Romans 13
June 9, 2022
“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 you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (v3-4)
Paul experienced all kinds of injustice from Jewish and Roman governing authorities. More than once, Paul was unjustly imprisoned. So why does Paul still seem to have such a high view of government? And why does he cast the government in such a positive light here in Romans 13? Well, because Paul is explaining, here, God’s design for government; that God’s purpose for government is the good of humanity and the flourishing of society. That’s why God calls these governing authorities, “His servants” (v4-6), who serve His purpose. And what, specifically, is the government’s purpose? God’s purpose for the government is to legislate moral order within society – commending what is right (v3) and punishing what is wrong (v4). This is why we owe the government our “taxes, respect and honor” (v6-7), but not our lives. We are to render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s (Matt 22:19-21).
Father, I praise You that You are a God of order. And I thank You for Your purpose in government: that it might be a means of commending that which is good and punishing that which is evil, in reflection of Your righteous rule. But like everything else, we’ve twisted government into something that reflects our desires more than Your designs. And so, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2, I pray for the governing officials of our country - asking that You give them wisdom to know what is right, and the courage to carry it out. I also pray that You would help me to give our government the honor it’s due - while reserving my allegiance for You alone, even as I await that beautiful day when Jesus will usher in His Kingdom, when the government will be on His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6-7)!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
