Romans 13:1-7
Oct 6, 2024
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church of Ballincollig
I. Introduction (Romans 13:1-7)
A. We are beginning a New Chapter – Romans Chapter 13
1. Romans 13:1 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.
2. Romans 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3. Romans 13:3 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:
4. Romans 13:4 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.
5. Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6. Romans 13:6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
B. Commanding every person to “submit to the governing authorities over them”
C. These are strong, clear words!
D. A Touchy Subject
1. In Romans 13, Paul’s big idea is a touchy subject: submission to authority.
2. Submission can be hard to accept, especially when we demand our rights to protest, or voice our opposing ideas.
3. After all, if those in authority were elected by the people (like many are today), shouldn’t the people have a say in what an authority does and how they do it?
4. The Apostle Paul gives blunt answers to these kinds of questions, even though there was nothing like an elected democracy back in his day.
E. Submission to authority has nothing to do with those in authority…
F. But everything to do with God’s authority
1. Submitting to authority has nothing to do with a rulers’ godliness, competence, or any other qualification. Instead, God’s call for our submission to their authority is grounded in God’s authority.
2. The only authorities that exist are the ones whom God has placed there, according to His sovereign plan.
3. So if you are used to rebelling against authorities over you, you are actually fighting against God!
II. Message
A. Subject Yourself to the Higher Powers (Romans 13:1)
1. Romans 13:1 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.
2. Listen to these key words:
a. Every soul – these words are for every person, but especially Christians
b. Subject – very important word. It means to take a place under someone else
c. Higher Powers – there are higher powers over all of us, both physical, AND spiritual
3. What does all that mean?
a. God is saying, Place yourself under the authorities that exist where you live
b. Even when those authorities are hard to obey, or don’t make sense
c. For the Christian there are lines that we will not cross - when our authority tells us to do something that is against God and against our conscience and against the scriptures
d. But the Christian generally surrenders their will to the will of their authority. That is what it means to submit, and subject ourselves to powers that are over us
e. As citizens, employees, children, wives, disciples, workers, voters, drivers, neighbours, parents, Christians…
B. Why Subject Ourselves? (Romans 13:1,2)
1. Romans 13:1,2 …there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
2. #1 Because All Powers and All Authorities are actually put in place by God
a. Despite what we might think, God has a hand in appointing ruling authorities.
b. God put them there, and gave them their power and authority over you and I
c. All authorities are ordained of God – they were put in power by the sovereignty of God – this is very important to grasp
d. So, That means GOD is actually in control of things, and not some human authority
1) God put Pharaoh into power (Romans 9:17) For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
2) God put Nebuchadnezzar into power (Daniel 4:17) This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
3) Neither of them were godly men, yet they were in positions by the will of God
4) And all men needed to let them be in charge
e. Even Satan is under God’s authority and power – see Job 1 – he is on a leash
3. #2 Rulers are actually a blessing to have - anarchy is a disaster (Romans 13:3,4)
a. Listen to Romans 13:3,4 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: 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.
b. So, Rulers are a terror to the evil that is in all of us
1) Not just in other bad people
2) But in US Christians as well - Paul is writing directly at CHRISTIANS “if thou…”
c. Rulers generally will praise and honour good behaviour and good acts
d. Authority comes with power - power to enforce laws – did you notice the sword?
e. And it comes with responsibility - God requires rulers to bring justice and punish evil doers (2Samuel 23:3) The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
f. Even bad rulers, oppressive rulers and tyrants are in a God ordained place of authority
1) They usually are the kind of ruler that a nation deserves – this truth is hard to hear but it is a mature statement and so true
2) The nations that have tyrants are experiencing the curse of forgetting God. They may be religious but every nation that turns its back on the God of the Bible and on the laws of the Bible will be turned into hell, guaranteed
3) Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
4. #3 Because rebellion is our root sin
a. Benjamin Spock said in his lectures back in the 1950’s to allow your children to throw TEMPER TANTRUMS – don’t force them to obey – let them find their own way
b. Yet, anyone who's been alive for over 40 years has seen the result of that philosophy
c. Violence has only increased, and society has disintegrated!
d. God says just the opposite when He tells us to humble ourselves and submit ourselves to our authorities
C. Who are the Higher Powers?
1. Most people only have one authority – they belly (Philippians 3:18,19) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
2. God. He is the absolute authority over the universe (Psalm 100). Almighty God. The most high God!
3. Jesus. A person who says they are submitted to God, but is not submitted to the words of Jesus Christ, is a liar.
4. Your Parents - no matter how old you are, you need their influence - listen to them - let them have input in your life! Submit as long as they do not go against clear Scripture.
5. Your Government – no matter where you live
a. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Police, Fire Brigade
b. They are above us in power and authority, and must be generally obeyed
c. This all used to be taught and believed
6. Older Folks (1Peter 5:5)
a. 1Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
b. Let an “elder” have input into your life - don’t be so independent!
c. Younger women MUST listen to older women, and younger men MUST listen to older men (Titus 2).
d. Again, this only goes until they tell you to do something unscriptural.
7. Your Pastor (Hebrews 13:17)
a. Hebrews 13:7,8 Remember [BE MINDFUL OF] them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith [YOU NEED TO] follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
b. God placed a pastor over you to guide and protect you and your family - like a shepherd. So allow him to “lead” you! Thank God for a pastor that challenges you to do right!
8. Your Employer – Masters is a Biblical word, not a racist word
a. 1Peter 2:18 Servants [NOT SLAVES], be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
b. Titus 2:9,10 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
c. God placed you under your employer! They need to know that their best workers are Christian workers!
9. Ladies, Your Husband (Ephesians 5:22-24)
a. Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
b. The Bible says for a wife to be in submission to her own husband. If you don’t want to let him lead, then don’t marry. If you are married, start letting him lead the home, and lead you! It is not as dangerous as you imagine. It is just hard. But it actually defeats the devil. Contention invites him right into your home!
c. Now gentlemen, Live by the same rules you make for your wife. Allow your wife to disagree, and make sure you discuss things with her so that just one person isn’t always making all decisions. She is an equal partner in your home – not inferior.
10. Only God is a perfect authority to obey, and so, we obey all our authorities because we seek to obey and honour God – full stop!
11. By-the-way: Your children are NOT an authority, and neither are your friends! Stop letting them decide what you do or don’t do!
D. What is government?
1. Government is not just laws. It is people who enforce those laws.
2. It is a group of people who direct and control the actions and conduct of the majority of other people, usually by established laws, but often by their own will.
3. In free states, men are never free to do as they please, but are governed by laws.
4. In a dictatorship, men are governed by edicts and commands of the leaders without law.
5. So, there are always people in charge, but you must remember that they are also responsible to people above them.
a. Passengers and ship workers answer to the ship’s Captain.
b. The Ship’s Captain answers to the ship’s owner.
c. And often the ship’s owner answers to those who commissioned him and pay him to be the Captain – most everybody has someone above them, as an authority
d. Isn’t it true that the general population have to do what the Garda say?
e. The Garda answer to their superiors, commissioners
f. Their superiors answer to the Taoiseach
g. And the Taoiseach answers to God, and in our democracy, back to US!
6. Today, thankfully, we can VOTE for our authorities, but that is because we are operating under laws, like the Bible. Our nation is a republic not a democracy that we live in. I think it is one of the safest kind of governments – but it is not without problems
E. God Ordained does not mean Godly
1. Powerful people do not have special protection from sin. Just because God ordains positions of power does not mean powerful people have special protection from sin
2. God invests people with authority, but that does not guarantee they will exercise it as He intended.
3. Many rulers are unjust – obey them anyways
4. God placed Pharaoh in authority and used Pharaoh’s disobedience to make His own power known (Romans 9:17) For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
5. Being a pastor or missionary does not mean we are protected from sinning! Often we imagine that just because someone is called by God to be a pastor or missionary means they are protected from sinning - nope!
6. Because you are not obeying them… you are submitting to God
a. 1Peter 2:18-21 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
b. So, even in the face of unjust authority, it is still better to submit and suffer than to rebel.
7. Peter goes on to remind us of Jesus as an example of suffering unjust judgment (1Peter 2:21–24), that we might follow in His steps.
a. 1Peter 2:21-24 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
F. Why Should We Allow Imperfect People Rule Our Lives?
1. They can tax our money – robbery!
2. They can limit our lives and freedoms
3. They can abuse us – 80% of the world is abused by their rulers!
4. Because God says to – we are Bible obeyers aren’t we?
a. “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” (Romans 13:1).
b. Remember… God has ultimate control of this universe
c. He will judge bad leaders
d. And He usually is using bad leaders to humble US
e. Paul urges submission to authority based on the divine origins of that authority rather than the rulers’ capabilities or godliness.
f. Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.
g. 1Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake.
5. This is definitely NOT an easy thing because as Christians, we see injustices usually clearer than others, but injustices don’t demand riots
6. And when men and women submitted themselves to their authorities, they were honoured
7. Examples in the Bible of people who obeyed and submitted to their authorities, and were blessed by God for doing it
a. Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:4) submitted himself to Potiphar
b. Daniel - carried away captive, and had to serve a wicked heathen king, but had a limit (Daniel 1,3) – would not defile himself
c. The Apostles, Peter (Acts 5), and Paul (Acts 21:17-26)
d. Esther overturned attempted genocide THROUGH her submission to her husband, king Ahasuerus
e. Sarah became a great example to women everywhere because she submitted to her husband Abraham, and followed him even though he had no idea where he was going!
8. Submit Because rulers have authority from God
a. Romans 13:1 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.
b. Did you know that even though Israel was occupied by a foreign power – Rome – and its streets were filled with Roman soldiers, Jesus never resisted them, and even said if a Roman soldier commanded you to carry their rucksack a mile, they were to carry it TWO miles!
c. So next time you find yourself complaining about the UN, and all the wrongs in government, remember, jesus took the place on the cross of someone who tried to overthrow the Roman oppression – Barabbas!
9. Submit For stability and quietness and peace
a. When God allowed mankind to do as he or she pleased, the violence of Genesis chapter 6 was the result - it is called the time / dispensation of Conscience. It lead to disaster!
b. After the flood, God told all of mankind to live by rules and laws, and to submit to authorities, and that those authorities have the power to punish evil doers – even to carry out capital punishment on murderers.
10. Submit Because of Condemnation / physical judgment (Romans 13:2-4) - you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)
a. Romans 13:2-4 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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.
b. People ought to fear punishment by the State – I don’t want to get a fine for speeding, or go to jail for stealing.
c. God gave rulers a sword to enforce the laws – and that is a good thing!
d. Resistance is wrong unless what you are being asked to do is clearly against Scripture
1) Acts 4:17-20 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
2) A doctor being told to perform abortions (Exodus 1) - that doctor is guilty of murder, and judged by God as wrong.
3) A Christian being asked to sell liquor (Habakkuk 2:15). God will chastise a Christian for going against the Scripture that saved them!
4) A teacher being told to teach pornography to their class
e. Most people love to rebel because it is in their nature - but that is why God gave parents the responsibility to break that rebellion, and get their children to conform to doing right (Proverbs 22:15, Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.) - or else they will only cause and reap ruin! That is why God created human government - to put limits on freedom, because human nature is flawed, and rebellious.
f. Rebellion only brings God’s judgment against YOU instead of those that it belongs on
11. For Conscience sake (Romans 13:5)
a. Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
b. Submit because you have to live with yourself - that’s why people drink, and turn their music up so loud - to drown out the guilt, shame, and remorse for past deeds and rebellion and hurts that THEY have inflicted, not just that have inflicted on them.
c. Submit because you have to live with the Holy Spirit inside (Ephesians 4:30-32) - the Holy Spirit within the Christian will plague the disobedient Christian until they get right with God.
d. Submit because God chastens and punishes rebels to authority, just as much as he punishes bad authorities!
G. What is Our Response to All Authorities? As citizens, employees, children, wives, disciples, workers, voters, drivers, neighbours, parents, Christians…
1. Be Subject – Come under their authority – let them tell you what you can and cannot do
a. Do we not do that already with God? We should!
b. Those who rebel against human authority are doing it because they are fighting God’s authority over their lives!
c. Romans 13:5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
d. Humble yourself and go along with their commands - not ever murmuring
e. Obey until God’s laws are crossed (Exodus 1:7-17)
f. Maintain a meek, quiet, but resolved spirit - like Christ – to honour their authority as unto Christ!
2. Be Better
a. Do as they say, but not as they do (Matthew 23:1-5)
1) Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2) Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3) Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
4) Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5) Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments.
b. Do NOT think, live, act or do like politicians, and people with great power
c. Be better than they are. They don’t obey their own laws. But we will!
d. Be Christ-like!
3. Be Thankful – Tell them, “Thank you for your service” – they are ministers of God!
4. Pay Your Taxes
a. Romans 13:6,7 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
b. Matthew 22:17-21 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
c. Taxes used to be for the purpose of paying for your officials but now it is to pay for everything
d. They provide a service – it is not just obey them… you need to support them
e. Every government is ordained to provide benefits through taxes. Note three points.
1) Rulers are God’s ministers who are appointed for this “very thing”; that is, God appoints rulers as ministers to minister to the people. The rulers are to minister by providing certain benefits for the citizens.
2) The government provides justice, protection, and services for its citizens. It is the agreement between the law and the people to live by the law that keeps the strong from dominating the weak. It keeps life from becoming the law of the jungle. It is also the state that often provides services such as roads, public transportation, and electricity.
3) The government keeps the world from diving into chaos. Whatever peace is known within a country, it is known through the government that exists. It is not perfect peace, but usually within its boundaries there is a semblance of peace. Therefore, man is to work for worldwide peace through the framework of government.
f. The believer is, therefore, to pay taxes. Every citizen is obligated to the government for the benefits which he receives from the state. Certain benefits come from the cooperative effort of people within a state. A man could not receive these benefits acting as an individual. These benefits and privileges are his because the government has brought them about. Therefore, the man is obligated to the state to pay his share.
5. Treat Them with Respect
a. “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king” (1Peter 2:17).
b. “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people” (Acts 23:5).
6. Pray FOR Them, by name, and for all the right reasons
a. 1Timothy 2:1,2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
b. Most of you have a bad attitude towards all authorities – start praying for them, and pray for you to do what they say do – speed limits, tax amounts, etc
7. Know the Lines you Cannot Cross
a. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced Nebuchadnezzar’s idol and were commanded to bow and worship it, but they would not bow (Daniel 4) and they were right to not submit to that command!
b. Acts 5:27-29 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
8. Stand up to wrongs, but not to authority
a. Our nation needs to see Christians who honour authority
b. Respect people’s authority, and generally comply
1) Yes people make stupid laws
2) But unless those laws clearly go against Scripture, we have to obey them
c. But if our rulers make unjust laws, and wicked laws
1) Expose them
2) Call men and women to righteousness
3) Expect persecution
4) Trust God to use His words to change our nation
III. Conclusion
A. There are times when a people must confront their authorities for wrong-doing
1. Like the Germans should have done when its leaders started murdering Jews and Polish
2. Like we must do as our nation continues to murder unborn children, and teach pornography to our children
B. But, the majority of time, we subject ourselves to all authority as a rule – we don’t fight and argue over everything we don’t like – we comply. That may not be easy for you, but it is a Biblical command!
C. And we pray for our authorities
D. Because it is the only way to save any nation, any family, any marriage
E. We conquer the most wicked sin of pride, arrogance and rebellion in US by humbling ourselves under God’s mighty hand, and placing ourselves willingly under our authorities
1. Who are you fighting? It is usually an authority God has placed over you
2. Who have you rebelled against?
3. It’s time to confess it as wrong on YOUR part, to Gid and then to them!
4. And THAT will allow God to change the heart of your harsh authority