

Christians should be known for integrity in these areas:

Pay taxes honestly.

Don’t look for loopholes to cheat the system.

Pay debts promptly.

Speak respectfully about leaders—even when critiquing their policies.

When we withhold what is due—whether money, time, or honor—we’re not just disrespecting government; we’re dishonoring the One who appointed it.

Big Idea: Respect is shown through what we give—whether money, time, or honor.

Point 4: We Respect by Praying for Leaders

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1–2

1 Timothy 2:1–2 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Exegesis:

Paul calls prayer for leaders a first priority—not an afterthought. This includes leaders we like and those we don’t. Why? Because through prayer, we seek peace, stability, and space for the gospel to flourish. Prayer acknowledges that God holds the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1).

Application:

Make prayer for leaders part of your daily or weekly rhythm.

Include prayers not just for national leaders, but for local officials—mayors, school boards, police chiefs, judges.

When you feel frustrated about politics, let that drive you to prayer before you post online or argue.

Prayer guards our hearts from bitterness and reminds us of who is truly in control.

Big Idea: Prayer is how we honor God above human rulers and invite His reign into human systems.

Point 5: We Disrespect by Slandering and Stirring Rebellion

Text: Titus 3:1–2

Titus 3:1–2 ESV

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”

Exegesis:

Paul links rebellion with slander and quarrelsomeness. Christians are to be marked by gentleness and courtesy, even toward those with whom we disagree. Our speech reflects our citizenship. Peter said it simply in 1 Peter 2:17: “Honor everyone… Honor the emperor.”

1 Peter 2:17 ESV

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Slander, mockery, and constant complaining reflect worldly rebellion, not gospel humility.

Application:

Disrespect shows up in:

Sharing or forwarding false claims about leaders.

Name-calling or mocking officials.

Grumbling and stirring division rather than peace.

Christians must guard our speech and attitudes—especially in public forums like social media. The way we speak about rulers is a testimony about the true King we serve.

Big Idea: We honor Christ by honoring His image even in flawed human leaders.

Living As Exiles With honor

We are exiles—not entitled owners of this world. Our true citizenship is in heaven. But while we live here, we honor God by honoring earthly authority—as far as it does not cause us to sin.

This includes:

Submitting with trust

Doing good consistently

Fulfilling civic and financial obligations

Praying for leaders

Rejecting slander and rebellion

Repeated Bottom Line:

God’s people live as exiles in the world, not as rebels—showing respect to earthly authorities as part of their loyalty to Christ.