The Christian and Civil Government

Text: Romans 13:1–10 (KJV)

‘The Christian and Civil Government’

Theme

The Christian honors civil government because God established its authority, defines its purpose, directs our response, and calls us to reflect Christ through love.

Introduction

We live in a politically charged culture.

Every election...

Every new law...

Every change in leadership...

Christians begin asking:

Should we obey?

Should we resist?

What should our response be?

Those are not new questions.

They were just as real in Paul's day.

Remember the setting:

Paul is writing under the Roman Empire.

Nero is in charge.

The culture is very paganistic .

Christians are increasingly viewed with suspicion.

Yet Paul never encourages anarchy or political revolution.

Instead, he teaches believers how to live as faithful citizens while never forgetting they belong to another Kingdom.

Understand this morning, Romans 13 does not teach blind obedience.

Nor does it encourage a rebellious spirit.

The Bible teaches balance:

(Romans 13). Submit to lawful authority

(Acts 5:29). Obey God above all authority

Key Thought

A Christian's highest allegiance is to Christ, and that allegiance shapes how he responds to every earthly authority.

Transition

Before Paul tells us how Christians should respond to government, he first reminds us where government came from.

So the first thing we need to do is…

I. Recognize God's Authority

Romans 13:1–2

Big Idea

Civil government is God's institution. Therefore, our submission to lawful authority is ultimately an expression of our submission to God.

The first thing Paul says is…

A. Every Believer Is Called to Submission

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers..."

Exposition

"Every soul" leaves no exceptions.

Young and old.

Rich and poor.

Jew and Gentile.

Every believer is included.

Submission describes our attitude toward lawful authority.

It is not blind obedience.

It is not silent approval of every decision.

It is a willing recognition of God's order.\

Biblical submission is not weakness.

It is strength under control.

It chooses humility over rebellion.

Christ Himself modeled submission.

Though He possessed all authority, He willingly submitted Himself to earthly authorities when doing so did not violate His Father's will.

Illustration

A military unit functions because every soldier recognizes authority.

The effectiveness of the army depends upon order, not independence.

God has always been a God of order—not confusion.

A. Every Believer Is Called to Submission

B. Every Authority Is Delegated by God

"For there is no power but of God..."

Exposition

Government is not man's invention.

It is God's institution.

Every authority exercises delegated authority.

No ruler possesses absolute authority.

Only God is absolutely sovereign.

Scripture repeatedly affirms God's rule over nations.

Daniel 2:21 — God removes kings and sets up kings.

Daniel 4:17 — The Most High rules in the kingdom of men.

Paul wrote these words while Nero ruled Rome.

That reminds us this passage is not dependent upon having godly leaders.

It is dependent upon having a sovereign God.

Application

Elections matter.

Leadership matters.

But God's throne has never been determined by an election.

Our confidence rests in the Lord—not in government.

A. Every Believer Is Called to Submission

B. Every Authority Is Delegated by God

C. Every Rebellion Has Consequences

"Whosoever therefore resisteth the power..."

Exposition

Paul addresses a rebellious spirit toward lawful authority. Scripture distinguishes between:

when government commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands. Biblical civil disobedience

resisting authority because of pride, preference, or personal agenda. Carnal rebellion

Examples of faithful civil disobedience:

Hebrew midwives (Exodus 1)

Daniel (Daniel 6)

Three Hebrew men (Daniel 3)

Apostles (Acts 5:29)

These believers did not rebel against authority.

They simply refused to disobey God.

Principle

Whenever government and God conflict, our duty is clear: “We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)

Application

Ask yourself:

Is my attitude toward authority marked by humility or hostility?

Do I criticize more than I pray?

Am I known as a peacemaker or a troublemaker?

Does my response to government reflect confidence in God's sovereignty?

Submission is not about trusting rulers.

It is about trusting God.

Transition

God not only established government...

He also established its purpose.

Paul now explains why government exists and what God intended it to accomplish.

II. Respect God's Ministers

Romans 13:3-4

Big Idea

God established civil government to restrain evil, promote justice, and preserve order in society.

Transition

Having established where government receives its authority, Paul now explains why God established it in the first place.

Government is not merely an institution to obey.

It is an institution designed to serve God's purposes.

A. Government Commends What Is Good

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil..."

Exposition

Government, as God designed it, should protect those who do right.

Law-abiding citizens should not live in fear of lawful authority.

The purpose of government is to promote peace and stability, allowing society to flourish.

Paul is describing God's design—not every government's performance.

Sinful rulers often abuse authority.

Corrupt governments distort God's design.

Failure in practice does not change God's purpose.

Supporting Scripture

1 Peter 2:13–14

Government exists "for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well."

Application

As Christians...

We should strive to be good citizens.

Honest.

Dependable.

Respectful.

Above reproach.

Our testimony should never be damaged because of unlawful behavior.

A. Government Commends What Is Good

B. Government Corrects What Is Evil

"He beareth not the sword in vain..."

Exposition

The "sword" represents the authority to enforce justice.

God has entrusted government with the responsibility of punishing evil and protecting the innocent.

Justice is one of God's attributes.

When government administers justice fairly, it reflects God's character.

Government cannot eliminate sin...

But it can restrain it.

Without justice...

Evil multiplies.

Violence increases.

Society descends into disorder.

Illustration

A river without banks eventually floods everything around it.

The banks don't stop the water.

They simply keep it within its proper boundaries.

Government serves a similar purpose.

It restrains evil so society does not descend into chaos.

A. Government Commends What Is Good

B. Government Corrects What Is Evil

C. Government Cannot Change the Human Heart

"For he is the minister of God..."

Exposition

Notice what Paul calls government.

"The minister of God."

Government has a divine assignment.

But it also has divine limitations.

Government can...

Pass laws.

Punish crime.

Protect society.

Government cannot...

Forgive sin.

Produce righteousness.

Change the heart.

Only Jesus Christ can do that.

This is why Christians place their hope in the Gospel—not government.

Good government can improve society.

Only the Gospel can transform sinners.

Supporting Scripture

– The heart is deceitful. Jeremiah 17:9

– Christ makes all things new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Application

Because government is God's servant...

Pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

Respect the office, even when you disagree with the officeholder.

Appreciate God's design without placing your hope in politics.

A nation's greatest need is not merely better legislation.

It is changed lives through Jesus Christ.

Transition

Understanding government's purpose answers only part of the question.

The next question becomes personal.

How should the Christian respond?

Paul now shifts from the responsibility of government...

to the responsibility of the believer.

III. Respond with a Clear Conscience

Romans 13:5

Big Idea

The Christian's obedience to lawful authority is not merely driven by fear of punishment, but by a desire to honor God with a clear conscience.

Transition

Knowing what government is supposed to do is one thing.

Knowing how a Christian should respond is another.

Paul now moves from the responsibility of government...

to the responsibility of the believer.

A. Submission Is More Than External Obedience

"Wherefore ye must needs be subject..."

Exposition

Paul says, "must needs."

This is not a suggestion.

It is a moral obligation.

Submission is part of Christian discipleship.

God is concerned with more than our actions.

He is concerned with our attitude.

A person can obey outwardly while remaining rebellious inwardly.

Biblical submission begins in the heart before it is seen in the life.

A. Submission Is More Than External Obedience

B. Submission Is Motivated by More Than Consequences

"Not only for wrath..."

Exposition

Paul gives the first motivation:

Government has the authority to punish wrongdoing.

There are consequences for violating just laws.

Christians should not be breaking the law and crying Persecution.

Peter makes the same point.

1 Peter 2:20:”For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently?"

There is no honor in suffering for doing wrong.

If we suffer, let it be because we stood for Christ—not because we acted foolishly.

A. Submission Is More Than External Obedience

B. Submission Is Motivated by More Than Consequences

C. Submission Is Ultimately an Act of Worship

"...but also for conscience sake."

Exposition

This is Paul's greater concern.

Government may see our actions.

God sees our heart.

Conscience is the God-given witness within us that evaluates our conduct in light of God's truth.

A conscience shaped by Scripture produces joyful obedience.

A conscience ignored eventually becomes dull and insensitive.

The mature Christian asks,

Will this honor Christ?"

Not merely,

"Can I get away with it?"

This is what separates the believer from the unbeliever.

The unbeliever obeys primarily to avoid consequences.

The believer obeys because he desires to please God.

Supporting Scriptures

Acts 24:16

Paul exercised himself "to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."

Colossians 3:23

"Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord..."

Everything we do—including our response to authority—is ultimately unto Him.

Application

Ask yourself:

Do I honor authority only when I agree... or because I trust God's sovereignty?

Is my testimony marked by humility... or by constant criticism and contention?

A clear conscience is one of the greatest testimonies a Christian can possess.

Transition

A transformed heart always produces transformed conduct.

Paul now gives practical examples of what Christian submission looks like in everyday life.

He moves from our motivation...

to our obligations.

IV. Render What Is Due

Romans 13:6-7

Notice the word "render." : It means to give what is due, to pay what is owed, to fulfill an obligation.

Paul reminds us that Christian citizenship carries responsibilities.

Rights are important.

But responsibilities are equally important.

Transition

A clear conscience is more than an inward conviction.

It produces outward obedience.

Paul now gives practical examples of what submission looks like in everyday life.

A. Render Faithful Support

"For this cause pay ye tribute also..."

Exposition

Taxes are one of the most practical tests of submission.

Paul commands believers to pay what is lawfully owed.

Remember the context:

Rome was far from a righteous government.

Much of their tax money supported a pagan empire.

Yet Paul never based obedience upon agreement with government.

He based it upon obedience to God.

Supporting Scripture

Matthew 22:21"Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

Jesus Himself affirmed this principle.

Application

Our financial integrity reflects our spiritual integrity.

Christians should be known for honesty.

Paying taxes.

Conducting business fairly.

Keeping our word.

Living above reproach.

A. Render Faithful Support

B. Render Proper Respect

“Fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Exposition

Paul moves from our wallets...

to our words.

Respect is not earned only by perfect leaders.

It is given because God established the office.

This does not mean:

We ignore sin.

We excuse corruption.

We remain silent when truth must be spoken.

It does mean:

We speak truth with grace.

We disagree without becoming dishonorable.

We never allow politics to rob us of our Christian testimony.

Illustration

David and Saul

Saul repeatedly sought David's life.

David confronted Saul's sin.

Yet David refused to dishonor "the LORD'S anointed."

David respected God's order...

without approving Saul's behavior.

A. Render Faithful Support

B. Render Proper Respect

C. Render a Christlike Testimony

Exposition

Everything Paul has taught leads here.

Our citizenship is part of our witness.

People learn as much about our faith...

by watching our conduct...

as they do by hearing our words.

The Gospel should make us better citizens because it makes us better Christians.

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 5:16"Let your light so shine before men..."

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles..."

Our conduct should point people to Christ.

Not ourselves.

Application

Ask yourself:

Does my speech about leaders reflect Christ

Am I known more for criticism... or for Christlikeness?

Does my conduct strengthen my testimony... or weaken it?

Our greatest political statement...

is a Christlike life.

Transition

Paul has spoken about authority...

government...

conscience...

and responsibility.

Now he closes with something greater than all of them.

There is one obligation that no Christian will ever completely fulfill—

the obligation to love.

V. Reflect God's Love

Romans 13:8-10

The greatest evidence of Christian citizenship is not merely lawful obedience—it is Christlike love.

Transition

Paul has instructed us how to relate to government.

Now he reminds us how to relate to people.

For the Christian...

Our highest obligation is not taxes...

Nor tribute...

Nor honor...

It is love.

A. Love Is a Continuing Obligation

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another..."

Exposition

Paul is emphasizing the importance of meeting our obligations.

Taxes can be paid.

Debts can be satisfied.

Obligations can be fulfilled.

But there is one debt that is never finished.

The debt of Christian love.

Every day...

God gives us another opportunity to love.

Every person...

Is another opportunity to reflect Christ.

Love is not a duty we complete.

It is a lifestyle we continually practice.

Supporting Scripture

John 13:34–35"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples..."

The distinguishing mark of a Christian is not politics.

It is love.

A. Love Is a Continuing Obligation

B. Love Fulfills God's Law

"He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

Exposition

Paul is not teaching salvation by keeping the Law.

He is teaching that genuine love naturally produces righteous living.

Love doesn't abolish God's commandments.

Love fulfills them.

If I love my neighbor...

I won't steal from him.

I won't lie to him.

I won't covet what belongs to him.

I won't seek to harm him.

Love is righteousness in action.

Illustration

Imagine a fence surrounding a playground.

Children may think the fence limits their freedom.

Parents know the fence protects it.

God's commandments function the same way.

Love willingly stays within God's boundaries because it seeks the good of others.

A. Love Is a Continuing Obligation

B. Love Fulfills God's Law

C. Love Displays the Gospel

"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour..."

Exposition

Government can regulate behavior.

Government can punish crime.

Government can preserve order.

But only Christ can produce genuine love.

That is why the Gospel remains the greatest hope for any nation.

When believers love like Christ...

Families are strengthened.

Churches are united.

Communities are impacted.

The Gospel becomes visible.

Our nation certainly needs good government.

But even more...

It needs Christians who live like Jesus.

Application

Ask yourself...

Is love the defining characteristic of my life?

Does my neighbor experience the love of Christ through me?

Do my political convictions strengthen my Christian testimony... or overshadow it?

People may forget our opinions.

They rarely forget our love.

Transition to Conclusion

Paul began this passage with authority...

He ends with love.

Because every relationship...

Whether with government...

Neighbors...

Or one another...

Is ultimately transformed by the Gospel.

Conclusion

Throughout history...

Governments have risen and fallen...

Kings have come and gone...

Empires have been built and collapsed.

But Jesus Christ remains upon His throne.

That is where the Christian's confidence rests.

As believers...

We are grateful citizens of our country.

But we are first and foremost citizens of Heaven.

Therefore...

We recognize God's authority.

We respect God's ministers.

We respond with a clear conscience.

We render what is due.

And above all... We reflect God's love. When we do...

We become the kind of citizens every nation needs...

Because we are the kind of Christians Christ has called us to be.

Honor those God has placed in authority.

Pray for them.

Speak with grace.

Live with integrity.

Love your neighbor.

And in everything...

Remember that your highest allegiance is not to a political party...

Not to a government...

Not even to a nation...

Your highest allegiance is to King Jesus.

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20)