Romans 13:1-7 – Christians and Governing Authorities

Reading: Romans 13:1-7

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due.

Introduction and Overview

The relationship between Christians and governing authorities is an important one. As Christians, we need to understand that relationship and how it works within the will of God. These few verses look at the relationship between Christians and governing authorities so that we know how to behave.

There are many other examples of the people of God relating to the governing authorities in scripture. People like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Consider also Joseph when he went down to Egypt. All of these men were men of God and they all stood in high regard and good favour with the kings and governors of their day.

Th examples of these men gives us a good insight into what the relationship between Christians and governing authorities needs to be. Each of the examples showed men who worked heartily for the governing authorities. They were men of integrity, honesty, and faith, and that was evident to the rulers of the day. But likewise, they did not compromise their faith or principles when the governing authorities required something that opposed the will of God. Three of the men were thrown into a super-heated fiery furnace, Daniel was thrown to the lions, and Joseph was imprisoned for several years. But God stood by all of them and delivered them from the evil plots against them. And they became high ranking officials in their respective governments. Some were even the second most powerful men in their respective kingdoms after the king himself.

So, understanding such examples, we need to learn and also understand the relationship between Christians and governing authorities. We do not oppose them, and for many reasons, but we also need to stand firm in our faith when called to account.

Key points from reading:

  1. All authorities are appointed by God for His purposes and to follow His will.
  2. Christians are to respect the authorities and follow their rules and regulations, unless it opposes the will and ways of God.
  3. We are to pay taxes, and give honour and respect to the authorities where it is warranted by their positions or power.

Discussion:

  1. Scripture: Romans 13:1
    • The starting point in understanding the relationship between Christians and governing authorities is in this verse. Every authority that exists has been appointed by God, and that includes the governing authorities too. Medical authorities, defense authorities, water authorities, police and fire authorities and so on. There is no authority on earth that exists that has not been appointed by God.
    • The vast majority of the authorities that exist are there for the well-being and improvement of living standards of those under the authority. Think about the authorities that are involved when accidents occur, or emergencies arise, or disasters strike. The work they do to overcome such things to restore good order is excellent. This is the will of God.
    • But then there are other authorities today who are simply bad. They gain power for their own benefit and they do evil things. This is a fascinating truth that bears deeper consideration. Many Christians today bemoan the fact that some governing authorities are doing evil things. Some Christians ask why God allows evil men to have governing power. If God is the one who appoints all authorities, why are there so many evil people in power?
    • To understand such things we need to consider the prophecies of the end times. We know that there will be evil things happen. There will be wars and rumours of wars, most men’s love will grow cold, men will act inhumanely towards others, and so on. Prophecy tells us that there will be bad things happen and these things must happen before the Lord returns. But if bad things have to happen, then bad governments making the bad decisions are needed to cause it to happen. A good government will not make bad and evil decisions. But if evil is proclaimed in the end times, then an evil government is needed to make it happen, and that is the will of God for the end times. Though they hate God and do evil, they still only hold power because God appoints them for His purposes.
    • So, the first thing to remember in the relationship between Christians and governing authorities is that the authorities are servants of God to do His will. Do not get in their way or oppose them against God’s will as they will execute judgement against you.
  2. Scripture: Romans 13:2-4
    • I pointed out in the introduction how certain of the great men of faith dealt with and were respected by the governments. They did not resist their right to govern, but rather helped them govern better. Yes, some of those governments were followers of false gods and idol worshipers, and the men of faith refused to follow those things. But when they had to govern for the good of the people, the men of faith did so willingly and working as if working for God.
    • Those who resist the governing authorities effectively are resisting God. He places His authority on the heads of the governments to exercise His will. Do you want to oppose God? No? Then do what the government requires of you unless it is a direct contravention of your relationship to God.
    • The rulers God has appointed, even the bad ones that have come to power, are not opposed to people who do good. They show their wrath against those who do wrong. But if you as a Christian obey the laws and follow the decrees of government, you will receive their approval and the approval of God.
    • Christians who do what is right do not have to fear governments. They do not have to look over their shoulder all the time with fear and anxiety. And that promotes the way of peace to which we are called. But people who do bad things, opposing the ruling authorities will be punished. Yes, there may be times we have to make a stand. But for the most part we do not and we can live a peaceful life.
  3. Scripture: Romans 13:5
    • This leads to the next important point with respect to Christians and governing authorities. If you want to live in peace, you need to ensure your conscience is not condemning you. When you follow the laws of the governing authorities, there is no need to lose your peace or walk in condemnation. This of course refers to such laws as are not opposed to the will of God. Then, like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego, for the sake of conscience we may have to reject laws that oppose God’s way. Those men opposed idolatry, and we would do the same today if such a situation arose, and it may yet happen when the man of sin sits in the Temple.
    • When it comes to doing what is right, we must do whatever is needed to avoid the wrath of God. The vast majority of what governments require is in the will of God. When we oppose them we oppose God’s authority and we will suffer God’s wrath as executed b y His servants in government. To avoid such wrath, learn what is right and follow that path and you will please both God and the authorities most of the time.
  4. Scripture: Romans 13:6-7
    • The final point in this section regarding Christians and governing authorities is that we must pay our taxes. I am aware of some Christians in the past who would not pay taxes for one reason or another. But that is the means by which God established governments so that they could do the good things they do. Taxes provide the infrastructure that enables transport, health, clean food and water, and much more. All of these have to be paid for and it is by our taxes that they do these things. If you want the benefits of what government offers, then you need to contribute to it through taxation.
    • But there is more than this. We may know as Christians that all are equal. There is no one better off or higher up than anyone else. But that is not so in the world, and governments exist in the world. When it comes to the relationship between Christians and governing authorities, we must pay respect and the due homage to those who are in positions that require it. We do not despise an officer of the court, a judge, a police officer, a medical authority, or a governing authority. If we have a need or are required to interact with such people, then by offering the respect due to them or their position we will more likely be favoured than if we show disrespect or despise them and their position. And remember, they have the power to execute God’s judgement. So, for the sake of conscience and peace, we should pay all of them their dues.
    • The relationships between Christians and governing authorities does not have to be difficult. If we follow the principles of God’s love towards them, as we need to do to all people, then there is no doubt we will find the relationship quite peaceful and positive.

Prayer Points

  1. Pray to find peace and harmony in any and all dealings you may have with governing authorities remembering they are servants of God executing His authority.
  2. Pray also for those in governing positions, for peace and wisdom to do their job faithfully and well for the benefit of all the people they govern.

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