SF524 - CHRISTIAN CITIZENSHIP IN A SECULAR SOCIETY (Romans 13 1-7)

Romans 13:1-7

INTRODUCTION

The People of Paul’s day faced many of the same obstacles that we face today.

Ø They lived in a society that was basically contrary to all they believed and held dear as Christians.

Ø The Romans ruled with an iron fist.

Ø They had very little regard for human life.

Ø Slaves outnumber free men 3 to 1.

Ø At best Christians were tolerated.

Our day is not much different...

Ø Dobson - little girl removed from lunchroom for asking the blessing.

Ø Gore - Call everyone who opposes abortion right - wing fanatics.

Ø Fewer and fewer personal rights

What is to be our response?

Ø Political action?

Ø Civil disobedience?

Ø Proclaim the gospel?

1A. WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF GOVERNMENT

1B. Their God-ward Responsibilities (13:1-2)

Governments are appointed by God (13:1)

Began with Noah - to establish justice

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.

Governing authorities = powers, these are all under God’s control and authority. Even evil governments operate to fulfill God’s purposes.

The authority (power) to rule comes exclusively from God.

Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 4:34-35 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?"

Governments are approved by God (13:2)

We are to work to change bad laws - But civil disobedience is never allowed.

The ends never justify the means!

2B. Their Governmental Responsibilities (13:3-6)

They are responsible for national safety

Ø By restraining evil (13:3a) -

OT Law...Punishment was without pity

Deuteronomy 19:13 "Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you.

OT Law...Punishment was administered as a matter of justice, or appropriate retribution for a crime

OT Law...Punishment as a deterrent to crime

Deuteronomy 17:13 "And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer act presumptuously.

OT Law...Punishment required impartiality

Deuteronomy 16:19 "You shall not pervert justice; you shall not show partiality, nor take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

OT Law...Punishment was without delay

Deuteronomy 25:2 "then it shall be, if the wicked man deserves to be beaten, that the judge will cause him to lie down and be beaten in his presence, according to his guilt, with a certain number of blows.

OT Law...Punishment provided for pardon and rehabilitation

Deuteronomy 25:3 "Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight.

Ø By rewarding good (13:3b-4a)

God’s minister, because this is a God ordained role.

Ø By punishing the criminal (4b-5)

Our society wants to coddle the criminal

“Law enforcement officials point to the declining rate of criminal convictions as crime itself soars; courts so preoccupied with legal technicalities that they turn vicious criminals loose to roam the streets; undermanned police departments almost everywhere; police salaries which are often lower than those of bus drivers; and the growing number of citizens who assume the right to decide which laws they will obey and which they will not.

“I think that we as a people should be deeply ashamed of all this. I still believe firmly that ours is the best country on earth. Yet today we seem to be plunging into an era of lawlessness, which in the end can lead only to anarchy. And anarchy is a destroyer of nations... All this does not mean, of course, that we have turned into a nation of criminals. But it does mean that there is something seriously wrong with our public and private attitudes toward law and order. Perhaps the basic problem is apathy, plus neglect of certain fundamental moral principles.” Dwight D. Eisenhower, 8/67

“The US now has the dual ... distinctions of having the highest per capita number of prison inmates in the western world as well as the highest crime rate.”

They are responsible for national solvency (13:6)

Ø Government is responsible before God to be good stewards of our money

Ø In the OT they paid ~24% in taxes and tithes

2A. WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF CHRISTIANS

1B. Our Monetary Support (13:7a)

Taxes combined income and property tax

Customs sales tax

2B. Our Moral Support (13:7b)

Fear, sincere respect for civil authorities

Honor to hold in high esteem

3B. Our Spiritual Support (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Supplications requests desire, need

Prayer general word used for prayer, ‑ come to God in worship and reverence

Intercessions to draw near to a person and converse confidently with him

Giving of thanks giving God credit for what He has done no matter what the circumstances

4B Our Active Involvement

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

We must be actively involved in our government!

We must vote, run for office, and campaign.

APPLICATION

What kind of citizen are you?

Is your Christian citizen making a difference in your world?

It can and will if you will commit to obeying God now.

Romans 13:1-7

1A. WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF _____________________

1B. Their ____________-ward Responsibilities (13:1-2)

Governments are ____________________ by God (13:1)

Ø Began with Noah - to establish justice

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.

Governments are ________________ by God (13:2)