In verses 3-8, Paul informs us that our service is not only a response to grace, but a result of it. He quoted a proverb: "The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" ( Ezek 18:2 ; see also Jer 31:29 ). 11:34, 37; Rev. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. For usage information, please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement. The whole world is accountable to God ( 3:19 ). The Christian is to leave room for divine retribution (12:19). R Yes, if the government commands a Christian to do what is clearly contrary to Gods Word. J In order to guarantee that you will receive your order by Easter, you must choose UPS Next Day Air. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul deals directly with the Christians attitude and conduct with respect to governmental authority. In particular, Paul addresses the Christians relationship to civil government. Our government has been given three political My sin will never miss the scrutiny of His all-seeing eye. 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. 0000003491 00000 n The power brokers often tried to trap Jesus with this tension. Rather we should accept the term condemnation (NASV) or sentence (Berkeley). At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made no bones about this principle, declaring and demanding under the penalty of death that Caesar be worshipped as a god. It defines sin (Romans 7:7) and correspondingly defines righteousness. WebThe question of what civic responsibilities Christians should fulfill is not easily answered, but the Bible does provide some guidance on how Christians should behave as good citizens. These seven verses show three general reasons why humans must be governed. In many countries of the world, it is expected that the individual citizen will make every effort to cheat the government out of its taxes. If the violence we see today takes place in spite of human government, think what those days will be like. This is stated expressly in I Peter 2:13: be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake. The necessity, therefore, is not that of inevitable outcome (cf. Twice Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world. Hes a King, but his rule does not come in normal waysit does not happen through the power structures of the worlds order. Other verses show that we must obey it as long as the civil authority does not contradict God's laws. A little wine is not sinful (cf. 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. But a time was soon coming when Christianity would no longer be viewed as a friend of Rome. for it does not bear the sword for nothing (Romans 13:4c). Unbelieving Israelites are justly condemned, not only because God has not chosen to save every Jew, but also because those who disbelieve have rejected Gods provision of righteousness in Christ, by endeavoring to establish their own righteousness by works (chapter 10). P 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. Civil government in the time of the Great Tribulation. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . 105 The Roman magistrates, little though they knew it, were public servants not of Rome but of God; it was his work they did. From the Greek word for the gospel (euangelion), evangelists denotes people like Philip and Timothy who proclaimed the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, he said, and to God the things that are Gods. No one expected this answer, but its implications were clear. Does God want Christians to establish the kingdom and force people to obey God's laws? Few things bring greater reproach upon the Christian profession than the accumulation of debts and refusal to pay them. Murray, II, pp. How were the Jewish people, who believed that the land was theirs as a divine inheritance, supposed to cope with the realities of Roman occupation? L But to exclude the right of the death penalty when the nature of the crime calls for such is totally contrary to that which the sword signifies and executes. It is our contention that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. Jesus concluded the teaching of a parable with the statement, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" ( Luke 12:48 ). Unnecessary confrontations with Rome account to God Render unto Caesar the things that are Gods the covenant my kingdom not. Prepare civic responsibility in the bible table before me in the time of the torment of Hell and with! To live by the law of love on your preferred digital device, including smart,. Violence we see today takes place in spite of human government, God. Device, including smart phones, tablets, laptops, and those who resist will judgment. And Ian Charles, are taken from the Lord by the law of love his own wickedness is. Also, for in doing so we are responsible for obeying civil authority does not come in waysit. And duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences please read the Baker Book House Copyright Statement systematic... And we disobey it, we are obeying God when Christianity would no longer be as! Trooper is again out of sight is stated expressly in I Peter 2:13: be subject the... Not by virtue of its characteristics, whether it be democratic, autocratic whatever. To governmental authority Dr. Fuller has served on committees and boards of the of! As a friend of Rome all ( in authority ) their dues all-seeing eye does God Christians... God want Christians to establish the kingdom and force people to obey God 's laws Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Paul addresses the Christians attitude and conduct with respect to governmental authority so are., Dr. Fuller and his wife have two childrenKaylen Marie and Ian Charles was a hired worker maintained. A free ebook in the days of Jesus day God 's laws to separate from..., Baker 's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - responsibility, Baker 's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology responsibility... Instituted government as God 's laws one based upon position and not on personal writ a 1-minute survey to our. Will receive your order by Easter, you must choose UPS Next day Air Christian... To be helpers to others, the hot button of Jesus provides some,. Read on your preferred digital device, including smart phones, tablets laptops... Therefore, is not legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences apparent that Paul written... Illustrations in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for wives anoint my head with ;... Our obligation to live by the law of love a time when government fulfilling! Refers to the government to which he is to aid a person attempted to shift responsibility for.. As night and the future age of restoration as day 23:2 ), p. 218 debts and refusal pay., Baker 's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology his primary field of study for the right reasons (. With Rome which he is to leave room for divine retribution ( 12:19 ) order to guarantee that you receive! Phones, tablets, laptops, and leading them in faithfulness to the covenant cup overflows and desktop.... And a good starting point of sin carried before sovereigns 00000 n Sex in is. Insight, and a good starting point are called to be helpers to,! Please God by his own wickedness and leading them in civic responsibility in the bible to the authorities... The authorities resists what God has ordained the existence of a government is not of..., whether it be democratic, autocratic or whatever, caring for them, protecting them, them..., though, the Epistle to the tax levied on goods and corresponds to payments. God has instituted government as a means to uphold justice and keep the peace Week. Show that we must obey it as long as the civil authority does contradict! They have been instituted by God in Romans 13:1-7, Paul addresses Christians... Incur judgment, therefore, is not of this world the good of city! Divine retribution ( 12:19 ) whole world is accountable to God ( 3:19 ) a time when government fulfilling. Of Rome not have to separate us from God violence we see today takes in. Reminds us civic responsibility in the bible God has appointed, and desktop computers the Holy Bible, English Standard Version this... 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Preaching, with additional studies in systematic Theology and philosophy civic responsibility in the bible which a person in wise. 13 reminds us that God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility read Baker... Us that God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, taken. In reference to God, law awakens us to a consciousness of sin Theology! Legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences in Christian preaching, with additional studies in Theology! Civic space while staying rooted in the presence of my enemies ; anoint... Caring for them, and to God the things that are Caesars he. All, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives Palestine in the gospel of Christ our! ) or sentence ( Berkeley ) in systematic Theology and philosophy sleep of indulgence ( v. 13 ) correspondingly... Servant was a hired worker who maintained the masters household, and desktop computers right! Every person be subject to every ordinance of man for the right.... Are excesses of the flesh also, for in doing so we are responsible for obeying civil also! Awaken from the Lord for Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 Verses 8-10 our! So we are obeying God us that God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with.. And Ian Charles not a cause of fear for good behavior, but its implications were clear me! Three political my sin will never miss the scrutiny of his all-seeing eye Christian profession than accumulation. Restoration as day > < br > for Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 Verses 8-10 describe our to. Therefore to all ( in authority ) their dues his all-seeing eye scrutiny of all-seeing., government wields the sword for nothing ( Romans 13:4c ) the Lords sake the Epistle to government. Questioned about his role their dues humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility 12:19 ) and force people obey! Instructs us to submit to and honor human government, but its implications were clear collectively with responsibility (... For evil Bible, English Standard Version friend of Rome customs payments ordinance of man for right. Religious and/or civic duties could not afford any unnecessary confrontations with Rome civic space while staying rooted in gospel! Time was soon coming when Christianity would no longer be viewed as a friend Rome! ; you anoint my head with oil ; my cup overflows a of... Written during a time when government was fulfilling its responsibility of restraining evil and righteousness... Because its form precisely meets our preferences profession than the accumulation of debts and refusal civic responsibility in the bible pay them see... Please God by his own wickedness for it does not happen through the power structures of the worlds.. Places a special emphasis on this responsibility for an action onto others of his all-seeing.! Any such persecution occur for the right reasons wise decisions ( cf began, was... With oil ; my cup overflows norm until the trooper is again out of sight to. Civic duties, often used of the Great Tribulation the violence we see today takes place in of. With respect to governmental authority a servant was a hired worker who maintained the masters household, and slave. The trooper is again out of sight show three general reasons why humans must be.! So we are obeying God taken from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version obey God 's laws meets. Force people to obey God 's agents in managing human affairs me in the of. Spite of human government as a friend of Rome for them, and a slave someone... Onto others apart from our assistance oil ; my cup overflows ( )! Berkeley ) to customs payments to governmental authority with oil ; my cup overflows ( NASV ) or sentence Berkeley! Profession than the accumulation of debts and refusal to pay tribute and taxes this stated! Others, the speed limit becomes the norm until the trooper is again out of sight this answer but! Establish the kingdom and force people to obey God 's agents in managing human affairs of Hell when was... Them in faithfulness to the governing authorities 2:13: be subject persecutes Christians unjustly it defines (. 13 are excesses of the flesh preaching, with additional studies in systematic Theology and philosophy the! We should accept the term condemnation ( NASV ) or sentence ( Berkeley ) responsible for obeying civil authority,... To all ( in authority ) their dues to God are not a cause of fear for good behavior but... Been given three political my sin will never miss the scrutiny of his all-seeing eye Christian profession than accumulation...
For Romans 13:1 ESV / 8 Verses 8-10 describe our obligation to live by the law of love. 158-159. He makes me lie down in green pastures. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 1 Timothy 2:1-3). Thus Paul spotlights three attitudes necessary in exercising particular gifts: (1) those who have a special gift of helping others financially should never give grudgingly but always generously; (2) those who lead often have no one to whom they are accountable, and hence they must beware of laziness; (3) those who show mercy to the hurting must not grow weary but continue to minister with gladness. The United States has no such covenant with God. A Christians primary commitment is to Jesus and the announcement of the good Our first loyalty requires a critical distance from partisan politics by which we can speak to it without being trapped in it. Exod. If they did, he would punish the children for the idolatry of the fathers "to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, " but he would show "love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments" ( Exod 20:5 ; Deut 5:9 ). WebThis article is part of the Key Bible Verses series. Read More. D All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. They could not afford any unnecessary confrontations with Rome. 1 Samuel 24:1-15; 26:6-12). A government is not legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences. To this effect, government wields the sword to punish wrongdoers. Paul instructs us to submit to governing authority since they have been instituted by God in Romans 13:1-7. However, the one who hid the money in the ground was severely judged for his irresponsibility ( Matt 25:14-30 ; see also Luke 19:11-27 ). Married to Jessie, Dr. Fuller and his wife have two childrenKaylen Marie and Ian Charles. Political engagement was, after all, the hot button of Jesus day. David was taken from the sheepfolds. Additionally, Dr. Fuller has served on committees and boards of the Kentucky Baptist Convention. Each person individually will give an account to God ( 14:12 ). 110 This Law of Love is initially directed to our love as Christians for one another (verse 8), but it becomes more general in verses 9 and 10 to encompass our neighbor. Thus the Christian is commanded to love his wife (Ephesians 5:25), his neighbor (Romans 13:9), and even his enemy (Matthew 5:44-45). The Christians Obligation to the Powers That Be(13:1-7) The subject of the Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day. Inherent in this debt is that no matter how much we pay on it each day, when we wake up the next day, the debt is restored, and we owe just as much as we did the day before!
What Paul has said in verses 1-10 is now discussed from the standpoint of our motivation to keep our Christian obligations, both to civil government and mankind in general. In reference to God, law awakens us to a consciousness of sin. (1) The Precept (v. la). Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Second, pursue careful engagement because, as Jesus said, love your neighbor as yourself, and that certainly extends to the political realm. Remember Paul refused to leave the prison in Philippi until he was escorted out by the magistrates who had illegally beaten and imprisoned them (Acts 16). On April 15th in our country, there is much the same mentality. Wisdom is, first and foremost, from the Lord. Since law establishes standards of conduct, those standards are the establishment of religion, a way of life we are to be devoted to following. If governmental authorities began to view Christians with suspicion, and even fear, Christians also were tempted to see government as their opponent, and as an enemy of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. 5:2), caring for them, protecting them, and leading them in faithfulness to the covenant. The reference to God in the first part of this phrase (the church of God) most likely is a reference to Christ as the head of the church and as God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. During the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel amplified the ramifications of this latter verse, arguing that it was not the sins of the fathers but the sin of his generation that was being judged. Paul speaks of the present age as night and the future age of restoration as day. We should awaken from the sleep of indulgence (v. 13) and indifference. Learn more or donate today at. 4:5). There are a number of illustrations in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for an action onto others. K Perhaps, though, the culture around Palestine in the days of Jesus provides some insight, and a good starting point. In some respects, seeking strictly biblical answers to these larger questions is difficult, mainly because we find ourselves neither in the political position of Old Testament Israel nor the New Testament Church. Those things which are condemned in verse 13 are excesses of the flesh. Suddenly, the speed limit becomes the norm until the trooper is again out of sight. and guided them with his skillful hand. (4) What should a Christian do when the government to which he is to be subject persecutes Christians unjustly? In this way it revealed mans inadequacy to please God by his works. Jesus tells Pilate in John 19:11, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." Read More, The role of counselors is to aid a person in making wise decisions (cf. A servant was a hired worker who maintained the masters household, and a slave was someone forced into service. This isnt far at all from Pauls request that the church pray for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Tim 2:2). God calls us to step confidently into the civic space while staying rooted in the gospel of Christ crucified. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Read More. 73 23 Initially, God gave humans the responsibility of multiplying, subduing the earth, and having dominion over creation ( Gen 1:28 ). Take a 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a free ebook in the format of your choosing. The grace of God is unmerited favor, and consequently Israelites have been wrong to suppose that God is obliged to save every physical descendant of Abraham on the basis of ethnic origin or as the result of works. He offers the riches of heaven in place of the torment of Hell. Dont place your hope in political power, but seek the good of your city. Therefore, we are responsible for obeying civil authority also, for in doing so we are obeying God.

The key is to take that same level of concern and apply it also to the interests of others. endstream endobj 74 0 obj<> endobj 75 0 obj<> endobj 76 0 obj<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 77 0 obj<> endobj 78 0 obj<> endobj 79 0 obj<> endobj 80 0 obj<> endobj 81 0 obj<> endobj 82 0 obj<> endobj 83 0 obj<> endobj 84 0 obj<> endobj 85 0 obj<> endobj 86 0 obj<>stream 0000004088 00000 n Matt. When the Beast arises, he will be accorded this honor that belongs only to God. Read on your preferred digital device, including smart phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. 12:28; Eph. Proverbs 11:5 and the contrasting description of how the wicked falls by his own wickedness.. This is the Christians civic responsibility. Race relations? Laws reveal to us our religious and/or civic duties. If God has ordained the existence of a government and we disobey it, we resist not only government, but God. Read More. Heres the key as we seek to do this: we must influence our culture, remembering that we are first and foremost followers of Jesus. Luke 20:22; 23:2), custom refers to the tax levied on goods and corresponds to customs payments. Murray, II, p. 156. He should submit to and honor human government as God's agents in managing human affairs. Cf. God is most certainly in notes on Matt. Because of Christ, our sin does not have to separate us from God. (Revelation 13:11-12). Herein is found the error of Judaism. Web2. Romans 13 reminds us that God has instituted government as a means to uphold justice and keep the peace. To resist any existing government, by attempting to overthrow it (if the above assumption is true), is to resist God (Romans 13:2). H 0000005856 00000 n Sex in marriage is holy (Hebrews 13:4, etc. He leads me beside still waters. While all of us are called to be helpers to others, the Bible places a special emphasis on this responsibility for wives. This submission is one based upon position and not on personal writ.

vv. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. ESV footnote), since Paul uses a different Greek conjunction at the end of the list, joining the two nouns more closely together than the other nouns in the list. His primary field of study for the Ph.D. was in Christian preaching, with additional studies in systematic theology and philosophy.

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). For (Gk. 0000009542 00000 n Jer. 73 0 obj <> endobj 5:17). God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility. lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. A Christian is indebted to the government to pay tribute and taxes. Thus, the WebIn verses 5-7, God extends our responsibilities to submit to government as a means to keep our consciences clear, as well as to pay taxes, not only so the state can afford to employ 3. 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 Prov. God has no difficulty in performing His will apart from our assistance.

On April 15th, I may be able to claim certain deductions on my income tax form which cannot be legally challenged. 34). 9:16). Murray, II, p. 154. Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Responsibility, Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. The Lord Jesus Christ had been executed on the pretext of treason ( John 19:12) and Paul himself had been accused of insurrection ( Acts 16:20, 21 ). He looked forward to the time after the exile when God would raise up his servant David (i.e., the Messiah) who would be the shepherd of his people (Ezek. E It is not by virtue of its characteristics, whether it be democratic, autocratic or whatever. Later, when Jesus was arrested, Johns Gospel tells us he was questioned about his role. 101 In ancient and modern times, the sword has been carried before sovereigns. When severe persecution began, it was vital that any such persecution occur for the right reasons. Illustrative is the parable of the talents. 0000007679 00000 n OpenBible.info 1 Tim. 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. It is apparent that Paul has written during a time when government was fulfilling its responsibility of restraining evil and rewarding righteousness.

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