Lesson 14—The Christian and Government (Chapter 13)
for December 10, 2000

Introduction

The “practical” section of Romans continues in chapter 13. The first half deals with the Christian’s attitude toward government. The second half contains teachings on a variety of topics with a prominent theme of love.

Submit to the government

The Christian’s relationship to secular government is a very important subject to those who would follow Jesus and do God’s will. Civil government has major impact on any person’s life, no matter what age or area of the world. Whether first century Rome or 21st century America, whether a city-state, nation-state, or a small tribe in remote bush, everyone must deal with how they are governed.
In the time of Jesus, there were groups among his own people who were at opposite ends of the spectrum in their relationship to the government. The Herodians supported Roman government in Palestine, while the Zealots bitterly opposed it. Some tried to lay a trap for Jesus with a question that, at its heart, dealt with attitudes toward civil authority (see Matthew 22:15-22). Jesus’ answer supported the right of government to exist and do its work.

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome in the middle of the first century, much of the civilized world was under the control of the Roman Empire, a dictatorship. Though the Roman Peace (Pax Romana) had its benefits for the spread of Christianity, the government was not always benevolent towards this new religion of Jesus. Tradition has it that Paul himself was put to death in the city of Rome by the government about 10 years from the time he wrote this letter.

What is a Christian to do? Should we submit to a godless government that does evil? Noting that there are people even in America (a democratic republic with incredible freedom and opportunity) who take great issue with the government over a range of topics, from taxes to gun control, the question is still relevant.

Paul’s answer is clear and matches with the teaching of Jesus. The Christian is to submit to the government, for it is established by God. Government exists for the basic good of its people. It is an agent of God, punishing those who do wrong.

Note three responsibilities of the Christian to government from this section:

Obey—the authority of government comes directly from God and should be observed (vv. 1-5); Christians have a duty to obey the law
Pay taxes—we need government, and they need to be paid (v. 6)
Give honor—since those who serve in government are God’s agents and servants, they deserve a measure of respect (v. 7)

Other instructions

After commenting on the Christian’s behavior toward authorities, the chapter continues with instructions on other aspects of Christian behavior. First, Christians are not to have debts that they do not pay. It is not just people of the current time who have taken on debt and defaulted. It has been a problem for a long time.

Paul uses that instruction on debt to initiate a discussion on love. The only unpaid debt should be the debt of love we owe everyone. Here is another instance in God’s word when the emphasis is placed on love. If we have love, then we will fulfill all the other commandments of God.

With love as a primary pursuit, we should also keep in mind our situation in this world. As is presented in other settings in the New Testament, Paul notes that time for this world is short (in God’s view). Thus, the Christian should think about his salvation. This provides another motivation for godly living. Get rid of evil in your lives, Paul says, and do what Jesus wants.

Questions

1. Do the teachings of Jesus and Paul agree on submission to civil authority?
2. In what sense can we say that a godless or evil government is “established by God”?
3. How has the one who loves his fellowman “fulfilled the law”?
4. What does Paul mean when he says, “The night is nearly over, the day is almost here”?
5. How do we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ?

Application

1. It is easy to submit to government when we agree with its policies and actions. What should the Christian response be when you disagree with its policies? Support your answer from the Bible.
2. What should the Christian do if the government requires an ungodly action?
3. Which of the three Christian responsibilities toward government mentioned in Romans 13 is most difficult for you?
4. Some have said that Paul is teaching that Christians should never incur debt. Can you refute that argument?
5. Use this occasion to reevaluate the priority of love in the various relationships in your life. Are you paying that continuing debt?
6. The world has been around so long; it is easy to be lulled into a sense of security in the world. What do we need to do to wake up and consider our salvation and lifestyle?