Romans 13:1-7 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. 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: 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 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.
A Christian in Rome—to Rome? Think about this. The Roman and Jewish Christians lived in a horrible environment under the rule of the Roman Empire. It was hard to be a Christian in Rome, but in these verses Paul tells them to be Christians to Rome.
We all have to live in this world. We work and make a living. We are involved in our day-to-day lives with unsaved people. We have to interact. We are part of a nation, a state, a county, a town. We have a role in society; we should take advantage of our role as a Christian and the influence it can have.
The Caesar was against Christianity, but in the midst of his rule was a strong group of believers, the Roman church to which Paul wrote the book of Romans. Obviously the believers needed what Paul wrote in these verses. They could not deny the fact they were Roman citizens and part of that society just as we cannot deny that we are Americans.
Even though we may dislike or disagree with them, we cannot ignore the laws of government. Our Christianity shows in our good citizenship. Many people in the political realm are lost–in the dark and deceived. Their focus is political not spiritual. Still God has ordered the establishment of government, and he is still in control. Christians are the light and should be the sensible, the people of right. We may not get everyone to listen to us, but deep down people respect the right. Take a moment and remember who listened to Paul–the Caesar, Felix, and Festus to name a few. Even Pilate listened to Jesus.
When Jesus was on earth there were times the people tried to promote him to a political leader, their deliverer from Rome. Jesus did not come to be the ruler; he came to deliver us from sin, not government.
There are many forms of government from democracy to republic to monarchy, to dictator. We disagree with many things done in the name of government. Paul reminded the Christians in Rome of something Jesus also told the disciples. Render tribute, custom (taxes), fear, and honor where due. We cannot simply state we will not pay our taxes; we have been instructed to do so. We are to be subject to the laws for our own conscience sake. Respect the authority over us.
We are good citizens when we show our obedience to the laws of the land. There are some that we do not support. Just because some things are legal does not give us the right as Christians to do them. Neither are we dismissed from our instruction to be good citizens. This is as much part of the Bible as any other scripture. While we may not agree, our weapon is truth and love–the witness principle. If we withdraw, we have no voice; we have no influence. The best way to be a good American is to be a Christian American. When we cannot support the political views of those in power, we must still honor and respect their office. We can certainly pray for them. As good citizens it is our duty.
This is from the Middle Adult Sunday School Class on October 21 as taught by Bob Surber.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 