Where truth disappears, government seems to become more autocratic. Nevertheless, in obedience to Scripture we must obey even these unless they lead us to sin. They are not to be followed absolutely, that is, we cannot justify sin by saying “the government told me to do it.” But the civil magistrate is to receive our deference and honor. We cannot defend our participation in an unjust war simply by saying, “I was only doing my duty to the government.” We are never allowed to say, “My country, right or wrong, my country.” Yet when the cause is just, we must obey our authorities. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Fix that problem! I’m not sure I have thought through everything but I think it will help me to write out what is rolling around in my mind. Romans 13 constitutes a severe demotion of arrogant and self-divinizing rulers. The text from Romans 13:8-14 is a reminder that to prepare for Christ, we must first wake up. 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. Twitter. By Jason and Kimberly. Linkedin. These sentiments and those outlined above will now be augmented by a brief examination of Roman 13:1-7 within the overarching context of Romans 12:9-13:10. Are there times when a Christian should disobey government? Don't ever think of any state or any government as something that in itself is opposed to God, because it isn't. There it is made clear that God definitely has a hand in whatever is going on on the earth at any particular time. Only those who have been transformed by the grace of God can do what is right for the right reasons. Daily Devotion in Romans 13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Share this devotion with others ... Facebook. View Resource, There is a division of labor between the state and the church. View Resource, Civil authorities do not have to be perfect or even Christian for us to obey them. A democracy? 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. Short Devotion : Romans 13:10. Help me to be a good citizen, trusting that you raise up and bring down leaders to accomplish your own purposes. This means that if you have not come to Jesus Christ as a guilty sinner and put your trust in Him as your only hope for eternal life, then (as Paul puts it in Eph. I often hear people ask, Which form of government is the best? Sometimes we can be tempted to wonder if God has lost the plot, as we see evil men triumphing, while the children of God are in the midst of distress, and we wonder if Satan is winning. John Piper Aug 28, 2005 88 Shares God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring … If the people grow toward understanding of truth, and morality prevails in a community, the form of government may well take on a democratic pattern. We should not be known as those who try to find ways around the laws of the land; rather, our scrupulous obedience should be a model for the unbelievers around us. In the previous chapters, Paul took pains to show us that all men are sinners - both Jew and Gentile alike. DEVOTION AND HONOR: Romans 12:1-13: 2013-02-22 PROTECTION: Romans 8:31-39: 2013-02-20 EVIL DELIGHT: Romans 12:9-21: 2013-02-10 SIMPLE KINDNESS? A particular form of government cannot be counted on to uphold righteousness. No Comments. According to His own wise counsel, the Lord has determined that all of the unrighteous will receive their just deserts at the resurrection of the dead. The New Testament alludes to the state in diverse ways. We must never give the ruling authorities just cause to view us as a lawless people. Romans 13:5: “Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.” Paul means that we should be subject to our government not only because we fear punishment if we break the law, but also because we fear God, who knows our hearts. God doesn't ordain any one form of government to be continued forever. 0. Father, thank you for these practical words. by Susan Barnes. For that condition, for that time and place, God has brought into being a particular government. Romans 15:1-13: 2013-04-19 LIVING IN HARMONY: Romans 12:9-21: 2013-04-18 DEVOTION AND HONOR: Romans 12:1-13: 2013-04-10 PROVOKING AND ENVYING: Galatians 5:22-26 : 2013-04-09 BITE, DEVOUR, DESTROY: Galatians 5:13-15 : 2013-04-08 He is not just talking about heads of state; he is talking about all levels of authority, all the way down to the local police. View Resource, Some of the laws and regulations in your country today may seem unnecessary. But, in any case, the point the apostle makes is that whatever form of government you find, God is behind it. In fact, the church is to be the conscience of the state, calling it to do its job of protecting human life and punishing criminals. Donate Now. In the book of Daniel, Daniel stood before one of the greatest monarchs the world has ever seen, one of the most autocratic of kings, and said to him, God changes times and seasons, God removes kings, and he sets up kings, (Daniel 2:21a RSV). Where there is God there is hope, and where there is life, there is God. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. In fact, the Scriptures reflect various forms of government. This truth is not confined to the New Testament. The Holy Spirit works inside us, changing our hearts so we become more like Jesus, and gives us the power to follow Him. Daily Nugget: Romans 13 discusses God’s perspective of government. View Resource, Just war theory can get rather murky and difficult to apply, particularly when a nation is whipped up into an emotional fervor. Yet we must do such things with wisdom lest we come to expect the state to manifest God’s kingdom. But God is not on some remote Mount Olympus; he is right among us, involved in the pattern of governments; and he raises up kings and puts down others, raises up rulers and changes the form of government. Romans 13:7 King James Version (KJV) 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Be certain that you reach your decisions based on careful, sober, biblical analysis and not on media hype or political party affiliation. … This Daily Devotion was Inspired by one of Ray's Messages. Sometimes we are tempted, or even taught, to think of God as being remote from our political affairs, that he is off in heaven somewhere turning a rather morbid eye on us human beings struggling along with our political problems down here. As Christians, we are called to have consciences trained by the Word of God, so that we might more and more seek to serve the Lord because it is right for us to do so and not only because we fear His discipline. Paying our taxes is not a sign that we endorse everything the government does with our money; rather, it is one way we fulfill God’s command to submit to the state. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. The authorities that exist have been established by God. We sometimes feel that we are surrounded by evil leaders who seem to have an anti-God agenda and we find it difficult to understand why. 0. When Paul refers to governing authorities, he uses a phrase that can best be translated the powers that be. Still, that the Lord establishes civil governments reveals that government is not evil in itself. It is time to wake up to what is going on all around. Website © 2021 by Ray Stedman Ministries. The passage at hand only makes sense within the overarching context of Romans 12:9-13… Posted on April 20, 2020 April 9, 2020 - 14:11. Let us honor those in authority over us and ask for the Spirit’s help to make us eager to serve others. View Resource, Chapter 23 of the Westminster Confession of Faith is an excellent summary of the biblical teaching on the relationship between the church and the state. 1. Is it a republic? 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. email. View Resource, As we will see, God’s authority supersedes the authority of the civil government, so we must have a nuanced view of civil obedience and disobedience. in all its fullness to as many people as possible. ... Scripture: Romans 13:11–14. This is one chapter that I would … According to the confession, Christians may lawfully engage the government and serve in its various offices. The state has no right to establish a state church, but it is still responsible to our Creator, and it must carry out its authority lawfully. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Now, that government can change. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. God has brought it into being, considering the makeup of the people, the degree of truth and light which is disseminated among them, and the moral conditions that are prevailing. John Hagee (October-22-2020) Daily Devotion: Romans 13:11 - And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. He tells us that the thing we must think about these governmental offices is that they are, in some way, brought into being by God himself. View Resource, Based on the distinct vocations of the church and the state, the principle of the separation of church and state, rightly administered, is biblical. All rights reserved. However, we can say that our general approach should be to go out of our way to obey the law of the state. The Lord often calls us to do hard things, however, and this includes obeying the rulers with whom we disagree. It had been a monarchy, a republic, a principate, and now it was an empire. What Paul is saying to these Christians is that whatever form of government may be in control, they are to remember that God is behind it. Evil governments may appear at times, but the general existence of authorities to preserve law and order is a good thing. Your gift enables our worldwide outreach. However, that does not mean the church may not speak to the state. The Christian and government. In Romans, Paul shows us how to have a relationship with Jesus, move past our past, and step into the abundant life Jesus has for us. Nevertheless, Paul told the church at Rome to pay its taxes anyway. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 Do you ever feel like you spend all of your energy fighting? Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. Tags Law Love Romans. Romans 13 – A Christian’s Obligation to Government A. Our God is able! We do not possess the ability to control, contain or explain how He moves and works on … This Daily Devotion was Inspired by one of Ray's Messages. May we be encouraged not to show antagonism toward the state but rather humble submission when it does things right. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. Romans 13:1-7 is treated as if it contains all that the New Testament has to say regarding the Christian attitude toward the state. 2 It is whatever God has brought into being. Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ So many things happen in our day to day life it can be easy to become discouraged and lose hope. Christian Devotion about being a living Sacrifice. 13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. In Paul’s day, tax money was used to pay the salaries of soldiers and other officials who persecuted Christians and committed other evils. Is it a monarchy? But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. Paul’s prayer for the Romans was that the God of hope would fill their hearts with joy and peace through the power of God, the Holy Spirit. Christian devotional about being a living sacrifice to God by honouring God by how we live from Romans 6:13. View Resource, Not until eternity will perfect justice be dispensed on earth. 2. The sword cannot call lost sinners to God, only the Gospel can. Romans‬ ‭13:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ ‭‭This Election has a lot of people in a frenzy, but as this scripture says all authorities are appointed by God. Jesus left us the one called the counselor to know how to deal with situations like Jesus, He left us the one called the comforter to never lose hope, He left us the Holy Spirit to direct every step of our lives if we allow him too. Romans 13:1(WBS) Verse Thoughts We sometimes feel that we are surrounded by evil leaders who seem to have an anti-God agenda and we find it difficult to understand why. To whom are we ultimately responsible? Categories Short Devotion. 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. Love Fulfills the Law. Next ››, The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries is to proclaim the holiness of God Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. What is our responsibility toward government which God permits? Texts such as Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; and Titus 3:1 presenting a more positive view of the state. Romans 13:1. God uses both faith and reason to reveal Himself to us. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. Ask the Lord to help you discern how to obey Scripture in the matter of armed conflicts. We cannot defend our participation in an unjust war simply by saying, “I was only doing my duty to the government.” We are never allowed to say, “My country, right or wrong, my country.” Yet when the cause is just, we must obey our authorities. Until then, however, He works through the imperfect means of secular authorities to keep society safe and to protect His people from harm. Daily Devotion © 2014 by Ray Stedman Ministries. View Resource, Just War theory tells us the government is not supreme. Homepage | Short Devotion | Short Devotion : Romans 13:10. It is much harder, on the other hand, to submit when we think our rulers are corrupt. What reasons are given for submitting to civil government (Romans 13:1-2)? Pray for these brothers and sisters in Christ today. Devotional. Devotional: Romans 13.10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but … A significant and essential change needs to occur in this nation to combat the deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons that have hypnotized us! The Ligonier Ministries site requires Javascript, but you’ve got Javascript disabled. 15:1 And Samuel said to Saul, “The LORD sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel; now therefore listen to the words of the LORD.2 Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘I have noted what Amalek did to Israel in opposing them on the way when they came up out of Egypt.3 Now go and strike Amalek and devote to destruction 1 all that they have. The authorities that exist have been established by God. The Bible is clear about the end of times and all you have to do is open your eyes and there you have it Bible Prophecy. But I don't think you can establish that from the Scriptures. 11:10), “In Him shall the Gentiles hope.” Him refers to Jesus Christ and the promise of salvation that comes to all peoples through Him. We are to obey even the mandates we consider silly or onerous if doing so does not require us to break God’s law. The Night is Nearly Over Listen to Ray × Romans 13:8-10. That’s the secret of hope in a hopeless situation. (1-2) Government’s legitimate authority and the Christian’s response. The state punishes evildoers with the sword, and the church preaches the gospel. “You know what time it is,” says Paul. Subject to permission policy, all rights reserved. It is an undermining of totalitarianism, not a reinforcement of it. Susan Barnes ~ pursuing a life worth writing about View all posts by Susan Barnes View Resource, Doing good for any reason is better than doing evil, but the Lord does not find our doing good pleasing unless we are doing it for the right reasons. That is best for that particular place and time in history. 3. Encourage your political leaders to do the same. Unfortunately, the separation of church and state in our day is often distorted into the separation of the state and God. At times, we may have to disobey the state in order to obey the Lord, but those occasions should be relatively rare. Just War theory tells us the government is not supreme. *The correct ex-pression is “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth” Revelation 19:6. Daily Devotion in Romans 13. The Lord Rejects Saul. We Americans would love to think that democracy obviously is the most God-honored form of government. View Resource, God calls us to pay taxes, not to approve of everything our tax money pays for. Which is the one God wants us to have? Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? An oligarchy? His last and greatest letter and perhaps the single most influential book in the New Testament in guiding the development of … The answer of Scripture is not necessarily any of these. Nero had just begun his reign as the fifth emperor of Rome when Paul wrote this letter. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1 NIV God wants me to do what? For permission to use this content, please review RayStedman.org/permissions. Pinterest. Consider who has more authority in your life, God or the state. Romans 13:1–7. By implication, if the rulers themselves are given the task of judging wicked people within their sphere of authority, they themselves will be judged by the God who set them up. How does this passage show Paul’s confidence in the sovereignty* of God? Then do what is right and you will be commended. Devotional: A Living Sacrifice. So when you ask, Which government is the best kind? When Paul wrote this letter to these Christians, they were living in the capital city of the empire, Rome itself. Close. Romans 13:1-7 The letter to the Romans is for the Apostle Paul what Charlotte’s web was to the spider, his magnum opus . All are in need of a Saviour and the only way to escape condemnation, to be eternally justified, to be … Daily devotional with John Piper. View Resource, It is easy to obey God’s command to submit to our earthly rulers when they rule wisely. In rendering such obedience, we bear witness to the final authority of the Lord, for bowing to His authority means submitting to the civil government. View Resource, In the face of evil government, Christians can hide from view and keep out of the way as much as possible. Romans 13 Devotion. Romans is the seed-bed for Christian doctrine and Paul lays out the foundational truth of the glorious gospel of grace in this book, in a clear, concise, and systematic way. View Resource, ‹ Previous The word hope in verse 13 links back with hope in verse 12c (citing Isa. Romans 13:1 Romans 13:1 Romans 13:1-10 To Whom It Is Due Romans 13:1-10 Romans 13:1-10 Romans 13:1ff Romans 13:1ff Romans 13:1 Romans 13:8 Romans 13:9 Romans 13:11 Romans 13:11 Romans 13:12 Romans 13:14 1 View Resource, Those who are under the authority of others are not allowed to wait for perfect leadership before they honor their supervisors, parents, church elders, and other leaders.

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