THE BOOK OF ROMANS CHAPTER 13 - RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENTS

Mike Balloun teaches today. 03-06-21.

THE BOOK OF ROMANS CHAPTER 13
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENTS

VERSES: Luke 20:21-25; Matthew 17:25-27; 1st Timothy 2:1-5; Acts 5:29; Genesis 9:6

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We move forward, keeping our connection with what has preceded in Chapter 12, where the Roman Believers were encouraged in the understanding that God’s mercies had graciously been extended to them. This is seen from all the revelatory teaching laid out before them in the Epistle, highlighted in the ‘beseeching’ word of Romans 12:1… Therefore in the light of those great mercies; “present your bodies (souls) a living sacrifice…” So Chapter 12 was instruction on what our relationship with God, as followers of Christ, should be. That is followed by some instruction in Chapter 13 as to what our relationship with fellow Believers is to be, as well as some practical instruction on our relationship with unbelievers.

Here in Chapter 13, instruction on relationships turns to focusing on the governing bodies in the World. It could be considered as further commentary on what Christ Jesus had previously said before His Crucifixion as to the responsibility of all men under the authority of Rome… “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” [Luke 20:21-25] This is to be understood along with… “What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them (those who authorized and those who took up tribute, and those who were subjects paying tribute), go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” [Matthew 17:25-27]

Though Christ’s Kingdom was not of this World, (and the principle He set forth for His followers is that they, with Him were free, and not of this World) it is to be understood that we are ‘positionally’ spiritual residents of a higher kingdom while experientially we are subjects of this World’s Governments. Thereby we are subject to the laws of the land’s Governments wherein we are now to sojourn. And as will be expounded in this Chapter 13, to obey is to not be under the judgment in opposition to authorities God Himself has established. It should be noted that the Holy Spirit set the Scriptures in opposition to what the Church in Rome later would ignore in the ill-conceived doctrines brought forth out of the Roman Catholic Church, that being the great error of declaring the Pope Christ’s representative in the Earth and above all other governments and kings.

VERSES 1-4 “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. 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 (that minister generally not being aware of the spiritual implications). 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.”

In verse 1, it says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.” Every soul is used by Paul that it should be understood as a command beyond just Believers, which would include everyone on the face of the Earth. Here is found the clear state of reality; there is no governmental authority that is not to be considered appointed of God and therefore must be heeded. “Does that mean we are to obey ungodly men in authority? Yes. The letter to the Romans explicitly required them to honor the Emperor Nero as the appointed authority by God over the Empire of Rome. God has commanded Christians everywhere to adjust and obey those He appoints to rule. Thereby effectively rendering a Christian free from the necessity of following, practicing, analyzing, deciding who would be best or judging politics. Christians then should be, for the most part, directly uninvolved with governmental affairs of the World, other than the responsibility of praying for them. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and.....

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