In this study of Romans ch13, Pastor Barry looks as Paul’s instructions concerning how believers are to act and react toward human government.
In essence, Paul instructs believers to maintain a posture of submission to governing authorities, asserting that all legitimate authority is ordained by God. Consequently, to resist such authority is to oppose the ordinance of God, potentially incurring the punitive measures administered by those in power, who are appointed by God for the maintenance of order and the chastisement of evildoers. Conversely, those who conduct themselves lawfully have no legitimate cause for apprehension.
But what do we do when those authorities are themselves corrupt? How does Paul’s teaching apply to a democracy, where the government officials are elected by the people – in effect they are our employees!
Where should Christians stand in regard to capital punishment? Why were there no prisons in ancient Israel? Should a Christian pay taxes to a corrupt government who then use that money to propagate that which is clearly against the moral and ethical teaching of Scripture?
This is a complex subject!
Paul concludes by reminding us that we must love our neighbour, the fulfilment of this commandment inherently satisfies the requirements of the law. We are also to forsake ‘deeds of darkness’ and to conduct ourselves with propriety, eschewing evil. Instead, we are to ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ and not give any occasion to the flesh to fulfil the desire thereof.
In essence, Romans chapter 13 outlines the Christian’s duty regarding civil obedience, financial responsibility, neighbourly love as the epitome of legal compliance, and a manner of living that reflects the imminence of their faith.
May you be challenged and encouraged by this study.
