Christ like citizens

In series in Romans > power of gospel. >Set us free from dominion of darkness > into new freedom - in right relationship with God through Christ. Jesus is Lord. His rule is supreme. We saw over last few weeks Paul beginning to apply practically truths 1-11.

Romans 12:1 NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

We are to live grace soaked lives. In church and with unbelievers.

So how are Christians to live in society that doesn’t submit to Christs rule.

Paul anticipates this struggle for church in Rome. Church that up to this point has enjoyed a degree of accpetance and freedom under Roman law, being still considered really part of Jewish sect, but increasingly tensions as Chritians proclaim Christ, and powers are threatened. Would have been a temptation, certainyl amounst Jewsish converts to rebel, to look with scorn at Roman authortiy. In many ways in terms of religious freedom, comparable to today in UK.

Paul’s words for us will be as challenging as it would have been for them.

Live as Christ like citizens in wait of his return.

Let words hit you.What is simple thing Paul is repeatedly says?

Reading: Romans 13:1-14

Romans 13:1–14 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. 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.

(one part of the bible we rather isn’t there)

If we are to live Christ honouring lives, grace soaked lives, what does that look like in relation to our life as citizens in a fallen world? 3 principles Paul gives that flow out of Lordship of Christ. (Spend most time on the first one,)

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY

Anticipate “What about, except” deal with it later. But we must hear simply stated words of Paul. This is about our ordinary response to the authority that God has placed over us.

Posture. illustration

Our ordinary posture towards government authority and infact all authority recognised by society, from teachers to politicians, is to be of respectful submission.

Language of submission used throughout NT

Romans & Galatians (Romans 13:1–7)

Christians are called to submit to God, to Christ, to church leaders, and more generally to one another. More specifically, Christian wives are to submit to their husbands, Christian slaves to their masters, and young men to their elders

The Christian life is one of submission. First and foremost, above all to Christ. Our live is no longer our own but his. But in submission to him we are called to submit to those in authority.

Here call is clear. Not submit when it suits you. Not submit only when you personally agree with policiy or plan or position or personality. or when you adequately trust those in power. Not submit only as much as it’s convinient. Not submit only when you risk prosecution and punishment. Not submit only when under pressure.

generally speaking, as long as government are fulfilling their God given role in society to bring law and order, submission most of the time will mean obedience.

Where possible we are to be excemplary citizens.

Paul gives 3 reasons.

It’s right

Romans 13:1–3 NIV

Train on Friday, lads taking the glo sticks from plastic holders on the train. I confront - stop. Why should I? I tried to reason, how its for their safety, its disrespectful, its costing money to tax payers. Can’t possibly think why - went over their heads. Rules just seemed so irrelevent to them.

But how easily we can treat law same. speeding, COVID guidelines, pircacy law.

Whhy obey, doesnt make sense, wont get caught, isnt harming anyone.

Why should we generally obey - because it’s a recognising God’s sovereign rule over the whole world and in our lives. and to disobey is to go against what God has put in place.

It’s wise

It’s also the wise thing to do, government is designed by God to hold people accountable in a way that it possible to live together in society.

Romans 13:4 NIV

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.

Swords language

Thank God that we live in a society where people are held accountable and punished for murder, violence, theft, abuse, assult and the rest. That we don’t all go around weilding weapons taking matters into our own hands.

The system of human government God has put in place is a wise one, and so its wise to where ever we can live under it.

Caught speeding. Friend says - speed limit is 30, if you were doing over 30, then deserve your fine.

It’s fair.

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.

Paul seems to be saying that its hard work govening. We only need to think about the last few years, and I don’t know about you but I wouldnt want to be priminister. It must be incredibly hard. Paul is calling us to recognise this, and respect it by paying what we owe. By contributing to society as asked.

Where do you need to check your posture?

Challenging. If you like to make notes here is question to reflect on later and pray. Where do you struggle to submit to government authority. Where is God calling you to have a more submissive heart?

What about when government misuses God given power? Is there a time we are called not to obey. Carefully - yes. Too easy try and justify unsubmissive hearts.

Only time when we are called to disobey is when law demands that which God forbids or forbids that which God demands.

When as Peter in Acts 5:29

Acts 5:29 NIV

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

Think of Daniel. Daniel was excemplary citizen who recognised that Nebuchanezzars, though pagan was appointed by God, and lived in great respsect and submission as far as he could. Only drew line when law contradicted his worship of the one true God.

Number of occasions in recent years where churhc has rightly stood up.

in relationship to redfinition of marriage and attempts to force complicance in church leadership and services.

Street preachers who have defied police ruling in order to proclaim Christ.

Most recently in relation to government lockdowns.

First lock down -church leaders submittied for month, but made very clear that in obedience to God we must prioritise gathering and spiritual welfare of peopel above all.

There may be times when in order to do what God commands, or not do what God forbids, our conscience will require us to disbobey authorities. When they misuse their power and overstep their reach into Christian worship. But unless that is the case, in all other matters, we are to have a heart posture of submission, and respect under God and his sovereign choice to appoint them.

Love your neighbour v8-10

Romans 13:8 NIV

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

As Paul applies gospel, he can’t possibly anticipate every individual senario. So through section from 12v1-14 he seems to provide principles in spheres of life. First in relation to God and the church, (12:1-9) then moves out to friends and enemies, (12:9-21) and then to life as citizens.(chap 13) In it lays principles to help us navigate in these spheres of life. Common principle is about love seems to underpin all spheres though is love. Love for God and love for neighbours. That’s the frame work for us to discern how to live as every day citizens.

illustration: Bow and arrow

Love for God, - ultimate and first love.

But out of that - from his love for us, comes love for neighbour.

10 commandments are summed up in two.

If we love our neighbours we will keep God’s law, but not stealing, not murdering them, not being envious or bitter, and the rest.

Principle that helps us in relation to all civil life. One of complications for Christians in pandemic is difference between government legislation and guidelines. And now as the legislation relaxes, the question of masks and jabs and distancing all right at front of mind. How do we navigate?

Love. Love God, is your decision coming from a heart posture of submission to government. Second is your decision coming from a heart that is seeking to love your neighbour. I’m not going to tell you what to do. As church we have encouraged masks but recognise for some people they get in the way of relationship and worship. But for me though I hate wearing them, and wherever I can avoid, in church I try to recognising there are some who are cautious, not wanting them to be fearful about being here.

Conference Wed lanyards? happy to hug, elbow bump only, keep distance.

As you approach every day life in society, are you seeking to love your neighbour.

Look to the future.

draws together chapter 12 &13.

12:1 is baseline for how we are to live in response to gospel.

and 13:11-13 are like the picture /finish line that drives us to keep running

Romans 13:11–13 NIV

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.

illustration: Rugby training - once a week swimming sessions

Why are we not to rebel against authorities now? Why don’t we need to worry too much if they aren’t leading as they should be? Why are we called to submit and not try and fix everything now?

We need to understand our present time. The world is groaning for restoration, and we see it all around. Subject to frustration, in order that we might look forward to the hope to which we are called.

If we can through the struggle submit where we can to sinful rulers, how much joy will it bring knowing we are preparing for life under a perfect King. Sometimes seems we can get so distracted over thinking in relation to politics and government decisions, and where they get it worng and right, and getting anxious about it all, when we would be better to look to the future, recognising the day is coming, new world order, where Christ’s rule will be accepted everywehre, and his Kingdom complete, and letting that bring us peace, and allowing us to simply live a quiet life without complaint, content to trust in his soveriegn purpose.

Paul writes later to a church who know of reality persecution and says this

1 Peter 3:13–14 NIV

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.”

Why because whatever life is like in this life, God is working out his purposes for the good of those who love him, and for his glory, and every day in this life is one day closer to Jesus return. How are we to live in light of it.

Romans 13:12–14 NIV

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.

Why are we to submit to sinful government, as far as we can? Why are we to love our neighbours, even if they don’t love us or God, because this is a life of submission to Christ, that we clothe ourselves with him, hating what evil and loving what is good.

Lifegroup questions?

SUBMIT TO AUTHORITIES: CHECK YOUR POSTURE: Are you approaching with heart posture of submission to God. And under God the government Looking to do what is right and wise and fair.

Disobedience should only be considered when government is overstepping its God given bounds and misusing its authority to contradict what God has called us to do. Even then we are to do so respectfully, being willing to face the consequences.

Check heart posture. Are you naturally rebellious or suspicious of authority. Maybe you need trust God’s sovereignty and judgement.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR: Are you seeking to love you neighbour?

LOOK TO THE FUTURE: Are you looking forward to Jesus return, trusting in his sovereign plan and purpose?: Not living in fear or trying to make heaven now.

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