Governing Authorities: Part 3

It’s day three of our discussion on government, based around Romans 13:1-7.

• In Part 1, we asked whether or not Paul submitted to the government.
• In Part 2, we asked whether Emperor Nero was a better leader than our current one.

The stage has been set regarding the type of government the Christians in Rome were living under. Now, back to our passage, Romans 13:1-7.

Paul Gets to the Point

Paul never beats around the bush, does he? He gets right to the heart of the matter in the first verse:

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

Romans 13:1, ESV

This verse seems pretty straightforward. Obviously, we’re to submit to the governing authorities in our land. However, human nature often leads us to focus not on “what should we do” but “why should we do it?”

The Why

The “why” is the crux of this opening statement and the remainder of this passage.

We can submit because God is in control. God can make or break a nation just as easily as He can make or break the ruler of that nation. In verse 2, Paul immediately states what happens when we rebel against the authorities that God has allowed to govern:

“Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval.”

Romans 13:2-3, ESV

Be a Good Citizen

The call here is to be a good citizen and not make unnecessary trouble for oneself.

Furthermore, if you do make trouble for yourself, don’t be surprised if you bring judgment on yourself. A good citizen generally does not find themselves being hassled by the governing authorities.

Check back tomorrow as we unpack verses 4 through 7.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

1. Why would you consider yourself a good citizen?
2. How do you reconcile submitting to authorities with your personal beliefs?
3. In what ways can you actively demonstrate being a good citizen in your community?