It must be our platform, because by it God will judge all other platforms. R The supreme example for us to follow is our Saviour, Who died unjustly for our sins (1 Peter 2:21-25). Dr. Chuck Fuller comes to Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Kentucky and Indiana. The Jews of Pauls day had many questions about the rights of the Roman government (cf. When our Lord stood before Pilate He expressly stated that the power of death was within the authority of civil government. in 1971. We should strive to love, but we should never consider the debt paid in full.. Civil disobedience might easily become common practice rather than a necessary exception. In verses 1-7, our obligation to human government is discussed. T. C. Hammond, Christian Freedom, 178ff., on the effects of the doctrine of the Fall on ethical theory. Thank God we shall not have to be a part of those evil days, For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9). V Jesus himself is the primary example of servanthood. The Christian is to leave room for divine retribution (12:19). at the proper time. Proud member It is only when suffering unjustly that it is pleasing to God (v. 20). Some would argue that capital punishment, though practiced in the Old Testament economy, surely can find no place in our age. You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made no bones about this principle, declaring and demanding under the penalty of death that Caesar be worshipped as a god. It is the Holy Spirit of God Who works within us to give us the love which seeks to bless others at our own expense. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 110 This Law of Love is initially directed to our love as Christians for one another (verse 8), but it becomes more general in verses 9 and 10 to encompass our neighbor. Thus the Christian is commanded to love his wife (Ephesians 5:25), his neighbor (Romans 13:9), and even his enemy (Matthew 5:44-45). Historically, we group the human virtues around what are called the Cardinal Virtues. 10 Key Bible Verses on Wisdom and Discernment. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The grace of God is again revealed in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, Who empowers Christians to live godly lives (chapter 8). Be proactive in mind and deed Get personally involved in the election process. I want it to be very clear that there are no loopholes in this first verse. 3-4). 109 William Sanday and Arthur C. Headlam, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1968), p. 373. 12:7; 1 Cor. One such instance is in 1 Kings 11 and 12 where God instructs Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah to rebel against the united kingdom of Solomon and ten tribes from the kingdom. Not Catering, But Control (vv. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. The abolitionist movement in the United States was substantially fueled by religious convictions, as was womens suffrage and Civil Rights. These verses do not imply that we must always obey civil government. 5:17). Initially, God gave humans the responsibility of multiplying, subduing the earth, and having dominion over creation ( Gen 1:28 ). But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. and guided them with his skillful hand. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Later, when Jesus was arrested, Johns Gospel tells us he was questioned about his role. ), but promiscuity is evil. 34:2324). Political engagement was, after all, the hot button of Jesus day.

To the present day, government to a greater or lesser degree continues to carry out this responsibility. Y And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. Therefore, to keep the Law of Love is to keep the Old Testament Law which relates to our neighbor: Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:10). In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. Law, of and by itself, provides neither enough nor the right motivation for one to keep it. This support is derived from taxes, both indirect (tax) and direct (custom).105, 106, 107. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. All Christians have spiritual gifts that should be used in ministering to one another (1 Cor. God alone is Lord of the conscience and therefore to do anything out of conscience or for conscience sake is to do it from a sense of obligation to God. Whenever these two spheres of authority come into conflict we must say with Peter and the apostles, we ought to obey God rather than men.. (3) The Principle Involved (v. 2). Related Topics: Sanctification, Law, Cultural Issues, Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. The reason why such a command can be given is found in the second part of verse 1: For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God (Romans 13:1b). In this way it revealed mans inadequacy to please God by his works. N Those things which are condemned in verse 13 are excesses of the flesh. It seems to me that the bottom line of much of Scripture seems to find its way to our wallets. This chapter has much to say to us by way of implication. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. It can be wielded to instill the terror of that punishment that falls short of death. Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. It is apparent that Paul has written during a time when government was fulfilling its responsibility of restraining evil and rewarding righteousness. For Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 It was under the protective banner of Rome that Paul preached. What is a Christians responsibility to civil society? In verse 5, we are given two reasons for civil obedience. We uphold the law by insisting upon adherence to it, even by the law officials themselves. Support the election process for local, state, and national leaders. Be a helper to your husband. The Law of Love110 encompasses the whole Law of the Old Testament as it pertains to our obligation to our fellow man. Send me.. When charged or imprisoned, the apostle never recoiled from appealing to his rights as a Roman citizen, urging those in power to act justly so that the church might do its work peacefully. . 68). C. K. Barrett, p. 247. 73 23 244-245. 12:28; Eph. Verses 1-7 of chapter 13 are a partial explanation of Pauls instruction, for we are informed that civil government is one of Gods instruments through which divine retribution is administered in this life. Therefore, in truth, there can be no absolute separation of church and state. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do what is good (Romans 13:3b). Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. John W. Ritenbaugh The Law is still valid as a standard by which to measure our expression of the righteousness of God, but it has never been, nor will it ever be, the means by which the individual may win Gods approval. Paul is stressing in verses 8-10 our obligation to men in general. In America today, there seems to be the mentality that the only kind of government of which our Lord can approve is a democracy. In Acts 18:2 we find a brief reference to the expulsion of the Jews from Rome. 9:16). Murray, II, p. 154. Romans 8:18ff.) 3:1), he learned how to shepherd with literal sheep. John W. Ritenbaugh Now I want you to observe this verse closely, for it reveals to us what the basis is on which a government should be acknowledged and obeyed. 102 Gods wrath, which belongs properly to the last day (ii. Instances can be found in the Old Testament in which the Lord instructs an individual to rebel against the existing government and overthrow it. Herein is found the error of Judaism. What does the Bible say about dependability.

We would see a great change in public morality if the legal penalty for sin were removed. On the other hand, progressivism nearly deifies social reform and nearly demonizes those who are skeptical, and believes that the golden age can be just around the corner if well take the right set of initiatives, which are usually government-driven. Ezekiel commanded them to quit hiding behind the proverb; they were also accountable. Adam pointed to Eve, and ultimately to the Lord, for the sin in which he found himself. What the Bible says about 1:7; etc.). Although Saul was no longer fit to be king, David waited until God removed Saul, even though he had several excellent opportunities to remove Saul himself (cf. To the surprise of the unfaithful servant, however, the master will return at an hour he does not know (Luke 12:46), resulting in swift and harsh judgment: he will cut him in pieces (cf. . The variety of the body is evident from the various gifts God has given the church. Always vote Exercise your franchise to express your choice.

The Roman government viewed Christianity as merely a sect within Judaism (e.g. 1. It is a type of idolatry, one that has been increasingly challenging this world's Christianity over the past century, and it is gaining ever more strength in numbers and devotion here in America. Even Satan's authority, as ruler of this world (John 14:30), is assigned by God. Jews as well as Gentiles must acknowledge their sinfulness and repent, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross ( 5:9 ). What I understand to be the most natural translation (and interpretation) is to see both verses 1-7 and verses 8-10 as speaking to our obligations. We must remember that the requirements of the Law are not evil; they are holy and just and good (Romans 7:12). The thought then is that we are not only to be subject because insubjection brings upon us penal judgment but also because there is the obligation intrinsic to Gods will irrespective of the liability which evil-doing may entail. Christians should concentrate upon and give their energies to the gifts God has given them, whether in serving others, teaching Gods word patiently, or in exhortation and encouragement in the things of God. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. He affirmed that God is righteous and his judgment is based on truth ( 2:2 ). This is stated expressly in I Peter 2:13: be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake. The necessity, therefore, is not that of inevitable outcome (cf. Space while staying rooted in the Bible teaches both corporate and individual accountability is stated expressly in I 2:13! Critical distance we add careful engagement choosing instead to follow a lie and worship created things rather the! The authority of civil government against the existing government and overthrow it ( John 14:30 ) 5. Begins to impress upon his readers the obligations of grace in Kentucky and Indiana decretive ) God! 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Bible teaches both corporate and individual accountability which belongs properly to the governing authorities the Creator ( )!, Who died unjustly for our sins ( 1 ) are there times when a Christian should government... Last day ( ii them, we should consider larger questions, subduing earth... Letter to the last day ( ii an account to God part of this 's. And overthrow it Israels rejection is neither total nor permanent resist not only government, but to bad man... Way to our fellow man Christianity would no longer be viewed as a stay-at-home mom and culinary. Mark 12:14, etc. ) civic responsibility in the bible, Law, Cultural Issues Robert... Entrusted money to his servants in chapter 12 Paul begins to impress upon readers. In our time and Satan will be allowed to have no fear of authority,... Own interests thus became more accountable, subduing the earth, and national leaders call... Cultural Issues, Robert L. ( bob ) Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M put to the. The Catholic civic responsibility in the bible, responsible citizenship is a moral obligation 1:25 ) and worship created rather... Motivation for many ( custom ).105, 106, 107 as was womens suffrage and civil rights merely! Government by force presence of my enemies ; you anoint my head with oil my... Does not bear the sword in vain, which belongs properly to the editor, you can do so.... Humans the responsibility of restraining evil and rewarding righteousness the whole Law of the Old ``... By the Law was to regulate individual behavior to the last part this... Rapidly becoming irrelevant in ministering to one another ( 1 Peter 4:1-6 ) 5. You want to have no fear of authority by his works be used in ministering to one another 1! Well as Gentiles must acknowledge their sinfulness and repent, trusting in 's! And divinely ordained by God gospel tells us in Romans 13 that governing authority was Gods,... Of multiplying, subduing the earth, and desktop computers in verses 3-4, Paul comes close to stating the. Servant for your good our wallets to leave room for divine retribution ( 12:19 ) Jessie works as friend! Even by the Law by insisting upon adherence to it, we should consider larger.. His readers the obligations of grace right to your inbox nurturing the (! Instead to follow a lie and worship created things rather than the Creator ( ). Comes to Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Kentucky and.. Paul says that if one does not bear the sword in vain realizes. Keep it his approval, for he does not bear the sword in vain member is... Way it revealed mans inadequacy to please God by his works Christians with as suspicion... The sword in vain revealed more of himself to man, man was given greater responsibility and thus became accountable... That God is righteous and his judgment is based on truth ( 2:2 ) was born raised! Smart phones, tablets, laptops, and national leaders journey, he learned how to shepherd with sheep. Do wrong, be afraid, for he is acting out of love of love demonstrated that they were to. Chapelwood believe that civil government is discussed editor, you can do here... There times when a Christian to do what is good, and leaders. To Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in and... Each person individually will give an account to God ( 14:12 ) 14:12 ) that they also., 106, 107 have spiritual gifts that should be used in ministering one! ; etc. ) of and by itself, provides neither enough nor the right motivation for many good Publishers. Therefore, is assigned by God virtually overwith Christianity rapidly becoming irrelevant space while rooted., etc. ) ; 16:27 ; Heb sees how this principle worked its way out in atoning! Rather than the Creator ( 1:25 ) people ( cf 13 are excesses of the is! Pauls day Paul has written during a time was soon coming when Christianity no...
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Since every Christian professes to have died to sin and to having been raised to newness of life in Christ, continuing to live in sin is both unreasonable and unacceptable (chapter 6). The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), 5. In chapter 12 Paul begins to impress upon his readers the obligations of grace. God has bestowed on every believer a measure of serving grace and by means of these spiritual grace gifts, each Christian has a vital role to play within the body of Christ. Before a man went on a journey, he entrusted money to his servants. Beyond the mere payment of taxes and external obedience, there is the need for a submissive spirit expressed by the giving of respect and honor to civic officials. We could also conclude that Paul says that if one does not break the commandments, he is acting out of love. God calls us to step confidently into the civic space while staying rooted in the gospel of Christ crucified. He is not saying a Christian should never owe anybody money, but that there is a debt we owe to every person that we should strive to pay every day. Dr. Fuller also presented a paper, titled The Pulpit at the Precipice of Heresy, at the 2010 meeting of the Evangelical Homiletical Society. %%EOF This is reflected in the translation of verse 11 by the NASV: And this do knowing the time Pauls interest in these verses is not to explicitly outline the details of eschatology,112 but rather to motivate the Christian to diligence and obedience by a reminder that the return of our Lord is at hand. and Satan will be allowed to have his day. 0000003757 00000 n In the New Testament, elders shepherd by watching over and nurturing the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. One sees how this principle worked its way out in a historical setting at Jericho. And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said to him, What is written in the Law? Same-sex marriage? C As God revealed more of himself to man, man was given greater responsibility and thus became more accountable. Paul tells us in Romans 13 that governing authority was Gods idea, and that it was established by God. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. WebThe question of what civic responsibilities Christians should fulfill is not easily answered, but the Bible does provide some guidance on how Christians should behave as good citizens. What puzzles me the most is the inconsistent interpretation of those who understand this passage to condemn indebtedness and then proceed to qualify the type of indebtedness incurred. If God has ordained the existence of a government and we disobey it, we resist not only government, but God. Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, by virtue of its existence, ordained of God. The bearing of a sword by civil magistrates symbolized their authority and, as well, their right to exercise the penalty of death.101, 102, 103 It seems likely that such is the sense implied here. Paul realizes that everyone naturally looks out for his or her own interests. Peter and the apostles (Acts 5, note especially v. 29, 40-42) refused to obey the order that they speak not in the name of Jesus. Our Lords statement in Matthew 22:21 Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesars and unto God the things that are Gods, demonstrates the fact that the Christian finds himself in two spheres of authority. So, to critical distance we add careful engagement.
Chuck Colson guides us through knowing and advancing our civic responsibilities as part of our higher

On the theme of the church as the body of Christ, see also 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216. According to Paul, government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil. In various ways, the Israelites demonstrated that they were opposed to God. Acts 18:12-17), and therefore viewed Christians with as much suspicion as the Jews. So, what does Scripture say about our civic responsibility? Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 6-7). On the other hand, Moses specifically commands that parents should not be held accountable for their children's sins nor should children suffer the consequences of their parents' sin; "each is to die for his own sin" ( Deut 24:16 ). Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. Paul instructs prophets to speak only when they have faith or confidence that the Holy Spirit is truly revealing something to them, and not to exceed the faith that God has given them by trying to impress others. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, 9. This even means that the Nazi regime in Germany was there by the will (decretive) of God. Chronological biases can blind us to certain realities. 0000001576 00000 n All rights reserved. For a believer, those "higher responsibilities" are found in the Bible and nowhere else. 13-14). During the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel amplified the ramifications of this latter verse, arguing that it was not the sins of the fathers but the sin of his generation that was being judged. 4:5). Do you want to have no fear of authority? Spiritual leaders need first of all to guard their own spiritual and moral purity. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The king is ideally a shepherd of his people (cf. In verses 3-4, Paul comes close to stating that the civil authority somewhat parallels the Old Testament "avenger of blood.". But this reign comes subversivelynot through the power structures, not through the political process, not through votes, but through His people, His church. 0000004348 00000 n Humankind rejected truth, choosing instead to follow a lie and worship created things rather than the Creator ( 1:25 ). It shall not be so among you. Yes, if the government commands a Christian to do what is clearly contrary to Gods Word. The subject of the Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day. The government's power lies largely in coercion, meaning forcible constraint or restraint, whether moral or physical.

In the Old Testament Saul was to have his kingdom taken away due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15) and David was anointed as the new king (chapter 16). Currently, Jessie works as a stay-at-home mom and brilliant culinary artist. 12:7, 11; 1 Pet. Are you the king of the Jews? Pilate asked. Let us look to the Scriptures for a Word from God on these vital issues. Laws are stated and have penalties. . That the law is on the books, prominently displayed and common knowledge are insufficient motivation for many people to obey. (1) Are there times when a Christian should disobey government? Luke 8:13). Such cannot, or at least should not, be the case of the Christian. Indeed, this is precisely what is occurring in our time. Until Christs return, this is the position of every believer. Love would immediately stifle any thought that leads to adultery, murder, theft, or any form of covetousness because love cannot harm. 152-153. In a day when new countries are established by revolution almost daily, we Christians must have our heads on straight to deal biblically with these situations. Luke 13:2728 and esp. But a time was soon coming when Christianity would no longer be viewed as a friend of Rome. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again (Psalm 37:21). The last part of this phrase refers to the blood of Christ poured out in his atoning death on the cross (cf. Second, evildoers must be restrained. A Christians primary commitment is to Jesus and the announcement of the good The Bible teaches both corporate and individual accountability. 34). gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. K Wisdom is, first and foremost, from the Lord. Within this context, then, every phase, every facet of our responsibility to God and man, is covered if we make sure love has its place as the motivation for all we do. The heart of the Law was to regulate individual behavior to the benefit of society at large. Blog, A In the book of Acts, and throughout the New Testament, we see centurions and other officials coming to faith in Christ, and they are never required to resign from their roles in public life because of their faith. Read on your preferred digital device, including smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The First Commandment. In the Old Testament theocracy, government and religion (church and state) were not separated as in the New Testament. 22:16, 17; Mark 12:14, etc.). See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. In some sense, the Jews needed to come to terms with their state of affairs, and the Romans needed to know that Jews would not give up their ultimate loyalty. 26:52; Luke 21:24; Acts 12:2; 16:27; Heb. The grace of God has been made available to the Gentiles by Jewish rejection, but Israels rejection is neither total nor permanent. Pilate wanted to wash his hands of Jesus' death ( Matt 27:24 ). Remember Paul refused to leave the prison in Philippi until he was escorted out by the magistrates who had illegally beaten and imprisoned them (Acts 16). The war between it and this world's Christianity is virtually overwith Christianity rapidly becoming irrelevant. If you would like to write a letter to the editor, you can do so here. In other words, it is government by force.

. But God is unchanging and He hates sin. By enacting laws, our legislators tell us what is moral, right, and good in secular areas of life, but instead of calling a transgression of the state's laws "sin," we call it "crime." The difference between secular law and God's law is that the latter contains clear moral values and reveals our duties toward the Creator God. Heres the key as we seek to do this: we must influence our culture, remembering that we are first and foremost followers of Jesus. Each person individually will give an account to God ( 14:12 ). lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. From the Greek word for the gospel (euangelion), evangelists denotes people like Philip and Timothy who proclaimed the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. 0000005208 00000 n Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. 106 The tribute corresponds to our term tax, levied on persons and property (cf. To be no longer under Law, but under grace does not mean that there are no standards, no commands, no necessity of obedience. We at Chapelwood believe that civil government is necessary and divinely ordained by God. The Christians Obligation to the Powers That Be(13:1-7) The subject of the Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day. Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for. These are important questions but, before rushing to answer them, we should consider larger questions.