The Christian's Relationship to Government – Romans 13

In Romans 12 Paul addressed how a Christian’s relationships ought to be. Chapter 13 continues the theme as it looks at how we are to relate to the governing authorities of man. Living in the days we do here in America I think we all need to carefully consider the truth of what God expects from us. Paul makes it clear.

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God.

The Bible has a pattern of using certain words, words which are very inclusive and absolute such as the word all. Romans 8:28 is one of my favorite examples of using words that are absolute. “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” What makes this promise great is the word all. Live this one out and suddenly faith becomes real in your life. If God works all things out for good then why should we ever be worried or upset? Romans 13:1 is also clear. The word used is another absolute. Everyone, yes everyone must (must is another absolute) submit to the governing authorities.

We don’t like this verse, do we? But Paul gives the reason why we must submit. We must submit because it is God who gave them the authority over us. Next Paul issues a rebuke to those who resist authority.

Romans 13:2
So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.

Paul tells us why we need this authority.

Romans 13:3-5
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval.  For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.  Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.

Yes, I can hear the response from all of you out there. I know that sometimes authority does wrong and violates scripture. Yes, I am familiar with Acts 5:29. Certainly there will be times we must choose to obey God and that will come against the governing authority. But when we make those decisions we better be very careful we are walking in the spirit and not in the flesh. Each of us will answer to God for all we do and say, so I always fall back on two scriptures when I consider these types of scenarios. Philippians 2:12, which instructs us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” And 1 Thessalonians 5:21 which tells us to “test all things. Hold on to what is good.” We must be close to God in studying and knowing His Word and in following the Holy Spirit’s teachings and leading in all things. And we must be sure we have spent time hearing from God through prayer. Just as our freedom in Christ is not license to sin neither are the words of Peter license to rebel against authority. We must be very sure before we act, that we are in God’s will. 

Having begun conversation on how to relate to others and to the government Paul gives us the simple answer to relationships. The key word is love.

Romans 13:8-10
Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.  The commandments: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; and whatever other commandment—all are summed up by this: Love your neighbor as yourself.  Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

Paul explains love in 1 Corinthians 13. Read that and it becomes obvious that love is the secret to relationships. Sadly even we Christians usually fail to love the way scripture tells us. Our battle with our old nature, the flesh, is the blockade that keeps us down. Paul wraps up with another admonition as chapter 13 closes.

Romans 13:11-14
Besides this, knowing the time, it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.  The night is nearly over, and the daylight is near, so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Let us walk with decency, as in the daylight: not in carousing and drunkenness; not in sexual impurity and promiscuity; not in quarreling and jealousy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires.

As Christians we must wake up. Most of us have failed to crucify the flesh as we are told to do in Galatians 5:24 which says, “…those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” The secret to good relationships is love, but real love is about others, not self.

So here is the challenge. Each day when we wake up we must put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. Then our love for others will thrive and they will see Christ in us.