Accepting that God is still in charge.

Today, we’re going to tackle a difficult topic…the government.

Some people love to talk about it and others hate to talk about it. Which one are you? For me, full disclosure, I wrestle through this topic constantly. I go back and forth depending on the national or global events.

Part of me wants to lay down all thoughts and ideas about governing authorities; perhaps because it would be easier that way? The other part of me realizes that God’s common grace has given us the ability to elect our own leaders. If His sovereign hand has allowed me to live at this time, during this process, then I can’t just stay silent, can I? Should I?

Maybe the better question is, could I?

Let’s hear from the Apostle Paul to get started.

“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. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2)

“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:3-4)

“Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:5-7)

Pretty straightforward, right? (Not according to the internet.)

And not in our current climate nationally and globally. Church leaders are often as divided as their congregates on how to process government oversight, procedures and policies. More than ever, Christians seem pulled into the polarization.

As I’ve prayerfully searched through various commentaries and weblogs, to find the opinions of men who are far more Biblically educated than I. And as I’ve sat down with elder pastors and church leaders, to pick their brains for information; I can’t say I’m anymore sure of my where the exact line is.

One writer stated that “These verses just mean the governing authorities in the church. They don’t really mean the government!” This doesn’t hold any water because we know that the early church never taxed the members of the body. Yet, Paul speaks of taxation in verses 6 and 7.

Another stated an argument that “These verses were written and placed into Scripture by the King of England, while the first English translations were coming into existence.” This seems like a stretch because scholars have found earlier manuscripts of this passage. Paul is definitely addressing the topic of government in this passage.

Although the separation of church and state tends to keep heads cooler, today God has brought us to the point where we must discuss them together.

Historical Context:

Before we look at the text, let’s get some historical context and take a look at the government that Paul and the Christians in Rome were under when this was written.

The book of Romans was written between 56 and 58 AD. During this time, the people of Rome were being ruled by Emperor Nero; who only two years previous, had been made Emperor at the wise old age of 17. This would make him between the ages of 19 and 21, while God used Paul to write these passages.

A couple of interesting side notes about how the young Emperor Nero came to rule the Roman Empire:

1. Nero was not even the son of the previous Emperor, Claudius; but had been adopted after Emperor Claudius married Nero’s mother Agrippina.
2. When it came time to crown the new Emperor; Nero’s mother, Agrippina murdered Emperor Claudius’s firstborn; which bumped Nero up from second in line to first!

So, how would you like to be ruled not only by a teenager? And not just a teenager, a teenager who came into power through that set of circumstances?

Sounds pretty corrupt from the onset!

Now, we have heard many horror stories about how evil Emperor Nero was to Christians. The fact is that Christians were hated throughout this time period because of Christ’s promise of a glorious return. The Emperor wanted all glory and honour to solely fall on him and Rome. The return of this ‘King of Kings’ did not fit well with the imperial plans for the future.

Moving away from the Emperor somewhat, like the United States, the Romans also had a Senate who was put in place to speak on behalf of the people. However, the Senate was almost as corrupt as Nero himself. All sorts of under-the-table dealings took place in order to pass certain laws and judgments.

At the end of the day, the Senate often spoke on behalf of their pocketbooks, not the people!

Getting back to the passage…

Paul doesn’t ever beat 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.” (13:1)

We can’t escape that we’re to be in submission to the governing authorities in our land. But why Paul, why? Do we really have to? What’s the point, Paul?

The answer is knit throughout the book of Romans, as we’re reminded of God’s sovereignty. This passage is no different. 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.

After his opening statement, Paul immediately states what takes place when we rebel against the authorities that God has allowed to govern:

“Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.” (13:2-3)

The call here is to be a good citizen and not make unnecessary trouble for oneself. (Easier for some than others, I know.) There are consequences. If we make trouble for ourselves, we can’t be surprised if we bring judgment on ourselves. A good citizen typically isn’t hassled by the government.

“For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” (13:4-5)

Verse 4 stands out a bit doesn’t it? It might cause you to question, “If our government has been established to do me good, why aren’t they doing me good?”

Keep in mind, that’s “good” in the eyes of God.

The text doesn’t state this, but even in the case where a government has oppressed or persecuted Christians, the Gospel has spread. Sometimes, what is “good” for one’s soul and the Gospel is not so good for one’s freedom or bank account.

“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (13:6-7)

I think our Lord, Jesus Christ showed us the greatest example of this. When it came down to taxation, in the Gospels we read that Jesus chose to pay what was required, even when He knew they were being over-taxed.

The Jews of that day wanted Christ to be a political and military juggernaut, that would overthrow the Roman Empire. Instead, he was a man who stayed away from politics and war. Instead, He led through love and meeting the needs of the people. Whenever he opposed someone, it wasn’t the government; it was the religious leaders.

That’s why many Jews all over the world today, still can’t believe that this Christ who came to love was their Messiah. They continue to wait for that political and military giant to bring them the glory that they have envisioned.

What about the West?

As a Canadian who has lived in the United States while a Republican-held the presidency, I heard many Christians paraphrase some of the verses found in Romans 13, as President Bush received a barrage of hateful titles like, “Imbecile! Warmonger!”

Following the presidential elections, I heard many of the same Believers call President Obama a barrage of titles like “Nazi” or the “anti-Christ”. And a similar transition of thought and speech happened again with Trump and Biden, although seemingly more amplified because of their personalities and the global crisis they have governed through.

It’s been an interesting experience, realizing that the United States is completely divided into two rival groups that can’t stand each other. With no clear change insight, I am left wondering what the future will hold?

It’s complicated in Canada too!

Canadians may have more parties to choose from, but it doesn’t mean that there is any less division and polarization in this country. The past couple of years has been particularly difficult. I know God is in control, but I have felt compelled to speak about important issues.

I have voiced my opinions on our current government when I feel that the situation warrants my viewpoint as a pastoral leader. Especially related to the rights and freedoms that Canadians have been given, and how they have shifted so drastically through the pandemic journey.

I have found myself leaning into Paul’s instruction to the Roman church with more struggle than ever before. I have so many more questions. Finding the submission line is an increasingly daunting task. Perhaps you have found the same?

Before writing about government, Paul writes about love.

It is very interesting to look at the passage that Paul writes before starting to speak about submission to governing authorities. As we look back to Romans 12, remember that Paul has left us with the topic of Love.

“Be devoted to one another above yourselves.”

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

“Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.”

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

And the last sentence we’re left with before we’re told to submit to government authority is, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Perhaps, the Christians in Rome were as politically divided and dissatisfied with their leadership as we are? Perhaps there was a person just like you or I, struggling in their situation, striving to find that submission line?

We have to reconcile with a few facts.

• It would have been so much easier if God had led Paul to write this passage during a time when the rulers of the land were just and corruption was unheard of.
• It would have been so much easier if God had led Paul to write this passage during a time when the Christian Faith was the only religion and all citizens followed God’s Word.

But He didn’t. God led Paul to write these words under an illegitimate ruler who came to power through murder. God led Paul to write these words at a time when Christians had far more reason to question government authorities then we do today.

The reason for this is likely because God knows our hearts. He knows that unless we are challenged, we become stagnant and apathetic. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but we have to find a way to follow Paul’s instruction and submit to the governing authorities that God has put in place.

If you’re dissatisfied, thank God for the test of faith.

If we truly wish to move our country toward God, we need to try our best to spend less time arguing and positioning, and more time praying and evangelizing. Let’s live out brotherly love and help our countrymen find God, then they will in turn find the truth!

Let’s use the fire that it’s inside our guts to thrust us into God’s Word for encouragement. Then in prayer, we can debate with God over our deep concerns for where our country is headed. Only He can truly change a nation.

I’ll close with a few of Paul’s words to his apprentice, Timothy.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4)