The Government as God's Servant

The Government as God’s Servant
Romans 13:1-7
Christians in relation to Government
How does the church and how do we as Christians respond to government?

Romans 13
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.
Romans 13
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;
4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.
Romans 13
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

   The Book of Romans describes the righteousness of God as revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Chapters 1-11 lay out the doctrine of our justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ.
  Chapter 12 teaches us how God’s righteousness is to be displayed in the life of the believer.
 Chapter 13 teaches us how God’s righteousness is to be displayed in the world.
 

Romans 13:1-7
    This passage is organized around three
    commands found in v.1, v.5, and v.7
v. 1Be in subjection to governing authorities
v.5 Be in subjection for the sake of your
      conscience (transformed mind)
v.7 Pay taxes out of fear of God and in honor
      of God-ordained authorities 
  -Be submissive! Be submissive! Pay taxes!-

Romans 13
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Principle 1
   God is the only absolute power and authority; his authority does not depend on any other authority. God’s perfect authority is derived from himself while all other imperfect authorities are derived from God and must be obeyed when sanctioned by God. Government is a part of God’s good gospel order in the world and we should submit ourselves to that which God has given us for our good.
Romans 13
2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

Principle 2
   Because government is sanctioned by God, citizens are to obey government leaders and laws as they would obey God and His law. Those who disobey place themselves in the position of judgment.
Romans 13
3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

Principle 3
   Government exists for the benefit of the people who are being governed. Law abiding citizens should not have to fear their government and should enjoy the freedom and protection that the government is to provide them.
Romans 13
4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

Principle 4
   Government should concern itself primarily with the welfare of its citizens. It should focus on preserving justice and safely protecting its people and make laws only for the good of those it serves. Government has the authority to imprison, kill and enact war for the punishment of law breakers and the protection of its people.

Romans 13
5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

Principle 5
   Christians should obey their government both out of fear of receiving earthly punishment and out of conscience sake for that which God has ordained.

Romans 13
6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.
7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Principle 6
   Governments and government officials serve under God and should be financially cared for by its citizens.

Principle 7
  We should pray for our government authorities and be thankful for them.
 

Questions
1. Must the Christian vote?
Questions
2. Who should the Christian vote for?
Questions
   3. Must Christians obey government policies and laws when we do not agree them?
Questions
   4. It ever right for the Christian to disobey government?
Questions
   5. Should the government have any say in the affairs of churches?
Questions
   6. Should the church have any say in the affairs of government?
Questions
 7. Should Christian citizens have any say in the affairs of government?
Questions
 8. How should Christians respond to non-Christian government officials?
Questions
 9. How serious is law-breaking?
Questions
 10. Can revolution ever be right?
Questions
 11. Can a government make laws to take human life?
Questions
 12. How can we apply these principles?

Believe: Live: Share: Multiply
  1. Pray for our governing authorities.
   2.  Take the opportunities available to us to get involved in government (voting, working to enact legislature, running for office, etc.)
   3. Live as law-biding citizens. We should answer to the government as we answer to God. 
   4. Promote the gospel

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