Romans 13:1-7 The government: an extension of God’s rule on earth

Romans 13:1-7

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. 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. 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.

Background

Paul takes up a small section to clarify the authorities of organizations and governments vis a vis the authority of God. The governing bodies although secular in structure, but their authority is spiritual as originating from God. Although, the members of the governing bodies may not be perfect, they are nevertheless set up by the Perfect One. The government rules by principles that upholds righteous behavior while punishing those who do evil. Hence, every believer must be subject to the laws of the governing bodies and respect them as an extension of God’s rule on earth.

Observation

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.

Governing authorities of organisations and governments are appointed by God and are extensions of God’s rule on earth. Every governor as imperfect as they may be, are established by God. The laws established by these governing authorities are the laws of God. Hence, resisting these authorities is tantamount to resisting the rule of God over our lives, and it carries consequences. The act of resisting is not limited to violation of laws, it includes openly criticizing and destroying the government’s credibility especially through social media. God will deal with those who oppose and discredit His authority structures: Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God.

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

The role of the governing authorities is to preserve the rule of law in the society; they function to deter evil and to reward good behavior. They are tasked to punish those who practice evil and to protect the rights of the innocent. Therefore, citizens must respect and be subject to the governing authorities not because they possess the power to punish: not only because of wrath, but because they are enforcers of justice and order: for conscience’ sake.

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 

Taxes are part of a system instituted by God to keep the nation’s infrastructures running. Hence, rulers are tasked by God to uphold this system. All believers are accountable to God in their proper and timely payment of taxes.

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.

God has established a sophisticated governing system with its respective functions and authorities. Even as the church is spiritual in structure, believers must subject themselves to the secular structure of authorities to pay taxes, customs and to respect them for what they are given to be.

Truth

1.    Those who act justly and prudently will benefit from the laws set up by the government. The government’s laws are meant to protect the interests of the general public and encourage wise and prudent behavior. Although, every government will try to tailor its laws to benefit every segment of the society as best as it could. If every citizen would make wise and prudent decisions, they will find the laws working in their benefit: Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. 

2.    All believers must be subject to the laws of the government and not to circumvent it by using a religious course as justification. The administration of all organizations including the church must be subject to the laws of the government. The church must not find herself circumventing the laws by using a spiritual course e.g. evangelism as a justification.

3.    As every government is established by God, believers must lead by example to respect their government and not to criticize it openly. Even though one may not agree with everything the government stood for, one must still be a uniting factor, not a divisive one.

Applications

1.    Try to understand the policies set up by the government from the perspective the general public as opposed to the needs of particular individuals. Actively engage your local governing representative to fine tune these policies.

2.    Pray for your government that they may be endowed with wisdom and righteousness. Encourage them by writing to them to honor and appreciate them their work.

Dear Lord, I pray that You bless our nation by establishing leaders of integrity and wisdom. I pray for the churches that they may be united with the community and not to be divisive over sensitive policies. Even as I do not agree with everything the government did, use me to be a uniting factor for my nation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.