For the last several
months, I have been walking the High School Sunday School class through the
book of Romans. We have been talking
about what it means to be a follow of Jesus.
This week we will be looking at Romans 13. Although I have looked at this passage
before, it really caught my attention with the current tension between our nation’s
leadership and the Church.
In this passage,
Paul is talking about how we should relate to the government. I understand that this was written before
democracy and “we the people”, but should this still apply to us today. This passage follows the Romans 12 passage
that talks about being transformed. It
is a continuation the list of behaviors Christians should strive toward. At the beginning of chapter 12 we find that
people naturally conform to the world, not to God. We need God and His Spirit to be at work in
our lives to bring about the transformational thought processes.
In our culture, we
have to be good stewards of our vote and be diligent to understand the issues
we face as country. But, once the vote
is cast what is our responsibility to the leadership that has been established
by God. Paul, the author of Romans was
not living in a good time for government leadership; they had people in power
that were Godless too. It was written
during Nero’s reign, he was known for having Christians captured to burn
them in his garden at night for a source of light. In fact Paul was imprisoned for time in his
life because of his teaching, but he challenges us to still give the respect
and honor of the position. We see this
evidenced in Paul’s life. Think of the jailer
who was saved because Paul respected him enough to stay in prison after being
released by God during an earth quake.
Would we be willing to sit in jail and allow the jailer to do his
job? The result was the salvation of
this man and his family.
To
me it seems there is little difference with how the church and those outside of
the church look at their government leadership, we are equally prone to show disrespect
toward our leadership as our lost peers.
I understand that we are just conforming to our culture, but this is not
our calling. Are we more willing to
attack their bad choices then praise the positive things our leaders do? I realize this seems difficult at times, but
could you imagine the peace that it would create in your life. I see many posts on Facebook and hear
discussions that are far from being peaceful or respectful.
How
can Paul write these things? Doesn’t he
realize the difficulties the government can create? Paul is thinking from a Kingdom mindset, there
is nothing that any law can do to remove us from God (Rom. 8:38-39). The reality is our earthly home is corrupted
and gets more corrupted leading up to God’s judgment and salvation. What do you think has more impact on our
world? Complaining and disrespect about
our worldly governments or sharing with a lost world about the wonders of God’s
Kingdom!
Romans
13:1-7
Let everyone be subject to the governing
authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently,
whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has
instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For
rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do
you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right
and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s
servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear
the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring
punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit
to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a
matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes,
for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
For more info on the Nevala Family and our transition from Pastor's Family to Missionary family, Check out: www.walkinginobedience.com
