October 22, 2017
Morning Service

In chapter 12 of this letter, Paul gave us a tall challenge in asking us to give our bodies as a living sacrifice to God as our act of worship to Him.  He doesn’t ask us to die for Him, He asks us to live for Him.  We do this by not conforming to what is the accepted ways of this world, but he asks us to be transformed.  This occurs by having our minds renewed to thinking and acting in ways that please and glorify God.  That was just the first two verses.  The rest of the chapter is just as challenging as Paul explains what a transformed life would look like.  It includes using your gifts and talents to build up the entire church, really loving others, being enthusiastic in your service to the Lord, blessing those who curse you, weeping with those who mourn, and rejoicing with those who are rejoicing.  He encourages us to set a goal to live peaceably with all men as much as depends on us.  As we begin chapter 13, Paul speaks to us about a very relative subject indeed.

Romans 13:1-2 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority but of God; the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  (2)  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God; and the ones who resist will receive judgment to themselves.

·         This seems to be very clear and concise for us to understand.  God (who is in control of all things) is the one who has put the government in place, thus we are to be subject to them.  Our disobedience to the government is disobedience to God.  If we find that difficult now, imagine what was like being ruled by the Roman government.  Nero, who was emperor from 54-68 AD, was a notoriously cruel leader and as Paul wrote this letter, persecution was on the rise against Christians.  Later when Nero needed a scape goat for the great fire of 64, he blamed the Christians.  This escalated the persecution to a new level and many were denied basic privileges in society and many were publicly executed in various ways.   This is the government Paul was commanding his readers to be subject to.  If they could do that, we can certainly do it today.  Let’s look at what Paul told Timothy in his first letter to him that takes this a step further.

1 Timothy 2:1-3  First of all, then, I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  (2)  for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  (3)  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,

·         Not only are we as Christ followers to be in subjection to our rulers, but also we are to make supplications (to avoid evil) for them, pray (for good things), intercessions ( on their behalf) and even give thanks for them.  The goal again is to be able to live a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”  This is a good thing in God’s eyes.

·         This includes the office of president of our country, whether you voted for them or not.  We must be careful that we don’t conform to the ways of this world and criticize our leaders more than we pray for them.  That attitude certainly is prevalent today and is not pleasing to God.  Pray for those who are in authority over us and thank God for putting them there.

·         Peter explained it like this:

 

1 Peter 2:13-17  Then be in obedience to every ordinance of men, because of the Lord, whether to a king as supreme,  (14)  or to governors as sent by Him for punishment on evildoers, but for praise on those who do good.  (15)  For such is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; (16) as free, and not having freedom as a cover of evil, but as servants of God.  (17)  Honor all. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

·         Peter speaks the same words in his letter, which we are to be in subjection and obedience to those in authority over us.  This is the will of God and in being in obedience we give those who are watching us as Christians no reason to criticize us.  We are to give our respect to gain others respect.  A transformed life is a life of a good law abiding citizen.

·         There is a line that we cannot cross however.  When the law of the land calls for us to compromise or conform what we believe as a Christ follower, we must choose to obey Christ.  Peter had such a moment in the Book of Acts.  The apostles were arrested for teaching and performing miracles in the temple and locked into prison.  That night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and commanded them to return to preaching in the temple.  They did and were rearrested the next day and the high priest asked them this:

Acts 5:28-29 saying, “Did we not strictly command you that you not teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this man's blood on us.”  (29)  And Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

·         There may be a time in each of our lives that we must make that choice as well.  The Holy Spirit will give us the same courage to stand just as He gave it to the apostles.  Until that line is crossed we are to be obedient and faithful citizens of our county and community.

Christians now seem to take one of three different approaches on how to interpret these scriptures and apply them to our lives. (This is from my commentary)

1.       Some believe the government is so corrupt that they should have as little as possible to do with it.  They will be good citizens, but they will not get involved by working for it, voting or serving in the military.

2.      Others believe that each, the church and the government, each have their own specific areas of authority and it is acceptable to work for either.  They believe in being good citizens and getting involved as long as it doesn’t compromise their beliefs.  They look at the two as two separate spheres that can coexist.

3.      There are also some Christians who believe it is their responsibility to make the government better.  They are politically active supporting those who encourage a Biblical world view and let their voice be heard concerning moral issues in a lawful and loving way. They look at government and the church as working together for the good of all.

 

Whichever of these views we take we are to be faithful, and obedient citizens to our governing bodies praying for them to make wise decisions that allow us to live a quiet and peaceable life.  Notice none of these views include open rebellion or refusing to obey any laws or regulations that do not violate moral standards we follow as Christians.  There are ways that we can voice our opinions lawfully and lovingly never in the spirit of hate or rebellion.  In not being conformed to this world and being transformed into God’s image, God’s will for us is that we will be good citizens.  We will continue on this subject again tonight.

 

Lord, than You that You are in control of all things including our governments.  Please grant us the ability and desire to be good and faithful citizens to bring glory to Your name.