Our primary commitments to Christ and the gospel should prevent us from aligning too closely with a political party or platform, and keep us from placing too much hope in political power. A government is not legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences. In his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Martin Luther King, Jr draws from both natural law and Christian revelation to argue that they key to social change is to become more authentically religious, not less religious. The latter description (cf. WebA wifes responsibilities can be properly understood only in the context of loving, servant leadership by her husband. Always vote Exercise your franchise to express your choice. Verses 8-10 describe our obligation to live by the law of love. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Read More. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. The question is really this: If Paul condemned works as a means to salvation and grace, why does he now command us to do very specific things? WebOur responsibility is to learn and understand God's instruction, first from the Bible (such as James 1:27: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit 10 Key Bible Verses on Wisdom and Discernment. 0000003086 00000 n
The diversity and unity of the church is illustrated by comparison to the human body. The Jews of Pauls day had many questions about the rights of the Roman government (cf. The government authorities, then, exist by the authority granted them by the supreme authority, God Himself. xref
5), is capable of being brought forward into the present (i. Indeed, the Bible cites and commends numerous examples of believers engaging in civic matters for the benefit of society. 34:2324). 
We must also remember that God uses evil governments, as well as good ones, for His purposes (cf. 5:17). There is always a temptation to be like Pauls opponents in Philippians 1:17 and operate in a spirit of selfish ambition, looking to advance ones own agenda. Through God's laws we become aware of the contrast between what we do and what we ought to do. This submission is one based upon position and not on personal writ. 24:51) indicates eternal judgment and separation from God (cf. When obeying man's law would put us in direct disobedience to the clear command of God, thenand only thenis civil disobedience warranted. 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, as children of the day, must put this kind of living aside, and be ready for our Lords return. This even means that the Nazi regime in Germany was there by the will (decretive) of God. 0000005208 00000 n
Instances can be found in the Old Testament in which the Lord instructs an individual to rebel against the existing government and overthrow it. 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). We must conclude that religion, law, the state, and morality are each parts of the same family. When severe persecution began, it was vital that any such persecution occur for the right reasons. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. 5:2; 7:7). (3) The Principle Involved (v. 2). For a believer, those "higher responsibilities" are found in the Bible and nowhere else. It seems unfortunate to me that this verse has been misapplied to condemn the practice of borrowing money. Thus the purpose of government is to promote justice and peace in society. 18:7; Luke 21:23; I Cor. 3-4). The government's power lies largely in coercion, meaning forcible constraint or restraint, whether moral or physical. In the light of our Lords return, we have two pressing responsibilities: (1) To submit to civil government. 101 In ancient and modern times, the sword has been carried before sovereigns. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. WebChristian Civic Responsibility. The Christian is also a minister of God; not a minister of wrath (judgment), but of mercy (the gospel). Such is the case with Phillips paraphrase of this verse: Keep out of debt altogether except that perpetual debt of love which we owe one another. Do not misunderstand me; I am not advocating indebtedness. 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. In fact, they do not consider certain things in relation to God at all. Until Christs return, this is the position of every believer. Our obligations are underscored by the fact that we should be living as those who await the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom on earth (verses 11-14). Read More. 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. 244-245. This sets up an interesting paradox because we owe everyone more than we can ever hope to pay. The Law was intended as a standard of righteousness. R The abolitionist movement in the United States was substantially fueled by religious convictions, as was womens suffrage and Civil Rights. Crossway is a not-for-profit Christian ministry that exists solely for Do what is good (Romans 13:3b). It defines sin (Romans 7:7) and correspondingly defines righteousness. Immigration? 
The sword is so frequently associated with death as the instrument of execution (cf. In fact, when the minister of government does his job well, it facilitates the minister of the gospel (cf. 
There are a number of illustrations in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for an action onto others. 107 Render therefore to all (in authority) their dues. Omit therefore. Four specifications are given: render tribute, personal or property tax, to him to whom it is due; fear, reverence (Meyer says veneration), to him who bears the sword for God; honor to all his subordinates. James M. Stifler, The Epistle to the Romans (Chicago: Moody Press, 1960), p. 218. 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). The key is to take that same level of concern and apply it also to the interests of others. Mark 7:6-13; esp. Humankind rejected truth, choosing instead to follow a lie and worship created things rather than the Creator ( 1:25 ). Matt. Those church leaders with various gifts (Eph. 4:11) are to equip the saints (all Christians) so that they can do the work of ministry. People who have been entrusted by God with many abilities and responsibilities will be held to a higher standard on the last day (cf. To the Israelites, God gave the Law; it brought privilege but also greater responsibility ( 2:9 ). When the Beast arises, he will be accorded this honor that belongs only to God. The commandments mentioned in verse 9 are those of the second half of the decalogue which define our social obligations. The early church was born in the days of a dictatorial empire, wherein the Roman Caesar served as something of an extraordinary magistrateso extraordinary that the empire eventually came to worship him. 
When the master returns, the faithful manager will be rewardeda metaphorical picture of the rewards that will be given to faithful believers at the return of Christ. Later, when Jesus was arrested, Johns Gospel tells us he was questioned about his role. WebThe Bible says a lot about our obligations as citizens. In verses 3 and 4 there are several inferences which are important to the Christian. Even when fear of punishment is no factor, I do not desire to grieve my heavenly Father by civil disobedience. May God work in your heart to trust in Him. For a believer, those "higher responsibilities" are found in the Bible and nowhere else. 0000008313 00000 n
It is God Himself Who raises up kings and puts them down (Psalm 75:7). HSn0+Hm =896m+p$R;J(PHV$wvvgxys+`e_Cva 'E/. National security? Persecution in the courts is already an established fact, and outright persecution on the streets cannot be very many years away. 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. Blog, A endstream
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Even Satan's authority, as ruler of this world (John 14:30), is assigned by God. 0000001200 00000 n
Pauls instruction is very direct and uncomplicated: Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1a).99 By this it is clear that Christians are to be in subjection to their government, national or local. for it does not bear the sword for nothing (Romans 13:4c). Romans 13 reminds us that God has instituted government as a means to uphold justice and keep the peace. Footwashing continues as a regular ceremony in a number of modern denominations, which literally obey Jesus command, you also ought to wash one anothers feet. Others believe the language is figurative for the importance of serving one another, and that the act itself is not required. Proud member He should submit to and honor human government as God's agents in managing human affairs. 
If teachers are a separate group, they can be understood as a special branch of shepherds (overseers, elders) responsible for instruction in Gods word (cf. It was Roman soldiers that protected Paul from the hands of his Jewish opponents. . the parallel in Matt. 1:5; 3:9; II Tim. Prov. Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. We could also conclude that Paul says that if one does not break the commandments, he is acting out of love. 
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. The New Testament is full of imperatives and God is just and righteous in expecting us to meet them, out of gratitude, out of a desire to worship Him in Christian service, and by the power God has provided in the Holy Spirit. A Christians primary commitment is to Jesus and the announcement of the good (2) The Bottom LinePay Up (vv. 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 upon the one who practices evil (Romans 13:3-4). 
Christian Truth. Historically, we group the human virtues around what are called the Cardinal Virtues. It was an excellent goal, but did not provide the means. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., greater judgment), since they are accountable for more. The war between it and this world's Christianity is virtually overwith Christianity rapidly becoming irrelevant. All Christians have spiritual gifts that should be used in ministering to one another (1 Cor. much will be required. Civil Law It can be wielded to instill the terror of that punishment that falls short of death. It betokens the power of capital punishment: and the reference to it here is among the many testimonies borne by Scripture against the attempt to abolish the infliction of the penalty of death for crime in Christian states. Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1958), II, p. 447. Read More. 13-14). To resist any existing government, by attempting to overthrow it (if the above assumption is true), is to resist God (Romans 13:2). Honoring and submitting does not mean we cannot be agents of change within our culture and participate in our civic responsibility. 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. We should remember the Lords words, A servant is not greater than his lord. In this way, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. , the church can truly be the church. But the words of our Lord Jesus Himself vindicate this responsibility of government: Pilate therefore said to Him, You do not speak to me? Those things which are condemned in verse 13 are excesses of the flesh. 
Jessie holds a Bachelor of Bible from Ozark Christian College, with a concentration in deaf ministry. The Roman government viewed Christianity as merely a sect within Judaism (e.g. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 98 Quoted by F. F. Bruce, The Epistle of Paul to the Romans (Grand Rapids: Wm. at the proper time. Beware, because this idea is about to be reborn: Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. Like Moses (Ex. C We must fully 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. 12:7, 11; 1 Pet. Jesus didnt take the bait. 13:17), and teachers will be judged with greater strictness (lit., greater These seven verses show three general reasons why humans must be governed. Pilate wanted to wash his hands of Jesus' death ( Matt 27:24 ). Acts 23:1; 24:16; II Cor. The principle of Pauls argument is apparent: Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves (Romans 13:2). According to Paul, government is ordained by God to promote good and restrain evil. Married to Jessie, Dr. Fuller and his wife have two childrenKaylen Marie and Ian Charles. 22:25; Psalm 37:26; Matt. . Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders. A Christian is indebted to the government to pay tribute and taxes. The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defence thereof against The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two). He holds a BA in Christian Studies from Campbellsville University, and an MDiv and PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. WebEfforts to share the Churchs tradition of civic responsibility can be as simple as asking a couple of questions during a meeting or as sophisticated as a campus-wide voter education campaign. 
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All rights reserved. It is only when suffering unjustly that it is pleasing to God (v. 20). WebBaker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Responsibility. But love toward God, the love of God, can motivate us to do what the law says to do but cannot motivate us to do. On the gift of prophecy, see notes on Acts 21:4; 21:1011; 1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:2021; and other notes on 1 Corinthians 1214. The faithful and wise manager is the person who faithfully and fairly cares for those for whom he is responsible, giving them their portion . Not only was Achan held accountable for his misdeeds; so were the other family members ( Joshua 7:24-25 ). Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. 9:16). Murray, II, p. 154. 1 Samuel 24:1-15; 26:6-12). Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Since government has the delegated authority of God, governments authority is subordinate to Gods orders if they differ. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Dr. Chuck Fuller comes to Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Kentucky and Indiana. He was a man of faith living in a relatively secular society, yet he sought to influence king Nebuchadnezzar in every possible way, telling the king to break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed (Dan 4:27). In verse 5, we are given two reasons for civil obedience. On the one hand, conservatism fears the unintended consequences of social reform, and finds its utopian vision in a past, supposedly golden age, nearly deifying individual freedom and nearly demonizing government intervention. 2 Sam. Rom. Wisdom is, first and foremost, from the Lord. But Paul did more than pray. Humankind is, therefore, answerable to God. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 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.
Although men may demand justice, they cannot demand mercy or grace (Romans 9). WebPart 1: The Government We Seek Provides an overview of a Biblical view of the purpose of government. 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). Paul says that fear of punishment is a deterrent. Suddenly, the speed limit becomes the norm until the trooper is again out of sight. 3. WebCivil disobedience is the intentional act of disobeying a civil law or authority because of a conviction that one has a higher responsibility. The power brokers often tried to trap Jesus with this tension. For instance, they do not want people to murder because it is not good for the nation. In such a system, the government is the god.
startxref God is currently provoking the Jews to jealousy by the salvation of Gentiles, and He will ultimately conclude His program with the Gentiles and restore the nation Israel to its place of promised prominence and blessing (chapter 11). In chapter 12 Paul begins to impress upon his readers the obligations of grace. Z. 34:18) and put him with the unfaithfula metaphorical reference to the punishment that awaits the unbeliever at the return of Christ. David was taken from the sheepfolds. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. 147-148. This is impossible to men in their natural state, but not to him whose heart is made like Gods. Labs Peter has just stated the general principle that Christians are to live holy lives as aliens and strangers on this earth (2:11-12). We are not permanent residents here, but are pilgrims journeying toward heaven. It would have been easy for his readers to conclude that we therefore have no civic responsibility here on earth. While all of us are called to be helpers to others, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives. Are you the king of the Jews? Pilate asked. In I Timothy 2:1-3, Paul commands us to pray that this function is carried out. 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. 68). C. K. Barrett, p. 247. Involve the family Make civic issues a matter of family discussion; teach these principles to your children. We are actually called to do so! Civic virtue describes the character of a good participant in a system of government the personal qualities associated with the effective functioning of the civil xb```"V ce`a@d8# '#G'G%{5g9{5:["G6(AaKUNqhVD+r72&0IcAJ^% Ke`1Lk w)m*k kURh^aV@%U@F 1%c XKG$:Z99@2 9 b`r"@,t:& Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. But, as you do, your faith may introduce real tensions to your work. While verses 1-7 focused our attention upon the Christians obligation to submit to the powers that be, verses 8-10 direct our attention to our obligation to men in general.
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