The power of the Gospel changes our relationships with everyone. This “power of God for salvation for everyone who believes” in Jesus makes us citizens of his God’s Kingdom, it transforms us so we become like Christ, it gives us forgiveness through Jesus’ death, and it gives us new life as a Child of God. So how do we live while we still walk in this world?
In Chapter 12 Paul dug into the transformed outward behavior that we display, now he turns his attention to government. And not just any government, but the Roman government ruled by the Emperor Nero; the man who would eventually order Paul’s execution.
So, what does he say? Does her condemn the government as worldly and unnecessary to the Christian? Does he teach that lives, transformed such as ours have been, do not need earthly laws and we are therefore above the government?
No. He says that the government is God’s gift to us so that there may be peace and justice. He says that government has the right to use violence to enforce and preserve the well being of it’s citizens. He says we are to be subject to the government, to pay our taxes, and be good citizens.
That’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow sometimes. What about when the government is wicked? What about when it is unjust and pursues evil? Paul does not address that here, but it is clear from his activity that, just like the other Apostles, he felt the necessity to obey God rather than men. He does not say to obey the government at all times, he says to be subject to it. Where laws and government contradict God’s will we are to follow the One who loves us and gave his life for us! That bond is stronger than all others. Yet we are citizens of the nations we live in, and part of God’s transformation is for us to be good citizens.
Good citizens desire what is good for their country and work for it. We do that as citizens, not as self-appointed judges or princes! We do not force morality on others, nor is it our place to punish those who live contrary to the Gospel. For instance: it is wrong to use violence to stop abortion. We have not been given “the sword.” However, if God’s will is good (and it always is!), his design for our lives is right (again, it is!), and his ways are just (there is no justice apart from him!) does it not make sense that we should work to promote laws that reflect his good design for our lives? Laws that give true justice?
The key is in why we desire such laws and governance. We desire it out of love for our neighbor. This is part of that Gospel transformation; that we begin to love our neighbor and care for his well being. Love moves us to be good citizens: to pray for our leaders, to participate in government, to speak against injustice, etc.
Our principled obedience is a witness to the world that as redeemed Children of God who have been called out of this world we still care about what happens in this world. The government is there to provide the peace and structure so we can have good lives and share the Gospel. God’s intention is not that we should continually live in fear of our neighbors. We see that as a loving and good work.
On the other hand, when the government is unjust, our loving obedience to God and respectful disobedience to the government is also a powerful display of our love for our neighbor to show the transformation God has worked and is working in our lives through the Gospel.
Father in heaven, thank you for the government and for their work to protect me from danger and promote the general welfare of my country. I sometimes grumble about paying my taxes and the things the government does. Help me to be wise to know when such criticism is simply belly aching and when it is the result of a conflict against your will. Give me strength to follow your will and display your love through my words and actions in those moments when the government has turned away from the purpose you have given it. Bless my country with good and godly leaders who will pursue justice and do what is right for the sake of your people. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
In Chapter 12 Paul dug into the transformed outward behavior that we display, now he turns his attention to government. And not just any government, but the Roman government ruled by the Emperor Nero; the man who would eventually order Paul’s execution.
So, what does he say? Does her condemn the government as worldly and unnecessary to the Christian? Does he teach that lives, transformed such as ours have been, do not need earthly laws and we are therefore above the government?
No. He says that the government is God’s gift to us so that there may be peace and justice. He says that government has the right to use violence to enforce and preserve the well being of it’s citizens. He says we are to be subject to the government, to pay our taxes, and be good citizens.
That’s a bit of a bitter pill to swallow sometimes. What about when the government is wicked? What about when it is unjust and pursues evil? Paul does not address that here, but it is clear from his activity that, just like the other Apostles, he felt the necessity to obey God rather than men. He does not say to obey the government at all times, he says to be subject to it. Where laws and government contradict God’s will we are to follow the One who loves us and gave his life for us! That bond is stronger than all others. Yet we are citizens of the nations we live in, and part of God’s transformation is for us to be good citizens.
Good citizens desire what is good for their country and work for it. We do that as citizens, not as self-appointed judges or princes! We do not force morality on others, nor is it our place to punish those who live contrary to the Gospel. For instance: it is wrong to use violence to stop abortion. We have not been given “the sword.” However, if God’s will is good (and it always is!), his design for our lives is right (again, it is!), and his ways are just (there is no justice apart from him!) does it not make sense that we should work to promote laws that reflect his good design for our lives? Laws that give true justice?
The key is in why we desire such laws and governance. We desire it out of love for our neighbor. This is part of that Gospel transformation; that we begin to love our neighbor and care for his well being. Love moves us to be good citizens: to pray for our leaders, to participate in government, to speak against injustice, etc.
Our principled obedience is a witness to the world that as redeemed Children of God who have been called out of this world we still care about what happens in this world. The government is there to provide the peace and structure so we can have good lives and share the Gospel. God’s intention is not that we should continually live in fear of our neighbors. We see that as a loving and good work.
On the other hand, when the government is unjust, our loving obedience to God and respectful disobedience to the government is also a powerful display of our love for our neighbor to show the transformation God has worked and is working in our lives through the Gospel.
Father in heaven, thank you for the government and for their work to protect me from danger and promote the general welfare of my country. I sometimes grumble about paying my taxes and the things the government does. Help me to be wise to know when such criticism is simply belly aching and when it is the result of a conflict against your will. Give me strength to follow your will and display your love through my words and actions in those moments when the government has turned away from the purpose you have given it. Bless my country with good and godly leaders who will pursue justice and do what is right for the sake of your people. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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