Governed by God

A Quick Flashback

When I was called to be a pastor I remember diving into the Bible to help me understand what pastors are supposed to preach/teach. I came up with this:

Today’s message falls right in line with the “citizens” block, because it addresses the tension that we have as Christians living throughout the world.

Living in the Tension of Two Kingdoms

What does the Bible teach us about our responsibility toward government?

This is the question that Paul addresses in Romans 13. Consider the fact that the Bible is universally true. Christians in America are guided by it. Christian Canadians are guided by it. Christian Saudis are guided by it. And, Christian Chinese are guided by it.  Christians under every type of government are guided by the principles of the Word of God. Romans 13 begins with a lofty statement:

Romans 13:1 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Imagine being a Christian in Rome, under the rule of Nero — the same emperor who would later persecute believers. You gather in secret, whisper prayers for safety, and read Paul’s letter that says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.” (Romans 13:1).

That’s not an easy word. It wasn’t for them — and it’s not for us.

Romans 13 brings us face-to-face with a question that every generation of believers must answer: How do we honor earthly authority without compromising our allegiance to the ultimate authority — God?

Paul doesn’t just talk politics here — he’s showing us what transformed living looks like under the lordship of Christ. Romans 12 told us how to live as living sacrifices. Romans 13 now shows us how that plays out in a world with power, systems, and authority.

What is a Christian’s responsibility toward his or her government? “[Paul’s] emphasis is on personal citizenship rather than on any particular theory of church-state relations … [since] at that time there were no Christian authorities (global, regional or local)”.[1]

Government and the Christian

I realize that I am walking into a potential barrage of criticism concerning the divide that we have in our country right now. But my responsibility is to present the Word of God and one of the best things about doing a book study like ours is that you have to deal with all of it and not just cherry pick what we want. Let’s look at what Paul says:

Romans 13:1–7 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

I think it is safe to summarize Paul this way, “Christians are called to live as citizens of heaven while being faithful participants in the world — honoring authority, loving others, and living awake to eternity.”

In these 7 verses, Paul lays out 4 key principles for Christians to follow. These are Christian citizenship: God has a sovereign order, be submissive, be knowledgeable, and be respectful. Let’s break these down a little.

Christian Citizens Understand God’s Sovereign Order

Romans 13:2–4 NIV

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Paul anchors authority in God’s sovereignty, not in human merit. Even Daniel in the OT who lived as a captive in Babylon. Daniel records, “The Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes” (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32).[2]Even Jesus Himself told Pilate, the Romans ruler, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” Daniel, Jesus, and Paul recognize the authority of the government as God given.Governments, laws, and leaders — good or bad — operate under God’s ultimate authority.

Daniel 2:21 NIV

He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others…

Sometimes we are happier than others ;>)

Christian Citizens are Submissive

Romans 13:1 NIV

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,..

Romans 13:5 NIV

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

The word “subject” (Greek: hypotassō) means to order oneself under. It’s about attitude more than agreement. Christians don’t obey because the government is perfect — we obey because God is sovereign.

It is clear, however, that…

Submission ≠ endorsement. Obedience ≠ worship. We obey the state until it conflicts with God’s Word.

Acts 5:29 NIV

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

· Hebrew midwives refused to kill all the male babies at birth (Exodus 1).

· Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship an idol.

· Peter and the apostles refused to stop speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.

Although legal in some states, Christians should refuse to have abortions or marry someone of the same sex. There are many other examples of lawful but immoral practices in which Christians shouldn’t participate. Just because it is lawful doesn’t make it right.

Christians Understand the Purpose of Government

The ruler “is God’s servant to do you good.… He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). Civil authorities provide restraint from anarchy and lawlessness, maintaining order and providing security for society in a sinful world. Unfortunately, they are often quick to judge and slow to commend those who do good. Paul’s statement, “He [the one in authority] does not bear the sword for nothing” (13:4), provides a biblical basis for the use of force in maintaining order.[4]

In America today we have explosive opinions on immigration and law and order. I do not feel it is my responsibility as a pastor/citizen to enforce immigration laws. In fact, if I knew of someone with immigration issues, I would hope to help them get citizenship. I do, however, feel it is the government’s role to enforce those laws. I also accept the responsibility to encourage merciful immigration laws for those seeking a better life.

In respect to law and order, I feel the same way. It is the role of the government to punish the criminal and to be just in the punishment.

Christians should be the best citizens — honest, respectful, law-abiding — not because the government is divine, but because God is behind the order of society.

Paying Taxes and Showing Respect

Romans 13:6–7 NIV

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Now we get to taxes! This aspect of Christian living is all too frequently ignored, but Paul instructs believers to pay government-required taxes. In addition, we are to give honor and respect to governing authorities, whether we agree or disagree with their policies.[5]

Paying taxes, recognizing government’s role, submitting to authority, and understanding God’s sovereignty through government are some really hard-hitting topics. Here are a couple hard thoughts from Paul:

1. How we speak of leaders, how we participate in civic life, and how we handle taxes or laws — all reflect whether we believe God is truly in control.

2. If we constantly complain about leadership, do we betray a lack of faith in God’s sovereignty?

Tough… but good questions.

Wrapping Up Romans 13

Paul ends up the chapter with two things that we should be governed by – love and tomorrow’s promise.

Romans 13:8–14 NIV

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

[1]William F. Lasley and Richard Dresselhaus, Romans: Justification by Faith: An Independent-Study Textbook, Third Edition (Springfield, MO: Global University, 2010), 186.

[2]William F. Lasley and Richard Dresselhaus, Romans: Justification by Faith: An Independent-Study Textbook, Third Edition (Springfield, MO: Global University, 2010), 187.

[3]The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Da 2:21.

[4]William F. Lasley and Richard Dresselhaus, Romans: Justification by Faith: An Independent-Study Textbook, Third Edition (Springfield, MO: Global University, 2010), 188.

[5]William F. Lasley and Richard Dresselhaus, Romans: Justification by Faith: An Independent-Study Textbook, Third Edition (Springfield, MO: Global University, 2010), 188.