Message: The Christian is subject to government.
Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome
What the Lord is Saying:
Background
Chapter 12 was the first chapter on straight application by Paul after 11 chapters on doctrine. The chapter was broad, covering many subjects on how we are to treat other people. One of the subjects that stood out to me was our response toward evil.
Hard verses here
It is clear in these verses that Paul is abdicating that we are to "be subject" to our government. This is a very important text for us. It is also very difficult to apply and make a part of our lives. Yes, our complete authority is to God. I am not to obey the governing authority no matter what, but I am also not to ridicule or gossip about them. I am to be subject to them and that doesn't mean talking ill of them behind their backs.
It is interesting that whenever I hear these verses referenced in a discussion or in a sermon, the first thing that is said about them is the exceptions to the rule. This tells me that this is a very difficult subject to practice and people immediately want to know what the loopholes are with the verses. I love social media but I am also amazed at how much it seems to be a medium to bring together a crowd of people to talk about the ills of our government and leaders.
Why are these verses hard?
- Allegiance to Christ seems like it gives way to question other forms of authority.
- Leaders often have no allegiance to Christ
- How much authority are we really under? Can we debate obedience to man-made laws?
- Hard to differentiate between when to submit and when to not submit.
I am to submit as a soldier submits to the officer above them. I am submitting to higher powers or governing authorities. Paul must have been referring to the Roman magistrate here. And I am to be subject to the laws established by that government.
Why?
Paul's reason for me submitting is that these magistrates or higher powers have been appointed by God. The government has been set up by God. It is his plan. I am first to submit.
Psalm 75:7, "But God is the Judge; He puts down one and exalts another."
Daniel spoke this words about God in 2:21, "It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding." And repeatedly in chapter 4 he mentions that God is the ruler of all mankind and he bestows his rule on who he wishes.
These verses remind me that God establishes kings and removes kings. Though he establishes, he does not necessarily direct the actions of these kings. He may not approve of their conduct. This doesn't mean that they can do no wrong. It is possible that wrong is what they do. Because he establishes these rulers doesn't mean we are to be obedient to them.
Peter and John before the council said in Acts 4:19, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?" And Peter states in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than any human authority."
Consequence of resisting
Paul then speaks the consequence of not obeying. As if it even needs to be said. It is somewhat tragic that verse 2 is even necessary here. Why can't I and why can't man just be obedient and submit? Why must there be a consequence. The word and command of God should be enough to move us to obedience. A child often hears from the parent not simply a command but a consequence if the command is not heeded. But, isn't it tragic that the command is not enough? It just seems unfortunate that a command is seen more as an option than a decree.
Result: Judgment
The King James Version renders the word here as damnation and damnation we view as eternal punishment, as in hell. But, this word is not that meaning, but rather it is punishment. The punishment could come from God, but more likely, the punishment will come from the magistrate or the governing authority that is resisted.
In Conclusion
Nowhere in these verse do I see a condition. I am not to obey only if they align with my beliefs. I am to obey first and count them as my authority first and then let God lead me down the path He has for me.
In Romans 12:1 I "present my body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God" and in verse 2, "I am to renew my mind." These are commands and attributes that do not come naturally to me. Paul often writes in opposition to the natural way of man. As I see people get older and older in age, I also watch many people get more and more negative toward the leaders of the government. My concern is we have such a tendency as people to lay blame on others. And we also have a tendency to want to make ourselves out better to be than other people. This is why I am leery about talking ill of my leaders.
It's interesting because I notice that young people often don't have much to say about politics or leaders. Most, anyway.
Civil government an ordinance of God by E. P. Rogers (pastor of the South Reformed Church, Fifth Avenue and 21st Street, New York, 1862-1881) - "It seems very plainly and explicitly taught here, that civil government is an ordinance of God, and that obedience to our lawful rulers is a Christian duty. We say again, God does not ordain any particular form of government, but He does ordain government. He does not say you must be ruled by an emperor, a king, a generalissimo, or a president. But He does say you must have a ruler and administrators of law. They must exist and administer in the form best adapted to secure the highest good of the people. God does not say you must have a king, and "the king can do no wrong." But He says government must exist, and be respected and obeyed, so long as it sub-serves its true end — the general good. If it fails to do this, you must not run into anarchy and chaos, but wisely and firmly, in proper ways, reform or revolutionize, and establish a better system, or choose better men."
Promise: Power is derived from God, is an ordinance of God and is established by the providence of God. - John Lyth 1821-1866, first Wesleyan minister to Germany
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