Governing Authorities: Part 4

It’s day 4 of our post-series on God’s Governing Authorities, based on Romans 13:1-7. If you’re just checking in, you might want to check out the previous posts listed as questions for some context:

• Part 1 – Did Paul Submit to the Government?
• Part 2 – Would You Prefer Emperor Nero Over Your Current Leader?
• Part 3 – Would You Consider Yourself a Good Citizen?

When Government Oppresses

“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience.”

Romans 13:4-5, ESV

As we read these verses, verse 4 stands out. It makes us question, “If our government is established to do me good, why aren’t they doing good for me?” Valid question until we consider the context, that “good” in our eyes may be vastly different than “good” in the eyes of God.

What if the government has oppressed or persecuted Christians? Is that “good”? History and current events tell us that whenever a government persecutes the church, the Gospel spreads like wildfire. Perhaps, what is “good” for one’s soul is not so good for one’s freedom or bank account.

Jesus and Taxes

“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”

Romans 13:6-7, ESV

There is an obvious connection between these verses and Jesus. When Christ was asked about taxation in the Gospels, we read that Jesus chose to pay what was required, even when He knew they were being overtaxed.

15 But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, “Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” 16 And they brought one. And he said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” 17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.

Mark 12:15-17 (ESV)

Jesus’ Approach to Leadership

The Jews of that day wanted Christ to be a political and military leader who would overthrow the Roman Empire. Instead, He was a man who stayed away from politics and war, leading through love and meeting the needs of the people. Whenever Jesus chose to oppose someone, it never seemed to be within the Roman government.

Jesus consistently chose to challenge the religious leaders of His own people group. For this reason, many Jews all over the world refuse to believe that Jesus was and is their Messiah. They continue to wait for that political and military hero to bring them personal and national glory.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How was Jesus against the Roman government?
• What does “good” mean in the context of God’s will versus our will?
• How can we apply Romans 13 to our current political climate?