The Epistle to the Romans
A Home Bible Study – Lesson 25
VI. Service,
12:1—
C. God’s will for
us with regard to government, 13:1-7
v 1, subjection/submission
1. applies to everyone
2. all power is from God
3. present powers are ordained of God
· But what about corruption in government?
v 2, to
resist the government is to resist God
There is a penalty (from God,
through the govt) for resistance. It is
not "damnation" in the sense of loss of eternal life, but rather
"condemnation" here and now by the govt.
· But what about corruption in government?
v 3, Who
needs to fear the government?
1. Those who do good?
No.
Does this mean the govt will
never harm a good person? (No)
Then what does it mean?
2. Those who do evil?
Yes.
3.
But
what about corruption in govt?
v 4, Like it
or not, the govt and govt officials are ministers of God to us to punish evil
and reward good.
v 5, two
reasons to be subject
1. wrath (from the govt)
2. conscience (toward God)
vv 6-7, some
specifics
1. Pay your taxes.
2. Keep a good attitude, as unto God, remembering who is
in control.
This good attitude involves
reverence and honor toward govt officials, as ministers of God – even those who
are personally corrupt. It also involves
the responsibility to pray for them.
(See 1 Timothy 2:1-3.)