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The Christian’s Relationship To

Civil GovernmentText

Rom. 13:1-7

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Introduction

• The home• The church• Civil government• Society cannot function properly

without civil law

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Judges 17:6

• In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

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Rom. 13:1-2

• Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

5I. Ordained of God – Rom. 13:1-2

• Subject = obey civil law unless it conflicts with God’s word; submission - obedience

• Applies to all mankind

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Acts 5:29

• Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men

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• Higher powers = civil authorities at any level

• Ordained of God = The authority for civil law comes from God

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Jn. 19:11

• Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

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• To resist civil law that operates in a way God approves of is to resist God

• God made provision for human govt.

• Look at example of Christ while he was on the earth

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Mt. 12:19-20

• He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

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• Damnation = punishment from civil rulers and from God

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Rom. 13:3-4

• For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

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• [4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

14II. Authority of civil rulers – Rom. 13:3-4

• Rulers – civil officials – are to praise the obedient and punish the disobedient, the law breakers

• Law breakers should fear, but not law keepers

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• The minister of God = the civil ruler – serving as God would have him to – is a minister or servant of God

• This does not refer to his spiritual condition but to his role as civil ruler

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• Sword = symbol of authority which civil rulers are given

• Criminals need to be punished and this would include the execution of those who commit serious crimes

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Rom. 12:19

• Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

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• Civil rulers are charged with the responsibility of maintaining civil order

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Rom. 13:5

• Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

20III. Subjection to civil rulers – Rom. 13:5

• Two reasons for us to obey civil law:

• 1. Because of punishment if we violate the law

• 2. To maintain a pure conscience

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• To maintain a pure conscience we must obey civil law

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Titus 3:1

• Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

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1 Pet. 2:17

• Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

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Rom. 13:6-7

• For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

25IV. Support of civil rulers – Rom. 13:6-7

• Tribute - custom = taxes; every govt. must have the means to carry out their work

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Mt. 22:21

• They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

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• Fear – honor (reverence and respect) = we also are to support civil law by showing respect to those who rule

• This involves our attitudes and actions toward civil rulers

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1 Tim. 2:1-2

• I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

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Conclusion

• God sanctions civil govt. and we have the responsibility to support and obey it (as long as we can do so without violating God’s word)

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References

• Outlined Commentary on Romans, by Bob Winton

• Material by Mark Aites