Romans Meditation Lesson 62

Romans Meditation Lesson 62

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.” (Romans 13:1-5)

In the last chapter, twelve, Paul told us the meaning of being a living sacrifice of worship for God. We are to set ourselves apart from the world to serve God, His Kingdom, and each other. God is love, and He loves us. We are to love ourselves and others as He loves us. We are to love our loved ones, family, friends, and neighbors.

Chapter thirteen is about how Christians should interact with the governing authorities. Paul presents a biblical doctrine of submission to the government, which the Apostle Peter also discusses. (1Peter 2:13-17) Christians are also to provide what the authorities need in their administration, be it for God or evil. Paul calls us to be in submission to the government, but he does not say we must obey them in all circumstances.

An example would be when Perte and other apostles were told not to preach the gospel and continued to preach. They were arrested and brought before the council and asked why they disobeyed. Ane Peter gave this answer. “But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Christians should submit to the authorities in all matters, not if it contradicts God’s will.

Christians must submit as God established the governments. “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding.” (Daniel 2:21). Whom God establishes includes good leaders, evil leaders, and in between leaders. God is working a plan with a perfect outcome. A plan that saves those of faith in His Son’s salvation from the wrath of judgment to come. God uses humanity, good and evil, to work together for His purpose. Submission to the government is not about nationalism or absolute obedience to an authority; it is established by God and a legitimate authority. A caution is we cannot use our faith as an excuse for lawlessness. This letter was written at a time when Nero was in power. Nero was cruel and treated Christians ruthlessly.

Anyone who resists the government’s authority also resists God’s work. Generally, God uses human government to restrain the influence of evil in the world. If we resist the government’s rule, it will result in a judgment against us. It is uncertain if Paul means judgment from the authorities or, from God, or both. Civil disobedience is only permissible if the Christian is asked to sin, disobey God, or act in an ungodly way.

Paul describes a way to live without fear of government authority. Be in obedience as authorities are not a threat to the law-abiding. They will honor you and may even reward you. Ideally, the government should be fair-minded and operate with integrity. Historically, there have been governments that were a terror to the population and were doing good. Paul suffered himself with such treatment and knew he would be executed for his Christian faith. We cannot dismiss his teaching as unrealistic.

Paul points out that Christians should be known as submissive to the authorities in the community. Christians are the ones who do good for the community, improving the lives of all. A Christian should never be known as a lawbreaker living in rebellion.

Paul is now speaking of Christians who are in positions of the government. They would be God’s servants for good. They would first see themselves as God’s servant, but they are His servants for good. God placed them there for His purposes to fulfill His plan. These Christians are also there for God’s purpose, which is to administer His wrath. They are God’s avengers.

The fear of the authority’s ability to punish lawbreakers is not the only reason we should obey the law. We should obey the law for the sake of our conscience. We know as Christians this is the right thing to do. Doing right is remaining in God’s will for us. Law-abiding also demonstrates our humility. We are not the authority; our government is the authority, and the Lord God Almighty is the ultimate authority.

Thomas N Kirkpatrick

First Baptist Church of Durant June 21, 2024