1. The Christian and Government
Romans 13:1-7

2. The Text
Romans 13:1-7

3. God’s Command
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1 1. Higher Powers, governing authorities - governments 2. “Subject” – the same word that is used for wives being subject to husbands (Eph 5:22) and the church being subject to Christ (Eph 5:24).

4. God’s Command
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, Titus 3:1

5. God’s Command
3. Poor governments or leaders does not mean we do not obey the law, unless it disagrees with God’s word. 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Acts 4:18-20

6. Warnings & Purpose of Government
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:2

7. The Simple Reality
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:3-4

8. The Simple Reality
or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 1 Peter 2:14

9. The Simple Reality
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Romans 13:5

10. The Simple Reality
For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Romans 13:6

11. Rendering What Is Due
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Romans 13:7

12. Rendering What Is Due
A. Christians pay what is due… 1. Pay Tribute (or Taxes) that is due 2. Pay Custom (taxes on imports or trade) that is due 3. Pay fear that is due 4. Pay honor that is due

13. The Christian & The Law of the Land

14. We must caution others of ungodly laws of the land
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23

15. God’s law will keep us from wickedness and the desire to follow ungodly laws/”rights” of the land.
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

16. God’s law will keep us from wickedness and the desire to follow ungodly laws/”rights” of the land.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1

17. Lessons for Us Today

18. Man’s shortcomings does not give man the right not to obey the law of the land.
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. Romans 13:5

19. Our desire should be to please to God
…for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Romans 13:6b

20. Conclusion
1. The Christian becomes a smaller target when he obeys the laws of the land whenever he can with God’s approval. 2. Let us therefore please God by fulfilling His will for us regarding the authorities, be in subjection to them.