This week, Pastor Chris shared a message about being directed by the Word of God when facing the topic of political authority. As believers, we have dual citizenship- heaven and our country- and therefore, we walk in the tension of honoring both God and our government leaders. It is key to submit to God before a political party, check our hearts for bitterness and rebellion, and pray for our leaders.
Joshua 5:13–14 (ESV)
When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?”
John 17:15 (ESV)
I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
Matthew 5:13–16 (ESV)
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 10:16 (ESV)
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Our Role and the Rule of Government
Romans 13:1a (ESV)
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.
Romans 13:1b–2 (ESV)
For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
Four Authorities God has Instituted on Earth
1) The government over all citizens.
2) The church over all believers.
3) Parents over children.
4) Employers over employees.
John 19:11 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Exodus 9:16 (ESV)
But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
“Remember: 1) Government is God’s servant, and 2) government is accountable to God. While there is much more than could be said, if you hold on to these twin truths, you will be able to chart a solid course on any political issue that comes your way.” William Wolfe
The Early Church – Five Marks That Made a Difference (Tim Keller)
- The early church was ‘off-the-charts’ multi-ethnic and multi-racial.
- They were deeply committed to caring for the poor – inside and outside of their communities.
- They did not retaliate.
- They were against abortion and infanticide.
- They created a sexual counterculture in marriage between one man and one woman.
The Purpose of Government
Romans 13:3–5 (ESV)
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
Matthew 24:12–13 (ESV)
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Our Response to Government
Romans 13:6–7 (ESV)
For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV)
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
Mark 12:17 (ESV)
Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
Is there ever a time for civil disobedience?
• The Hebrew midwives – Exodus 1:15-22
• The parents of Moses – Exodus 2:1-2
• Daniel‘s friends – Daniel 3
• Daniel – Daniel 6
• The wise men – Matthew 2:1-12
• Peter and John – Acts 4:1-22
Are there times when we should not obey the government?
• We should never allow government to force us to disobey God.
• Jesus and his apostles never disobeyed the government for personal reasons.
• When they disobeyed, it was in order to follow God’s moral standards.
• Their disobedience had consequences. They were threatened, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, or executed for their convictions.
Discussion Questions:
- How can we reconcile the command to submit to governing authorities with situations where these authorities may act unjustly?
- How does Paul’s teaching on love challenge our current societal norms and personal habits?
- Pastor Chris described the purpose of the government and what our responses to government leaders should be. How did this challenge or change your heart posture toward our leaders?
(Some of the questions from https://biblehub.com/questions/romans/13.htm)
Application Questions:
- This week, evaluate if you celebrate the instruction in Romans 13, or if there is bitterness and rebellion in your heart about our government authorities? Spend some time in repentance and reset your hope in Christ!
- Pray for our government leaders!
Join us for an in-person service at City Central Church in Tacoma, WA
Sundays at 9am + 11am