Romans - Government Matters
Dave Riddle - 1/05/20
Key Passage: Romans 13:1-7
The Authority of the State
Romans 13:1 - let everyone submit
“Submit” - hypotassō (Greek: ὑποτάσσω) to place; arrange under; to post under; to subject; to be obedient, to carry a burden
Luke 2:51 - Jesus submitted to his parents’ authority.
Ephesians 5:21 - submit yourself to one another
John 19:11 - you would have no authority over me if it had not been given to you from above.
The Function of the State
Romans 13:3-4
We know that this isn’t always true.
Paul is expressing the ideal.
1. The state should exist to restrict and punish evil.
2. The state should promote and reward goodness
Is wrong to speak out against authority? No!
We have a right and a responsibility to do so when the state isn’t living up to these ideals.
Our Relationship with the State
Romans 13:5
Therefore, you must submit.
What about when the will of the state is at direct odds with the will of God?
Acts 5:27-29
We must obey God rather than men.
Romans 12:18 If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone
Romans 13:6-7
what do we owe?
Tangible - tolls and taxes
Intangible - respect and honor