Romans 13:1-7

Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy

Today we continued our series in the book of Romans with a passage that specifically speaks to our responsibility and relationship to government. Paul reminds us that we are to be subject to governing authority because all authority is established by God. Submitting to authority is submitting to God who put that authority in place. Sometimes God gives good leaders as a blessing, and sometimes He institutes evil rulers as a means of trial or judgment.

Simply put, the purpose of government is to protect its citizenry and punish wrong doers (v.4). Without government, society would devolve into anarchy… lawlessness. In the Old Testament, at the time of the judges, we see just such an example of that terrible cycle of wickedness when there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

While we owe government leaders our taxes and honor, we must never give them our hearts or ultimate allegiance. Pastor Alex put it this way: “Our hope is in God’s house not the White House.” Our allegiance is to Christ as King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords. We run into trouble when we get those allegiances reversed. 

But, is there ever an appropriate time for civil disobedience? We are to submit right up to the point where obedience to the state would entail disobedience to God. At those times we must follow what Scripture tells us and not obey civil authorities. Some classic examples in Scripture of those who chose to disobey were Daniel (see Daniel chapter 1 and 6) and the Hebrew midwives (see Exodus chapter 1). Whenever laws are passed which contradict God’s law, civil disobedience becomes our Christian duty. May the Lord give us the wisdom to discern when those times come and the courage to stand for the truth regardless of the personal cost. 

Here are a few practical ways to honor our governing authorities:

(1) Pray for Them: 1 Timothy 2:1–4 reminds us to pray for those in authority. Our leaders are those put in place by God for His purposes. Pastor Alex challenged us to ask ourselves the following question: Do you talk to God more about our leaders than you talk to others about our leaders?

(2) Give What is Owed: Whether its taxes, revenue (wages), respect or honor, give to all what is owed (Hebrews 13:7). Remember, honoring a particular leader doesn’t mean you endorse or approve of them… it’s to honor God who put them there. 

(3) Engage: Look for ways to get involved. Serve on your city council. Run for office. 

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