God and the Authorities

As we approach the fourth of July, we will use the occasion for a message about God and Country. In Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians at Rome, he writes: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:1-7)

Paul begins by stating that "everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities." He allowed for no exceptions. Perhaps some Christians were advocating the position that they should only answer to God. Paul gives three reasons why people are to be in submission to the authorities. Reason number one is that "no authority exists except that which God has established." He adds, "the authorities that exist have been established by God." So the theological reason for submitting is that everyone who is in a position of authority is permitted or allowed to be there because of God's will. This may be difficult to understand since some terrible dictators have existed in this century and in history. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with how God could use a ruthless people to punish the Hebrews until the Lord explained that he would use the Babylonians for his purposes and then use others to punish them.

The second reason Paul gives for people to obey authority is so they need not fear punishment. He reminds them that the authorities are "God's servants who act as agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers." That is the reason that they "bear the sword" or carry a gun. Can you imagine living in a society where there was no one to keep the criminals and terrorists in check? If you do not do anything wrong, and you show respect then you have nothing to fear. If an officer stops you for some reason, try and be cooperative and help them do their job. If you do this you will have a clear conscience.

The third reason for submitting to authorities is that those individuals who hold those positions do so as their full-time jobs. They need to be remunerated for their work. About eighty percent of every government budget I have ever seen involves salaries and benefits. Someone has to pay the soldiers, the police, the firemen, the teachers, etc. That is why Paul says that we "owe them our taxes, revenue, respect, and honor."

What We Owe the New President

Whether you voted for President elect Barack Obama or not, according to the Scriptures, there are certain things that you owe the new President.

In one of the best known statements by Jesus regarding our obligations to the government, He said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

The context of this statement was a question Jesus was asked whether it is right to pay taxes to Caesar or not” (Matthew 22:17). “Caesar” was the head of the Roman Empire—the occupying power of the Holy Land in the days of the New Testament. Jesus correctly pointed out our dual obligations to the governing authorities and to God.

According to Romans 13:1-7, Christians must submit to the governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established” (v 1). There are legitimate expenses of government for which we owe our share of taxes to pay for its support. A primary purpose of government is the protection of its citizens and the punishment of “wrongdoers” (v 4). This would include the service of the Police and the Military.

The Apostle Paul concludes the passage with this statement: “Give to everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (v 7).

Paul also added some spiritual obligations for Christians when he wrote to Timothy in one of his pastoral epistles. “I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made to everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”(1Timothy 2:1-2).

So to recap, our responsibilities start with prayer “for all those in authority.” The list also includes: honor and respect (for the position), obedience to the laws including the payment of “revenue (fees) and taxes.” The reason we “owe” our leaders these things is the recognition that all authorities have their position because of a Sovereign God who is the ultimate ruler of the universe.

Of all the things listed above, by far the most important one is prayer. I remember an evangelical leader sharing an experience he had with President Johnson. This minister was invited to a reception in the White House. As usual the President was standing at the door welcoming the guests. When it came time to shake hands and exchange a greeting, he simply said to the President, “I regularly pray for you.” Hearing that, President Johnson grasped him with both hands and profusely thanked him.

Here’s a thought: If we prayed more, we might have less to complain about.