Sermon Tone Analysis

Submission to Authorities

Now comes and interesting, and at times unpopular, subject - submission to the governing authorities.

We are told, as Christians to submit to the governing authorities who rule.

So, what does it mean to submit?

To yield, resign, or surrender to power, will, or authority.

This is easy to do when we have governing bodies that follow the will of God, but sometimes harder to do when they are seemingly outside the will of God.

Who are our rulers?

Those who are placed in positions of authority - locally, state wide, and federally.

To give some background information, Paul is writing this to the church of Rome at the beginning of Nero’s reign.

Previously, during the time of Claudius (41-54 A.D.), it appears the church was not supported, were persecuted, and were martyred.

During 41, Claudius forbade the Jews to migrate to Alexandria, but then declared religious liberty for the Jews.

Around 49-50, the Jews were expelled from Rome and it wasn’t until 54 that Jews were allowed back in.

Basically, there was government sponsored terrorism against Christians throughout his rule.

It was Paul’s prayer that things would change - but we have the luxury of history which shows us that one of the worst persecutors of Christians was Nero (A.D. 54-68).

He falsely declared the burning of Rome in 64 as being caused by the Christians.

Tacitus records, “Nero substituted as culprits, and punished with the utmost refinements of cruelty, a class of men, loathed for their vices, whom the crowd styled Christians … Vast numbers were convicted, not so much on the count of arson as for hatred of the human race”.

Yet, Paul still pleads with the Christians to submit to governmental authority.

We see that there were some people within Nero’s close companionship that would come to know Christ as their Savior.

Paul goes on to describe WHY they are to submit.

God appoints those who are in positions of authority.

God sets “order” in society and we should deliberately allow ourselves to be under those He allows into the roles of government.

Why should we NOT rebel against authorities?

If we allow ourselves to rebel against authority, in essence we rebel against God and as a result we should expect punishment.

This can be from the governmental authorities OR from God.

Furthermore, rulers are seen as God’s servants.

He puts them in place to punish the wrongdoers and praise those who do right.

We are told there are consequences for disobeying governmental rulers - be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain.

This apparently is speaking of the ease of corporal punishment during this time.

Should we obey unGodly rulers?

In the basic tenet and principles they oversee, yes.

If they overstep and disobey God’s commands and rule then NO.

Daniel sets a good example for disobedience of unGodly actions by rulers.

Here we see the decree to worship Darius.

It was in direct conflict with God’s command to worship only ONE God, the true God.

David also shows a respect towards King Saul by sparing his life, even though Saul was out to kill David.

We find Peter and the apostles setting the example:

If what they decree comes in direct conflict with God’s commands, then we should NOT blindly follow.

But, in the essence of this scripture, the government as a WHOLE has been ordained by God and we are to respect that position and authority as being given by God.

We have to understand there are times God allows leaders to be put into place to either support OR to punish believers or other authorities.

Overall, we are to follow God’s commands by following our leaders in general obedience simply because God has placed them there as His servant.

What two things does Paul re-emphasize?

Paul again reiterates his position.

We must submit to the will of government authorities because:

We face God’s wrath if we do not

And because it is the right thing to do.

What does Paul say the responsibilities of the Christian is to the government?

Because of this - Paul says, because you know it is right this is why we should:

Pay taxes - Taxes are to be used by the government to support the general needs of the populous.

It is right to pay taxes as it agrees with God’s purpose for our lives BECAUSE it is necessary for the upkeep of the nation so that normal living is possible.

It supports our ability to have and maintain our infrastructure, including churches and the believers.

Remember, God even required the Israelites to pay “taxes” to support its priests and the temple.

Pay what is owed - We have a responsibility to pay our bills, including taxes.

We should NOT extend ourselves beyond our ability to pay for the items in which we receive.

It is the responsibility of all Christians to be honest, truthful, and faithful in paying our debts.

Revenue to whom revenue is owed - As the Roman empire expanded, it was able to take over the assets from the invasion and what was seized.

Once the expansion slowed, it required a reliable source of income.

This came in the form of various taxes.

We find reference to the following Roman taxes:

Poll tax - a flat tax on each individual in the population who were non-land owners.

Land tax- a tax on the land owned (mainly farm land - what was under cultivation).

Pasture, woodland, grape vines and olive trees in particular that was self-reported by the land owner.

Slaves were a part of the wealth of the estate and had to be included also.

Urban tax - to those who owned property not under cultivation paid a tax on their properties and wages.

Women - were not exempt, but were taxed at 1/2 rate.

Respect to whom respect is owed - We not only are to give our tax monies to the government, but also our respect due to the position they hold.

Honor to whom honor is owed - We are also to honor them because of their devotion to the task (vs.

6 authorities are ministers of God).

At times, it seems like it becomes harder and harder to think of our government as being a Godly establishment.

But remember we only control our own actions, and cannot dictate how others act, rule, or govern, but we are still required to give respect and honor to those God has placed in those positions.

They are God’s ministers.