- Religion or Politics
- “These seven verse have caused more unhappiness and misery in the Christian East or West than any other seven verses in the New Testament.” - JC O’Neal
Romans 13:1-7 // 1 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. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 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. 4 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. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 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.
- As believers, we have Dual Citizenship
Philippians 3:20 // But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ
- How do we balance our obligation to God and State?
5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our Role in government
Romans 13:1 // Let everyone be SUBJECT to the governing authorities…
- Our responsibility: Be good citizens and pray for our leaders
2. The rule of government
Romans 13:1 // Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
3. The reason for government
Romans 13:3-5 // 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. 4 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. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
4. The response to government
Romans 13:6-7 // This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 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.
- Supported & Respected
- You can disagree without dishonoring
5. The rival against government
Romans 13:5 // Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
- You are stamped in the image of God.
- Have you given to God what belongs to Him?
