The Christian and Government

Introduction

A. All nations exist under some form of government. American government endorses democracy; however, we know that not all forms of government in the world are like ours. Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. There are other forms of government which may or may not support the people that are governed. There is much about our government that we appreciate. We appreciate the freedoms allowed. The fact that we can meet openly with no fear is truly a blessing. But there are things we do not like about our governing officials as well. And I make that distinction because we like the idea of democracy but not the corruption which unfortunately we see among individuals who are supposed to be carrying out what is best for us. So we recognize the blessing of our type of government but do not appreciate those who use their position for their own gain.

B. Today we are going to look at the Christian’s response to government. We are going to center our thoughts on Romans 13 but will look at some other texts as well. Before we begin, let’s review a couple of points that I made a couple of weeks ago: first, we are aliens and strangers in this world. Our heavenly citizenship takes precedence over any earthly citizenship. Second, it is imperative that we recognize that our response to the events of this world is twofold — weep and keep our focus on following Christ. He is our Lord. This is our political statement — Jesus is Lord and we hold to him.

Government

A. The letter to the church in Rome was written at a critical time. In 49 A.D. Emperor Claudius had expelled all the Jews from Rome. According to a Roman historian, he did this because he thought that the Jews were causing problems surrounding a person called “Christ.” The idea was that Rome was open to multiple gods but did not want anyone claiming one God as superior. The connection between Jews and Christianity was clear in Claudius’ mind and the Jews were expelled. The Gentile believers remained in the city and became the leaders of the church in Rome. Around 54 A.D., the Jews were allowed to return to the city and with their return there were many disagreements between Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul wrote the letter we call Romans to deal with many of the difficulties they were having.

B. One of the topics which would have deserved some teaching was the response to government. After all, it was the government which had produced a division some five years earlier and so there would have been some distrust toward government. By 54 A.D. Christians were left alone. They were viewed as an isolated, extremist group. There was no direct persecution. That would come in about 8 years. So when Paul writes his letter, things are relatively calm between the Christians and government. This is not to suggest that 8 years later with persecution, Paul would have written something different. We will look at another text that is written later and see what that author had to say.

C. Paul makes three points in this text.

In verse 1, government comes from God. Some want to debate if Paul meant Roman government or government in general. I believe it is the latter that Paul has in mind. Daniel says the same thing in 2:21 and 4:32. God is sovereign over the kings and gives the kingdoms to those he wishes. Governments rise and fall. God is the originator of government.

ii. In verse 2, if one rebels against government then one is rebelling against God and judgment or punishment is the natural consequence. Paul is giving a general principle not a specific rule. There are other texts in which individuals went against authority because their rules led to disobedience of God. Daniel did this in Daniel 1 and the apostles did so in Acts 5 when they refused to stop preaching even though they had been commanded to stop. Paul’s point is that opposing government is the same thing as opposing God and one can expect some punishment.

iii. In verse 5, submit to government. Specifically he commends submission in terms of paying taxes in verse 6.

D. Peter’s first letter was written during a time of persecution. Christianity was now viewed as a distinct religion from Judaism and all Christians were subject to mistreatment. Peter’s letter was to Christians dispersed because of this persecution. In 2:13, Peter writes that they are to submit to every authority for the Lord’s sake. These rulers are there to punish evil doers. He quickly adds that they were to live as free men but not to be surprised if they should be persecuted for their faith. This is the experience of Jesus and we shouldn’t expect our experience to be any different.

What About Us?

A. We live in a country that allows much freedom. We are blessed to be in such a country and we are blessed that there were those who have died to purchase and preserve such freedoms. But the warning for us is to recognize that our freedoms do not exist in every nation. Nor did such freedoms exist for many Christians in the 1st century. Even Roman citizens were not exempt from persecution because of their allegiance to Christ. To say that Christ is Lord is a political statement. It means that we follow him; he is our supreme commander. We have eliminated all other potential rivals.

B. For us who live in a nation of freedom and thank God for such freedoms the danger is to mix our national freedom with Christianity and think they are one and the same. They are not. Part of what helps is to remember several items.

Jesus died for sinners before the nation of the United States existed.

ii. Jesus built his church before the United States existed.

iii. Jesus has been working in cultures before the United States existed.

iv. Jesus did not support a political party. He recognized that government existed and did not endorse a particular form of government for his followers to adhere to.

Spiritual truths are true in any nation and under any government not just in democracies.

vi. Jesus and his gospel will still remain and still be the rallying call of his people even if the United States no longer exists.

C. Jesus told Pilate in John 19:10 that his power existed only because God allowed it to exist. Isaiah notes in chapters 44 & 45 that God uses nations and leaders to carry out his purposes even though the nations and leaders may not know that God is using them. We are blessed that the passing of the presidency every four years takes place without military uprising; that we awake the next morning and can go to work. We do not worry if the outcome of an election does not please us. We support God’s gospel. That all would come under the Lordship of Jesus. We support God’s ways. And we weep when God’s ways are ignored, overlooked, or intentionally abandoned.

D. Followers of Jesus are to submit to government no matter its form or its intent. For it is not government which determines our faith nor our focus. Those in China may not be allowed a building but they can practice and adhere to their faith without a building. Those in Laos may have to mouth the words to songs because one can sing praise without noise. Our warning is not to assume that the United States is the means to bring about a godly nation into this world. We are called to be godly people and to influence our sphere of influence for Christ. Governments rise and fall.

E. A little over a year ago, the order was given to kill Osama bin Laden at his camp in Pakistan. The overall national sigh of relief was audible. A few weeks ago, as it became evident that the opposing political party had their presidential candidate selected the question was posed if the Republican candidate would order the killing of bin Laden just as the current president had. For several days the collective political pundits wondered aloud about which candidate had greater courage to kill a man. This is the nature of government — to punish and to reward. As Christians we weep that a man did evil and that with his death he will no longer have an opportunity to hear the gospel. There is a role for government and as Christians we are to submit to that role without losing sight that our true citizenship is in heaven. Invitation.

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