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​​Book of Romans Chapter Thirteen  

The Believer's Responsibilities toward society.  Since the beginning of the Church age , Christians have been subjected to corrupt and ungodly government rule.  Yet, the Bible tells us that government or higher powers are ordained of God.
 
The Lord intended that government would and should be used to protect life and punish evil doers (Romans 13: 1,5).  But when a government is corrupt and hostile towards God's people... are we to obey them?  The answer is Yes & No.. 

I.  The Government - Our Subjection - vs.1-2

  • Subjection To Government Is Universal - vs.1
  1. The People - vs1a  ...Let every soul...
  2. The Position - vs.1b  ...be suject...
  3. The Powers - vs.1c   ...the higher powers...
  • Subjection To Government Is Biblical - vs.1d-e
  1. Originates With God - vs.1d  ...For there is no power but of God...
  2. Ordained Of God - vs.1e   ...power that be are ordained of God...
  • Subjection To Government Is Essential - vs.2
  1. Because Of Lawbreakers - vs.2a   ...Whosoever therefore resisteth the power...
  2. Because Of The Need For Law-Enforcement - vs.2b   ...they that resist...shall receive...damnation...

Book of Romans Chapter Thirteen:  Continued...

II.  The Governing - Our Support - vs.3,10

  • A Perspective That Supports - vs.3  ...For rulers are...
  • A Respect That Submits - vs.4   ...he is the minister of God...
  1. Submission Is A Matter of Mind - vs.5 ...conscience sake...
  2. Submission Is A Matter of Money - vs.6,7   ...pay ye tribute...
  3. Support Is A Matter of Motive - vs.8,14

a. Motive of Love Is Established - vs.8  Love Never Incurs A Debt
b. Method of Love Is Exalted - vs.9,10  Love Never Injures


III.  The Governed - Our Supposition - vs.11-14

  • Knowing The Time - vs.11
  • Showing The Time - vs.12   ...The night is far spent...
  • Growing In Time - vs.13,14
  1. Grow Internally - vs.13a  ...Let us walk honestly...
  2. Grow Externally - vs.13b  ...not in rioting...drunkeness...not in chambering... and wantoness...
  3. Grow Spiritually - vs.14  ...But put ye on the Lord Jesus...


​​Yes, we are to obey government rule when it is exercising authority for the good and well being of society.  However, what government deems good for society may in actuality be unfortunate for society.  Knowing the Word of God will help a Christian to know the difference and how to respond.

The two-fold principles for obedience to government are:

  • For Conscience Sake - Romans 13:,5  A righteous testimony is often the tool God uses to change the course of a nation (Dan 3). 
  • For Christ Sake - Romans 15:30  There is nothing more persuasive than a Christian who lives determined to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ in a holy and humble light (Acts 26:28).

When should Christians dis-obey government?
The only exception is when government demands a believer to do or participate in something that the word of God forbids. The apostles and their followers were great examples in this regard  (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).


Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger