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The Christian And Government (Part 2)

July 5, 2020 Speaker: Ken Ramey Series: Romans

Topic: Government Passage: Romans 13:1–7

THEME: This is the clearest and most controversial passage in the New Testament regarding a Christian’s duty to earthly government. Even though we are aliens and strangers who are just passing through this fallen world on the way to our heavenly kingdom, the Bible teaches that we still have a responsibility to be loyal, obedient, respectful, law-abiding citizens here on earth. We must keep in mind that all governments are led by flawed, sinful people who may abuse their authority and rule harshly and unfairly and say and do the wrong thing. As such, all human government will be marked by some degree of corruption and injustice but that does not give us the right to rebel against it and seek to overthrow it. In vv. 1-7, Paul laid out THREE ASPECTS of our duty as Christians to honor and obey the governing authorities God has sovereignly placed over us; even when they fail.

 

  1. THE RULE ABOUT SUBMISSION (v. 1a)
  2. THE RATIONALE FOR SUBMISSION (vv. 1b-5)
  3. THE RESULT OF SUBMISSION (vv. 6-7)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

 

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings about the volatile atmosphere in our country right now? Have you struggled with maintaining a meek, respectful attitude toward others, particularly those in authority over you?
  2. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Titus 3:1-2, and 1 Peter 2:11-17. What can you learn from these passages about your responsibility as a Christian to be a loyal, obedient, respectful, law-abiding citizen? Are you tempted to be indifferent or self-righteous in view of the sinful degeneration of our country?
  3. Of all the people God has placed in authority over you, who is the most difficult to submit to (i.e. husband, parent, boss, teacher, pastor/elder, police, president, etc.)? Why is that so hard for you?
  4. Read Genesis 1:26-27 and 9:6. Why did God ordain the institution of government? What is its primary purpose? What will be the inevitable result of an absence of authority (cf. Judges 21:25)?
  5. Read Psalm 75:7, Isaiah 46:8-11, Jeremiah 27:5-8, Daniel 2:20-21, and 5:21. How do these verses affirm God’s sovereignty over world affairs, especially the rise and fall of governments? How does this encourage and comfort you?
  6. Read Exodus 1:15-20 and Acts 4:19-20, 5:28-29, 40-42. When is civil disobedience unavoidable and justifiable (e.g. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-cf. Dan. 1, 3, 6)?
  7. What are some questions that came to mind during today’s message and what difficult dilemmas do you still need to sort out in your heart and head in light of what Paul said in Romans 13:1-7?
  8. Thank God for His wisdom in ordaining government to protect you from your sinful self. Ask Him to forgive you for being disobedient or disrespectful to those He has placed in authority over you. Ask Him to help you be a loyal, law-abiding citizen and be salt and light in these turbulent times.

 

“Many interpretations of Romans 13:1-7 end up being explanations of what the text does not mean rather than what it does mean. Paul does not even mention exceptions. His concern is to get us to recognize the place that governing authorities rightly have under God as those placed over us. That should be the focus of our reading and application.”

 

Douglas Moo, Encountering The Book Of Romans, 173

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