Governing with Authority

Romans 13:1-7

Romans 13 continues the topic of love but with a twist. We show love with how we respect those in authority. Governing authority is established by God to bring correction and justice.

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. Romans 13:4 (NIV)

In verse 4, Paul establishes two principles for those in authority:

• to do good to those who obey and respect authority
• to punish the wrongdoer

Many could ask what happens to those in authority who abuse their power. For example, what happens when lawmakers making the good things in life evil or pass laws that blur the ethical standards in a society? What happens when authority bans Christianity and imprisons or kills those who practice it? Well all of that has happened and still happens (The Soviet Union, Communists China, the Nazi regime, the Inquisitions, etc).

In my opinion, I think such authority ceases to represent God when they use evil to rule. Regardless, authority is a tool of God. I don't know how far I personally would go if authority tried to undo the teaching I give my children on the truth of the Bible, so don't push me!

All kidding aside, I have a thought roaming that I need to flesh out here. My kids attend a government school which denies my faith and squelches their ability to practice this faith. Is it wrong to pull them from the school system? Do I take my kids away from an opportunity to keep faith in the local school system? The answer is complicated. On the one hand, my kids, if taught correctly at home, can be change agents for Christ as His ambassadors in the government's educational system. On the other hand, I am entrusted with their care and education. I am the one ultimately held responsible. So kudos to those who keep their kids in school and to those who have taken the responsibility to provide home schooling and to those who use private schooling as an alternative.

Back to the study: The governing authority is to do good to those who do good and punish the wrongdoers. What's my job?

1. Submit to authority - To submit is to comply, obey, or agree to the authority. Paul says in verse 7 to submit means to pay taxes, pay revenue, give respect, and give honor.
2. Do right - I fear nothing if I do right. I have used this before and return to it again; there is not any law against the pure fruit of the Spirit which should govern my actions (Galatians 5:22, 23).

My conscience, under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, will bear out my wrongdoings if I am doing wrong. I bring ugliness to my faith when I do not practice what is right. Jesus stood up in the face of the Pharisees and Roman oppression. David stood up against Saul by doing right. Many of the apostles suffered under oppression for their faith, yet they continued doing the right things. Christians were persecuted for their faith, yet the world changed because they continued doing right.

Whether governing authorities are right or wrong, they will also face God's judgment. Their deeds do not go unnoticed. Making governing difficult brings God's judgment and wrath against us. So do right and submit to authority. Your eternal life may depend on it (as well as the sake of others).

• How has authority discouraged you in the past? How did you react? How would you have reacted after reading these verses?
• How can we show proper, God honoring, respect to authority?
• How can we properly honor the work of those in authority?