Applying Romans 13 to our World, today

This will be the first article of Application, as we mentioned in starting 2016, we would have a different focus. Let’s explore what the Bible says to us today.

Our Passage for this article will be:

Romans 13:1-7 (KJV) 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. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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. 6 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.

There are some things that immediately jump out at us; our submission to authority. Paul begins by saying we should be “subject” to “higher powers.” The word translated “subject” is, ὑποτάσσω in the Greek, “to subordinate; reflexive to obey :- be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.” (Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary). This is clearly showing that the Christian is ‘obedient’ or submissive to this “higher power.” Other translations render this as “governing authorities” while the word “higher” can have the connotation of better or supreme. Thus, this is in a sense, anyone that has any authority over you, and in the context of the verses, civil authority.

Paul then places us under the authority of ‘Rome’ and condemns resistance to the authority government exercises. The reason that we are to submit is because civil government is an extension of God’s rule and reign and we resist God, ultimately, when we resist authority. God “ordained” the powers that be, including the government you sit under. This is easy for most Western Christians, sitting under the civil governments that are democracies and, for the most part, respect most civil liberties. Surely Paul didn’t mean the Christian living in a communist or tyrannical regime had to submit to their authority. Yet, Paul wrote this in the days of Roman rule, often cruel, inhuman, and bereft of human rights. His charge carries even heavier weight, in light of the state he lived under.

Verse 3 seems to be contradicted by centuries of persecution of ‘good’ people, often to Christians. This is not Paul’s ‘blanket statement’ of every government form, or that all government activities are holy and righteous in their execution of laws. No, Paul is saying, it seems to me, that government, in its basic form, is God’s instrument of restraint in this world. Evil would be rampant, unrestrained completely, without law and governments to enforce and manage them. As Paul stands under Roman rule, which would one day take his very life…unjustly, he declares this mandate we must adhere to. He points to the fact that, generally speaking, the law-abiding citizen is unharmed nor harassed by civil government.

Verse 4 can be a controversial subject to discuss. At least the first part of the verse is agreed upon by almost all that Paul is saying that civil authorities have a right to enforce laws. If a Christian breaks the law, the government is only doing what they should, and must. This is part of God’s working in the world, even today. The next part becomes a little more debatable as to what exactly “the sword” would encompass. This passage should be telling to us, “he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” The word “minister” here is διάκονος (diakonos), the same word used in other places (and where we get our word deacon from) for ‘ministers’ in the church. Paul is saying the state has a right to use violence (to the point of execution, in my opinion) to stop evil being used in the land. So, interestingly your police officer is a minister of God, too.

Paul, in almost tongue and cheek, states that to follow the laws of the land is a conscience matter, as well as you will miss out on “wrath” by the state (!), this leads him into the last two verses of our text, and the payment of government fees (taxes). No Christian has a right to say that taxes are a violation of God’s law. It is simple math that for a government (or any entity) to function they must have resources. The government can’t provide protection, the point of this passage, without a levy of taxes upon her citizens. We are duty bound, and obligated by our Christian witness, to pay the taxes we are liable for. Not only is monetary duty required of us, but we are required to show honor and respect to the government. This is a clear mandate to us, and should be practiced in our actions, attitudes, and prayers.

Is a Christian supposed to lie down and take whatever the government throws at us? Well, in reality, in our Western Society there is means to change and interact with governmental policies, even the right to vote is a way to influence the state. Civil disobedience is a long standing Christian tradition, opposing ideas and policies that violate Christian morals. Today, in America, we stand in opposition to such things as abortion, hoping to change the laws and protect the most vulnerable of our society. This is not a mandate to do EVERYTHING the government requires of you, but we are obligated to live as peaceable as we can, according to the values, morals, and ethics that the Bible describes. Being involved in politics is controversial, within Christian circles, but it seems to me that it is well within the scope of the passage here, and gives us a way to influence the making of policy, hoping to bring a Christian worldview to bear on the decisions that are made.

GOD BLESS

#government #laws #duty