Romans

(Vs 1.) “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

“Higher powers” are governmental powers. (Titus 3:1; I Peter 2:13-15; Pr 16:10) We should obey the government because God instituted government. Colossians 1:16 shows God created governmental power structures in both heaven and earth. Capital punishment was given back as far as Genesis 9:5,6. When Christ was here as a man, even He was subject to the government, even though it was the brutal Roman government ruling over His nation, Israel. (Mt 22:17-22)

Like all of God’s creations on earth, sin has corrupted government. Men misuse the power of government to do awful things, as, for example, Hitler and Saddam Hussien did. It is the office of government that God ordained, not the deeds of the men that fill the office.

(Vs 2.) “Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

“Damnation” means to be condemned, or to be judged and found wrong. (It does not mean sent to hell for eternity.)

Resisting the government is resisting a power structure that God set up, so it is wrong to do so.

However, God is the highest authority. If the government commands us to resist God, then we should obey God in that matter, not the government. For example: Acts 4:19,20 & 5:27-29 and Dan 3:10-18 & 6:5-10

(Vs 3.) “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”

(Vs 4.) “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”

A “minister” is an attendant, a servant who runs errands. The government runs the errands of keeping law and order in society for us. (I Tim 2:1-3)

God created the governmental structure for our good, to protect us from those who do evil. But if we do evil, we can expect to get in trouble with the law and be punished. (Rom 12:19; I Peter 4:15)

(Vs 5.) “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

We need to obey the government, not just because they will punish us if we don’t, but also because they are God’s ministers to keep law and order.

(Vs 6,7.) “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

It takes time and money to keep law and order, so pay your taxes and fees, and be thankful for all persons in governmental positions that do this for us, even if they do not do it perfectly. Remember that our government is probably far easier to live under than many, including the one Paul lived under.

Questions: How do you think we should respond to unfair taxation? Political corruption? Abortion? Fees and penalties? Should we be political activists?

These are questions that each of us face for ourselves before God. God has given us liberty to choose in a lot of these issues. * (Gal 5:13; I Cor 10:23) This chapter gives solid guidelines as to God’s will, so we can make good decisions.

*On our liberty, see the lesson covering Romans 8:14,15 about our adoption as sons, and our responsibility to make our own decisions according to God’s will.

Romans 13:1-7