How Should We Relate to Governing Authorities? Romans 13

 Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

In a time of political turmoil and a divisiveness we have not seen in our lifetimes, Paul's words regarding a Christian's relationship to the government are timely.  There are two main reasons why Paul addresses this relationship at this point in Romans.  First, some zealous Jews were saying they were accountable to no King, but God.  They used this as a rationale to pay no taxes.  There were also those who saw the evil Roman empire and refused to submit to it.  Guzik says, 

"We remember that Paul wrote this during the reign of the Roman Empire. It was no democracy, and no special friend to Christians – yet he still saw their legitimate authority."

Importantly Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, says that earthly authorities are appointed by God.  The main purpose of the governmental authority is to keep in order in society.  Just because earthly governing authorities are appointed by God doesn't mean that they always rule in a godly manner.  Like anyone with authority they will be accountable to God.  But as a civil ruler carries out the law faithfully, when a person disobeys the ruler they disobey God.  When they disobey the laws of society they should expect to get punished.  

This points to the fact that Christians should be good citizens.  Guzik says, 

"Paul’s idea is that Christians should be the best citizens of all. Even though they are loyal to God before they are loyal to the state, Christians are good citizens because they are honest, give no trouble to the state, pay their taxes, and – most importantly – pray for the state and the rulers." 

There are two reasons we should obey governing authorities. First, because if we don't we deserve the consequencs of breaking the law.  Second, the government rulers are agents of God.  Disobeying in the laws in society is also indirectly disobeying God.  Therefore, Paul says we should obey earthly authorities out of a good conscience. What relevance does this have for today?

I think it has a lot of relevance.  There is a lot of talk about law and order.  We see the breakdown in society when the rule of law is not followed.  This is regardless of the political spin put on this term.  Law and order is a principle given by God to stay evildoers and protect the citizens of a society.  This is why we respect and pray for the President regardless of our political opinion.  This is why we respect and obey police out of respect for their authority which is given by God.  This is why we vote so that we can elect people in to office that reflect our values and the type of policies we would like to be enacted.  While there is nothing wrong with debates and protests if it involves disrespecting and violently trying to overthrow the governing authorities it is not right.  All authority is derived from God. The authority of a parent, a teacher, a president, a police officer, a pastor.  They will be accountable before God for how they use their God given authority.  

In this time of political turmoil. let's debate our opinions respectfully and rationally.  Let's pray that the right officials will get elected that will carry out their God given authority.  This is what America is built on and what Paul is getting at in Romans 13.

Do you think politics and religion are related?  What do you think of the statement from Paul that all governing authorities are appointed by God?  Is there any time we should disobey an earthly authority?  What might be an example of that in our history?  Do you pray for our current president? Why or why not?  Can you see how paying taxes is indirectly showing your obedience to God?