Romans 13 - How Should A Christian Relate to Their Government?

Romans 13 - NIV

Enduring Word Commentary

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.

As Paul continues to move through the application part of his letter to the Romans, he teaches the believers in Rome how they should relate to their government. Today, we often disparage the government and bemoan having to pay taxes etc.. While in some ways this is understandable, Paul makes it clear that we need to obey our governing authorities. 

Remember Jesus lived under the oppressive rule of Pontius Pilate, and Paul and the church through the brutal reign of Emperor Nero. Yet, Paul teaches them to be respectful and obedient to the government and its laws. Importantly, the authority given to the government comes from God himself. The role of the government is to enforce laws that protect people and their freedoms. 

We are blessed to live in the United States of America, and enjoy the freedom our ancestors paid for with the price of their lives. I don't think we appreciate this enough. We complain about our President, our other government officers. There is a huge divide between the right and left in our country, which is sad, as we go to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great country. Instead of using this anniversary to villify the President, we should be giving thanks that we live in the greatest country in the world. 

Since it cost money for the government to do what it is called to do, we should pay the taxes which we owe. Again, we complain about taxes, and often rightfully so, but we shouldn't use it as an excuse to cheat on our taxes. Some people rationalize that since they don't agree with the things the government is doing, they shouldn't have to pay taxes. But, the scripture doesn't teach this. Of course, this is why it is important to be involved in the political process, and at the very least vote! 

Paul says doing this is also a matter of conscience. Even if we don't agree with a certain law that has been enacted, it doesn't give us the right to disobey it. When we do it should affect our conscience before God! 

The bible teaches us to pray for governing rulers, including our President. I know there is a lot of disdain by some for President Trump, but this doesn't mean they shouldn't pray for him. In fact, if you don't like him, you should pray all the more. No President or any government official is perfect. They are just men and women like you and I. When we vote we should be aware of the candidates who support biblcial principles. 

For me personally this would include issues like traditonal marriage and sexuality, right to life, small government, freedom of speech and religion, and keeping our country safe. 

Jesus, thank you for our country and the democratic form of government. We pray for President Trump, his cabinet, all the elected leaders on a federal, state, and local level. We pray for guidance and wisdom for them as they govern and protect our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Amen. 

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