1. Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God – Rom. 13:1.

2. CHRISTIANS AND THE GOVERNMENT A Biblical Perspective

3. First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth – 1 Tim. 2:1-4.

4. PRAY The Lord has specifically commanded us to pray for people in positions of authority, so that we may live peaceably and they may be saved – 1 Tim. 2:1-4.The Lord has specifically commanded us to pray for people in positions of authority, so that we may live peaceably and they may be saved – 1 Tim. 2:1-4. Since we are aliens and strangers in the world and citizens of heaven, we should, like the exiles, seek the welfare of the place of our abode, praying to the Lord on its behalf – Jer. 28:4-7; see 1 Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20.Since we are aliens and strangers in the world and citizens of heaven, we should, like the exiles, seek the welfare of the place of our abode, praying to the Lord on its behalf – Jer. 28:4-7; see 1 Pet. 2:11; Phil. 3:20. No matter the condition of the government, prayer can change the course of history and will provide us with inward peace – Jas. 5:16-18; Phil. 4:6-7.No matter the condition of the government, prayer can change the course of history and will provide us with inward peace – Jas. 5:16-18; Phil. 4:6-7.

5. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law – Rom. 13:5-8.

6. PAY In general, government is good for society, and since God Himself established it, we are expected to support the work of the government via taxes – Rom. 13:6-7; see vv. 1-5, 8-10.In general, government is good for society, and since God Himself established it, we are expected to support the work of the government via taxes – Rom. 13:6-7; see vv. 1-5, 8-10. The Lord indicated that we must willingly pay our taxes— even if we would rather not—because that money belongs to the government – Matt. 22:17-21.The Lord indicated that we must willingly pay our taxes— even if we would rather not—because that money belongs to the government – Matt. 22:17-21. Even when we feel like we are being unfairly burdened or that the moneys are being inappropriately handled, we must give no offense; we must pay – Matt. 17:24-27.Even when we feel like we are being unfairly burdened or that the moneys are being inappropriately handled, we must give no offense; we must pay – Matt. 17:24-27.

7. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.... Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king – 1 Pet. 2:13-14, 16.

8. OBEY As Christians, we are required to be obedient to the authorities, modeling for the world what it means to be a good citizen – Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1.As Christians, we are required to be obedient to the authorities, modeling for the world what it means to be a good citizen – Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1. If we resist or disobey the laws set forth by government officials, we are, in fact, opposing the ordinance of God – Rom. 13:2, 4-5.If we resist or disobey the laws set forth by government officials, we are, in fact, opposing the ordinance of God – Rom. 13:2, 4-5. The obvious exception to the command to obey human institutions is if they would cause us to violate the will of God; such an exception, however, does not authorize unlawful demonstration – see Acts 4:19-20; 5:29.The obvious exception to the command to obey human institutions is if they would cause us to violate the will of God; such an exception, however, does not authorize unlawful demonstration – see Acts 4:19-20; 5:29.