Romans 13:1-7

Sinful humanity is rebellious.  We rebel against authority in every form.  We rebel against God, the authority of our parents, and most of all we love to rebel against governments.  Christians having reconciled with God, recognize that our rebelliousness against Him was unrighteous.  We recognize that most teenage rebellion is without righteous justification.  Yet, down through history, Christians have still clung to the belief that rebellion against government is easily justified.

Earthly authority serves a purpose in God’s plan.  God instituted earthly authority to do things that righteous people cannot do.  Scripture teaches Christians not to be judgmental.  It teaches that we are not to exact vengeance.  However, for the good of society, someone must judge and punish wickedness.  This is a role of government in God’s plan for humanity.  Genesis makes clear that only earthly authority has God’s permission to “bear the sword” and administer the death penalty.  Where authorities do not provide justice, chaos and terror reign.

Individuals cannot take money from others by force, even if they are doing it for the common good.  Earthly authorities can and must.  Taxes are a necessity to provide for the security of the people.  We do not like to pay taxes, especially when we do not approve of how they are spent.  In spite of that, common sense tells us that not everyone can be in authority.

Paul is not telling us that God approves of every single ruler and every government.  He is telling us that rulers and governments are a necessity to prevent the chaos that sin would cause without them.  He is not writing this letter to our century, he is writing it to the church at Rome; a church ruled by the Roman Emperor Nero.  He is telling them that in spite of the many shortcomings, and in some matters, absolute wickedness of their authorities, God would not approve a rebellion.  Paul does not tell them to be obedient to the governing authorities.  Christians should be subject to government, but we owe obedient only to God.