1
The Christian’s Relationship To
Civil GovernmentText
Rom. 13:1-7
2
Introduction
• The home• The church• Civil government• Society cannot function properly
without civil law
3
Judges 17:6
• In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
4
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
6
Acts 5:29
• Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men
7
• Higher powers = civil authorities at any level
• Ordained of God = The authority for civil law comes from God
8
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.
9
• 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
10
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.
11
• Damnation = punishment from civil rulers and from God
12
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:
13
• [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
15
• 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
16
• 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
17
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.
18
• Civil rulers are charged with the responsibility of maintaining civil order
19
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
21
• To maintain a pure conscience we must obey civil law
22
Titus 3:1
• Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
23
1 Pet. 2:17
• Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
24
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
26
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.
27
• 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
28
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.
29
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)
30
References
• Outlined Commentary on Romans, by Bob Winton
• Material by Mark Aites