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The Gospel in Practice: People Under Authority Romans 13:1-7

Jhn 18:36 ...My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Authority Ordained Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Authority Ordained Subject means to be under the dominion or authority of another. Higher powers meaning all authorities higher than ourselves.

Col 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Jas 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

1Jo 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Does Paul’s declaration of freedom from the world contradict his call to be subject to earthly authorities?

Does Paul’s declaration of freedom from the world contradict his call to be subject to earthly authorities? NO It is not our place to topple the world or its structures but to undermine Satan’s grip on it by declaring the gospel.

KEY POINT #1 Subjection to earthly authority frees the Christian from concern over physical circumstances in order to focus on the spiritual work

Authority Ordained Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

II. Authority Resisted 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Jhn 18:2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having received a band [of men] and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? 5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am [he]. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. 6 As soon then as he had said unto them, I am [he], they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. 8 Jesus answered, I have told you that I am [he]: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: 9 That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. 10 Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

KEY POINT #2 Subjection to earthly authority allows God’s children to compliment the order of His will rather than contradict it.

KEY POINT #3 The divisive opinions of haphazard stewards is a hindrance to the veracity of the gospel

1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

III. Authority’s Good 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore [ye] must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

KEY POINT #4 Subjection to earthly authority protects us from earthly evils but our rebellion invokes their wrath

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

IV. Authority’s Support 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

KEY POINT #5 Subjection to earthly authority means supporting them financially and observationally

IV. Authority’s Support Tribute to whom tribute - paying our taxes is a way of submitting to authorities and helping make their protections and provisions possible Luk 20:22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me? 24 Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. 25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. 26 And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.

IV. Authority’s Support Tribute to whom tribute - paying our taxes is a way of submitting to authorities and helping make their protections and provisions possible Custom to whom custom - levy’s, toll’s and regulations that we encounter on a day to day basis.

IV. Authority’s Support Tribute to whom tribute - paying our taxes is a way of submitting to authorities and helping make their protections and provisions possible Custom to whom custom - levy’s, toll’s and regulations that we encounter on a day to day basis. Fear to whom fear - God’s ordination of authorities should establish a godly fear in us, our reverence for our leaders is a reflection of our God’s sovereign hand.

IV. Authority’s Support Tribute to whom tribute - paying our taxes is a way of submitting to authorities and helping make their protections and provisions possible Custom to whom custom - levy’s, toll’s and regulations that we encounter on a day to day basis. Fear to whom fear - God’s ordination of authorities should establish a godly fear in us, our reverence for our leaders is a reflection of our God’s sovereign hand. Honour to whom honour - God’s ordination of authorities should lead us to treat them with dignity; our value our leaders is a reflection of our appraisal of God’s glory