Last Sunday we saw the command in Romans 13 regarding how we as Christ followers are to be in subjection to the governing authorities because there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. But why should we take this command so seriously? After all, it is so much easier to criticize and show disrespect. The first reason involves an issue of rebellion. In verse 2, we learn that government is an institution of God. To put it simply, to rebel against government is to rebel against the God who established it. Is there a need for any other reason?
There is also the issue of retribution. To rebel against government is to suffer the condemnation of that government. Government has the right to punish evil doers and the rebellious (v4). Even in choosing to obey God over government, we must be willing to suffer the consequences of disobedience to that government. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to obey God over their government but as a result they were thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Daniel continued to pray when the King ordered it illegal and as a result he was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6). Peter and John would not cease to speak about Jesus even though the authorities commanded them to and as a result they were thrown in jail (Acts 5). The same was true with Paul and Silas who were beaten and placed in stocks (Acts 16:22-25).
God established government as a means of restraining evil (v3). Generally speaking, law-abiding citizens have been favorably treated by their governments and have no need to fear government (v4). One purpose of government is to deter evil by punishing evil (v4). Peter gives the same reasoning in 1 Peter 2:13-14. Let’s illustrate it with an example right where we live and drive. When you pass a police office sitting on the side of the road with a radar gun, what is your response? It depends on your speed. If you are speeding, then passing this authority produces fear of being ticketed. But if you are not speeding, there is no anxiety at all when passing the same officer. It is my opinion that the usage of “sword” gives validity to government’s right to exercise capitol punishment (not for speeding, of course). The main reason we should obey government is not fear, but our conscience, because we know it is the right thing to do (v5). Peter teaches that we should submit to authorities “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13). Peter also teaches that submitting to our authorities is the “will of God” (1 Peter 2:14-15).
But if the illustration of speed limits doesn’t test our resolve to submit to and respect our governments, then the topic in verses 6-7 certainly will…TAXES! In verse 6 we see the reason for taxes. According to Scripture we should pay our taxes because the governing authorities are servants of God and, in most cases, are devoted to their service. As a result we are commanded in verse 7 to render to all what is due them. The word “render” simply means to pay back something that is owed. There are four things we owe our government. First, we owe them taxes. Second, we owe them customs (another kind of tax). Third, we owe them fear (the idea of awe or respect). And finally we owe our governmental leaders honor (high esteem that is genuine). Hail to the Chief!
There is also the issue of retribution. To rebel against government is to suffer the condemnation of that government. Government has the right to punish evil doers and the rebellious (v4). Even in choosing to obey God over government, we must be willing to suffer the consequences of disobedience to that government. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to obey God over their government but as a result they were thrown into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). Daniel continued to pray when the King ordered it illegal and as a result he was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6). Peter and John would not cease to speak about Jesus even though the authorities commanded them to and as a result they were thrown in jail (Acts 5). The same was true with Paul and Silas who were beaten and placed in stocks (Acts 16:22-25).
God established government as a means of restraining evil (v3). Generally speaking, law-abiding citizens have been favorably treated by their governments and have no need to fear government (v4). One purpose of government is to deter evil by punishing evil (v4). Peter gives the same reasoning in 1 Peter 2:13-14. Let’s illustrate it with an example right where we live and drive. When you pass a police office sitting on the side of the road with a radar gun, what is your response? It depends on your speed. If you are speeding, then passing this authority produces fear of being ticketed. But if you are not speeding, there is no anxiety at all when passing the same officer. It is my opinion that the usage of “sword” gives validity to government’s right to exercise capitol punishment (not for speeding, of course). The main reason we should obey government is not fear, but our conscience, because we know it is the right thing to do (v5). Peter teaches that we should submit to authorities “for the Lord’s sake” (1 Peter 2:13). Peter also teaches that submitting to our authorities is the “will of God” (1 Peter 2:14-15).
But if the illustration of speed limits doesn’t test our resolve to submit to and respect our governments, then the topic in verses 6-7 certainly will…TAXES! In verse 6 we see the reason for taxes. According to Scripture we should pay our taxes because the governing authorities are servants of God and, in most cases, are devoted to their service. As a result we are commanded in verse 7 to render to all what is due them. The word “render” simply means to pay back something that is owed. There are four things we owe our government. First, we owe them taxes. Second, we owe them customs (another kind of tax). Third, we owe them fear (the idea of awe or respect). And finally we owe our governmental leaders honor (high esteem that is genuine). Hail to the Chief!
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