|
|
|
4000 E.
Collins Rd. “Preaching
the Living Word through the Written Word (2Tim 4:2)” |
|
|
|
SUBJECTION
TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (Romans 13:1-7) 11/2/08 Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming Pastor I.
BELIEVERS ARE
TO BE IN SUBJECTION TO GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (1) A.
At this point,
the practical section of the book of Romans becomes extremely practical. In
addition, all applications are under the context of the believer serving the
Lord as a “living sacrifice” (Ro 12:1). B.
Romans 13
brings us to the topic of governing authorities and the believer’s
responsibility. C.
Paul begins
with an astounding imperative for the Christian. The believer (lit. “every
soul”) must be in subjection (imperative
of hupotássō
– military term; arrange under, subordinate) to the governing authorities. D.
Many questions
arise in light of this passage such as, “What if the government is secular?”
“What if the government is evil?” “What if the government asks you to violate
Scripture?” E.
For initial
consideration, understand that Paul’s apostolic ministry ran parallel with
the reign of Nero (54-68 A.D). Nero was considered the first persecutor of
the Christian church, diverting the blame for the burning of Rome. Christians
therefore were … covered with the skins
of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or
were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when
daylight had expired (Tacitus Annals XV.44 ). Furthermore, Eusebius
records …that Paul was beheaded in Rome
itself, and that Peter likewise was crucified under Nero. It can only be
concluded that Paul regarded that subordination be paid to even the vilest of
authorities. F.
Difficult as it
may be, the answer lies in Paul’s view of the sovereignty of God. If God
alone is sovereign, then those in authority have been placed there by God (hup̀o theoú – by agency of God)
for His purposes. Paul clarifies even those which were presently existing (aì oúsai) at the time of
his writing. II.
RESISTING
GOVERNING AUTHORITIES IS OPPOSING GOD (2) A.
Furthermore, if
God grants authority for His own purposes, then the one who is against
subjecting himself (present middle
participle – antitássō –
against subjection) resists God’s authority. B.
Is there ever a
time when a Christian is required to stand in civil disobedience? Yes, but it
is only when the believer is asked to violate a clear Scriptural principle.
There are several examples in the Bible. 1. Peter and the apostles preached the Gospel in spite
of strict orders against it (Ac 4:18-20; 5:28-29). 2. Jewish midwives saved the lives of their children in
spite of the decree of the Pharaoh of Egypt (Ex 1:17). 3. Daniel did not respond defiantly against his King,
rather he continued to obey God even when it conflicted with man’s decrees
(Dan 6:5, 10, 16, 21). III.
THERE ARE THREE
PURPOSES FOR GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (3-5) A.
Restrain Evil
(3) 1. Paul goes on to explain what purposes God has for
using human governments. 2. Rulers (archōtes)
and governments, for the most part, attempt to restrain evil. Even corrupt
governments have a code of ethics and come down upon evil (kakós – wrongdoing, injury). In
fact, they are a cause of fear (phobos
– Eng. “phobia”) to evildoers. 3. The believer is exhorted to be a model citizen and
as a result he will have no fear of authorities or their punishment. If the
believer does what is good (agathós
– good and useful) he will have the praise of the authorities. B.
Promote Good
(4a) 1. A governing authority is an administration that
promotes good for all. It is called a “minister of God” (NASB, diakonós theou – lit. “servant of
God”) because it is serving God’s sovereign purpose in controlling evil
and promoting good. 2. Human governments may not restrain evil and promote
good perfectly but they are still running God’s errands and serving His
purposes. C.
Punish
Evildoers (4b-5) 1. Another purpose for governing authorities is to
carry out justice and punish evildoers. 2. Governing authorities are serving God’s purposes by
bearing the sword (máchaira –
short sword or long dagger.), a symbol of justice and punishment. 3. In Romans 12:19, the believer was exhorted not to take
revenge into his own hands. However, God uses governing authorities as an
“avenger” (ekdikos
– one who carries out a judicial sentence), bringing His wrath upon those who practice evil. 4. For testimony sake, the believer does not want to
receive punishment from the government or to experience its wrath (5). In
addition, a believer wants to maintain a clear conscience and therefore it is
necessary for the believer to be in subjection. 5. Subjection is to characterize the believer’s life in
all areas of life, including civil obedience (Phil 2:5-8 cp. 1Pe 2:13-14; Eph
5:22-6:9). IV.
BELIEVERS ARE
TO PAY RESPECT AND TAXES (6-7) A.
Paul makes a
practical application in regard to paying taxes. Both Jesus and Paul taught
believers to comply with paying taxes (Mt 22:17-21). Paul’s reason once again
was that governing authorities are “servants (leitourgos – here a “public
servant”) of God,” who are
continually devoting themselves (proskarteréō
– continually devote, cp. Ac 2:42; Col 4:2) to administration. B.
Believers are
to be respectful and honor both the ordinances and the officers of government
(Ro 13:7). This does not mean that we excuse immorality, but we must learn to
separate the person from the position. C.
We must praise
the Lord that we live in a country that allows the common person to vote for
officials. Praise the Lord that we do not have to agree with everything and
everyone. Praise the Lord that we live in a country that if we do not like
something we have processes by which we can attempt to change things. V.
WHAT IS THE
BELIEVER’S ATTITUDE TOWARD POLITICS? A.
Remember that
God is sovereignly in control (Ro 9, 10, 11, 13:1) B.
Remember that
believers are temporary citizens of their country, but permanent citizens of
heaven (Phil 3:20) C.
Realize that
believers have the most powerful weapon: Prayer (1Ti 2:1-3) D.
Realize that
government can’t save but the gospel can (1Ti 2:4-6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
