As we come to chapter 13 in Romans, Paul addresses a believer’s response to governing authorities, to neighbors and to the times.
Paul ends chapter 12 with a warning not to take vengeance on those who have hurt us and how we are to leave room for the wrath of God. Then he flows right into chapter 13 and begins by telling us one way that God exacts his judgment on lawbreakers in society is through government. Paul starts chapter 13 off with:
The Christian’s Response to Government:
- The of subjection.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. (Romans 13:1a)
a. Our subjection is to be .
b. Our subjection is to be .
c. Our subjection is not necessarily .
2. The for subjection.
- The factor. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1b)
- The factor. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, (Romans 13:2a)
- The factor. And those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:2b-4)
- The factor. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. (Romans 13:5)
3. The of subjection.
- Our : For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. (Romans 13:6)
- Our : Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. (Romans 13:7)
The Christian’s Response to his Neighbor:
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:8-10)
- The of love. Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)
- The of love. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; (Romans 13:9-10a)
- The of love: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10)
Love complements and completes the Law.
Law without love is ruthless
Love without law is reckless
Law sets the parameters for life
Love gives the passion to accomplish it
The Christian’s Response to the Times: .
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:11-14)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. (Colossians 3:12-13)
Practical Application
So, how do citizens of God’s kingdom respond to government, neighbors, and our time? Here are a few thoughts in closing:
- Do not seek your confidence in earthly governments; place your confidence in the one true King, Jesus, who cannot be voted out, impeached, and he will not resign.
- Submit to governing authorities and thank God for the good they provide.
- Pray for those in leadership instead of criticizing them.
- Engage in the political process by either voting for candidates who seek to fulfill the responsibilities of government or running for office
- Calm down and rest in the sovereignty of God.
- Love your neighbors unconditionally.
- Live your life as if Jesus were coming today.