Romans 13:1-10
Important to differentiate what is Paul saying and not saying.
- Paul is saying: God is in complete control of all the nations and rulers of this world.
- Paul is not saying we should obey political rulers and authorities when it’s a violation of God’s word or purposes if we obey.
Tim Keller “The Bible gives a very clear basis for civil disobedience; namely, if the state commands what God forbids, or if the state forbids what God commands, then civil disobedience is a Christian duty.”
Sovereignty of God means he rules with His feet up. He is in control and not taken off guard by what happens.
The purpose of government is to uphold justice, which includes both the protection of the rights of all citizens and the punishment of evil doers.
What are the requirements of the good citizen according to the passage?
- The obligation to acknowledge and submit to the authority of civil rulers and obey the various laws and regulations they impose on us in the interest of justice.
- Have an attitude of respect toward government and its representatives, insofar as the latter are functioning in their governmental roles as God’s own servants.
The early church was marked by five distinctive features:
- Diverse: The church was multiracial and multiethnic, with a high value for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Justice: The church was spread across socioeconomic lines as well, and there was a high value for caring for the poor; those with extra were expected to share with those with less.
- Life: It was staunch in its active resistance to infanticide and abortion.
- Sexual ethic: It was resolute in its vision of marriage and sexuality as between one man and one woman for life.
- Peacemakers: It was nonviolent, both on a personal level and a political level.
God is not nearly as concerned with who sits in the oval office as much as who is sitting on the throne of your heart for all of eternity.
A growing number of people are more loyal to their ideology or political party than they are to Jesus and his teachings.
Policies might change by way you vote, but hearts will be changed by the way you live.
