The Christian’s Relationship To Civil Government Text Rom. 13:1-7

Introduction The home The church Civil government Society cannot function properly without civil law

Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Rom. 13:1-2 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. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

I. Ordained of God – Rom. 13:1-2 Subject = obey civil law unless it conflicts with God’s word; submission - obedience Applies to all mankind

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men

Higher powers = civil authorities at any level Ordained of God = The authority for civil law comes from God

The Christian's relationship to civil government Jn. 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. Christian Living

To resist civil law that operates in a way God approves of is to resist God God made provision for human govt. Look at example of Christ while he was on the earth

Mt. 12:19-20 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

Damnation = punishment from civil rulers and from God

Rom. 13:3-4 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 [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.

II. Authority of civil rulers – Rom. 13:3-4 Rulers – civil officials – are to praise the obedient and punish the disobedient, the law breakers Law breakers should fear, but not law keepers

The minister of God = the civil ruler – serving as God would have him to – is a minister or servant of God This does not refer to his spiritual condition but to his role as civil ruler

Sword = symbol of authority which civil rulers are given Criminals need to be punished and this would include the execution of those who commit serious crimes

Rom. 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Civil rulers are charged with the responsibility of maintaining civil order

Rom. 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

III. Subjection to civil rulers – Rom. 13:5 Two reasons for us to obey civil law: 1. Because of punishment if we violate the law 2. To maintain a pure conscience

To maintain a pure conscience we must obey civil law

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

1 Pet. 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Rom. 13:6-7 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

IV. Support of civil rulers – Rom. 13:6-7 Tribute - custom = taxes; every govt. must have the means to carry out their work

Mt. 22:21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Fear – honor (reverence and respect) = we also are to support civil law by showing respect to those who rule This involves our attitudes and actions toward civil rulers

1 Tim. 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Conclusion God sanctions civil govt. and we have the responsibility to support and obey it (as long as we can do so without violating God’s word)

References Outlined Commentary on Romans, by Bob Winton Material by Mark Aites