The 8 Arenas – Politics – Romans 13:1–7

The 8 Arenas of Life – Week 3 – Politics

• Have you ever felt like your faith is being pulled in two directions?
• Like, no matter where you land politically
• Someone questions your Christianity?
• One side says,
• “If you were really a follower of Jesus, you’d vote this way.”
• The other says,
• “If you cared about people like Jesus did, you’d stand over here.”
• And there you are… caught in the middle.
• Confused.
• Frustrated.
• Maybe even tempted to check out entirely.
• But what if I told you
• That Jesus didn’t come to take sides
• He came to take over?
• That Jesus is not just a Sunday morning Savior,
• But a King who claims every part of our lives
• Including our politics?
• This is Week 3 of our series The 8 Arenas of Life.
• We’ve been asking one big question every single week:

What Would My Life Look Like if Jesus Were the One Voice I Followed in Every Arena?

• In how I spend my money.
• In how I treat people.
• In who I date, what I watch, how I work.
• And today
• In what I believe about government, power, and politics.
• Because here’s the truth:
• We don’t need another political figure.
• We need a King worth following
• And His name is Jesus.
• Jesus doesn’t belong to a political party.
• He doesn’t run for office every four years.
• He reigns right now.
• And when we try to squeeze Him into our side of the aisle,
• We miss the point.
• Because Jesus isn’t campaigning for our vote
• He’s calling for our allegiance.
• So today,
• We will be reminded that we are not voters first
• But we are citizens of heaven first
• People whose politics are shaped by the cross, not just a cause.

Romans 13:1–7.

¹Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.

² So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.

³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval.

⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.

⁵ Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.

⁶ And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.

⁷ Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.

• If Jesus really is Lord
• How does that change the way we think about politics?
• Not just how we vote—but how we live.
• Not just how we engage power—but how we respond to it.
• Not just who we support—but where we place our ultimate trust.
• Because when Jesus is Lord,
• It redefines everything.
• In fact, Jesus Shapes Everything
• We will look at three ways he does this today
• By looking at how:
• Jesus Shapes Our Allegiance
• Jesus Shapes Our Posture &
• Jesus Shapes Our Convictions
• Let’s look at the first one

Point 1: Jesus Shapes Our Allegiance

Romans 13:1–2 (CSB)

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves.”

• Let’s pause here for a moment.
• This isn’t a bumper-sticker verse.
• It’s not the kind of passage you embroider on a pillow.
• But it is the Word of God
• Spoken into one of the hardest areas of our lives:
• How we respond to earthly power.
• And the one writing it Paul
• Isn’t writing this from a calm, Christian-friendly nation.
• He’s writing to believers living in the belly of the beast—Rome.
• The same Rome that would eventually throw Christians to lions.
• The same Rome that declared Caesar to be god.
• The same Rome that executed Paul himself.
• And yet… Paul still says:

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities.”

• That should make us stop and ask: Why?
• Why would God tell His people to submit
• Even under pressure, persecution, and political corruption?
• Here’s why:
• Because every earthly authority exists under a higher one.
• God is still on the throne.
• And no government,
• No system,
• No leader
• Will ever dethrone Him.
• This doesn’t mean every decision is holy.
• It doesn’t mean every leader is righteous.
• But it does mean we don’t freak out
• When it feels like the world is falling apart.
• Because our allegiance is first and foremost
• To a King who never loses control.
• Let’s break this down so that it can be more helpful to each of us
• First

Submission Is Not the Same as Agreement.

• Paul is not saying:
• “Like everything your leaders do.”
• He’s not saying: “Agree with every law.”
• He’s saying: Live under authority with humility and order.
• Why?
• Because order is a gift from God.

1 Corinthians 14:33 (CSB)

“Since God is not a God of disorder but of peace…”

• In a world that thrives on chaos and conflict,
• Followers of Jesus are called to be people of peace and structure.
• That doesn’t mean silence.
• But it does mean we do it differently.
• We don’t stir up rebellion for rebellion’s sake.
• We don’t throw matches on every fire.
• Because submission is a way of showing the world:
• “My trust isn’t in human power—it’s in King Jesus”
• Next, we have to remember

Earthly Leaders Are Not Ultimate.

• Look again at Romans 13:1:

“There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”

• That includes every president, senator, school board member, and judge.
• Even when we don’t understand it,
• God is not surprised.
• By who is or is not in office

Daniel 2:21 (CSB)

“He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings.”

• Think about it:
• God used Pharaoh to show His power through plagues.
• He used Cyrus, a pagan king, to rebuild His temple.
• And He used the Roman cross
• A corrupt political weapon
• To redeem the world.
• God doesn’t just work in spite of government.
• He can work through it, even when it’s broken.
• That means we can rest, knowing:
• No election outcome can stop God’s plan.
• Third

Our Primary Citizenship is in Heaven.

• We should be aware of what happens around us.
• We should care.
• We should show up for our cities and our schools.
• But at the end of the day,
• We belong to a different Kingdom.

Philippians 3:20 (CSB)

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

• That changes everything.
• It means
• We don’t find our identity in political wins or losses.
• We don’t panic when culture shifts.
• We don’t idolize any earthly power.
• (SLOW DOWN)
• Because we are not first and foremost Americans,
• Or conservatives, or progressives
• We are ambassadors of the Kingdom of Jesus.
• He is our King.
• His cross is our flag.
• His gospel is our mission.
• Because

Politics Can Never Save Us.

• Let’s say this clearly:
• The next law won’t save us.
• The next politician won’t heal us.
• The next Supreme Court case won’t transform hearts.
• Because sin is deeper than legislation
• And salvation is found in only one name:

Acts 4:12 (CSB)

“There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.”

• That name is not a party.
• It’s not a platform.
• It’s not a candidate.
• It’s Jesus!
• Yes—policies matter.
• Yes—we should use wisdom and compassion when considering what we are voting for.
• But let’s never forget:
• The world changes when people meet Jesus
• Not when ballots are cast.
• Yet
• Let’s be honest:
• Sometimes the government does what is evil.
• And Romans 13 is not a blank check to obey wickedness.

Acts 5:29 (CSB) tells us

“Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than people.’”

• When the government asks us to sin,
• Or to stop doing what God commands,
• We stand with God.
• But hear me on this:
• The posture of biblical resistance is
• Humble—not angry.
• Peaceful—not violent.
• Faithful—not entitled.

Think of:

• Daniel, who kept praying.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who wouldn’t bow.
• The apostles, who preached Christ even in prison.
• They didn’t riot.
• They didn’t slander on social media
• They simply said, “We belong to a higher King.”
• Finally, we need to consider how we talk about our leaders
• Let’s get really practical here:
• How do you talk about the leaders you didn’t vote for?
• Do you mock them?
• Do you rant about them online?
• Do you roll your eyes every time their name is mentioned?
• Or… do you do what Scripture commands?

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (CSB)

“I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority…”

• That includes the ones we didn’t choose.
• The ones we disagree with.
• Even the ones who have failed morally.
• Why? Because Jesus is Lord.
• And when we remember that
• We can pray, even when we’re frustrated.
• We don’t honor leaders because they deserve it.
• We honor them because we worship a God who tells us to.
• So, if Jesus is the One who shapes our allegiance…
• If He’s King above every earthly ruler…
• Then how do we live it out?
• How do we engage as people of peace in a culture of outrage?
• That brings us to our next point:

Point 2: Jesus Shapes Our Posture.

1 Peter 2:13–17 (CSB)

¹³ Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority

¹⁴ or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good.

¹⁵ For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.

¹⁶ Submit as free people, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves.

¹⁷ Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

• Let’s take a breath here.
• This is not easy stuff.
• We’re not just being called to obey government.
• We’re being called to obey
• With a posture that reflects the character of Jesus.
• Peter says something radical here:
• “Submit… because of the Lord.”
• “Honor the emperor.”
• That’s not blind obedience
• It’s purposeful living.
• Peter isn’t saying, “The emperor is righteous.”
• He’s saying,
• “Your obedience to Christ shapes how you treat people in power.”
• And remember
• Peter is writing to exiles.
• People on the margins.
• People under threat.
• People watching the culture drift away from God’s truth.
• Sound familiar?
• And what’s his instruction?
• Don’t panic.
• Don’t isolate.
• Don’t retaliate.
• Instead:
• Live with gospel-shaped posture.
• So, what does that look like?
• First

Christians Are Called to be People of Honor.

• Read the last verse again

1 Peter 2:17 (CSB)

“Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

• There’s no asterisk here.
• No “unless you disagree politically.”
• No “unless they offend your sensibilities.”
• Honor doesn’t mean agree.
• Honor means treat with dignity
• Because every human is made in the image of God.

That includes:

• The leader who frustrates you.
• The person with the opposite vote.
• The person when you get around them who won’t stop talking about politics.
• Imagine what it would look like
• If the Church became the most
• Honoring, thoughtful, and kind-hearted people in the conversation.
• Not soft.
• Not silent.
• But seasoned with grace.

Colossians 4:6 (CSB)

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”

• The Second way we live out a Gospel Shaped Posture is

We Silence Foolishness With Goodness.

• Look again at verse 15:

“It is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good.”

• What does that mean?
• It means we don’t win the culture war by yelling louder.
• We don’t change hearts with hot takes and rage posts.
• We do it by living lives of consistent goodness.
• When we care for the poor.
• When we advocate for life.
• When we raise godly children.
• When we show up to serve our cities.
• When we lead with character instead of compromise.
• And the result is

The goodness of God through His people speaks louder than political noise.

• It shows the world what God’s Kingdom is like.
• It shows them our posture of Freedom
• What do I mean?

We Live in Freedom—But Not to Serve Ourselves.

1 Peter 2:16… Peter says:

“Submit as free people—not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as God’s slaves.”

• Let’s be real.
• A lot of political talk in our day is about “freedom.”
• And yes—freedom is a gift.
• But gospel freedom is not about doing whatever I want.
• It’s about serving whoever God puts in front of me.

Galatians 5:13 (CSB)

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.”

• As Christians:
• We’re free from sin.
• We’re free to serve.
• So we don’t use politics as a cover for pride.
• We don’t justify bitterness or cruelty “in the name of righteousness.”
• We don’t weaponize the gospel for partisan gain.
• Instead, we live in humility.
• We love with courage.
• We walk in holiness.
• And we stay rooted in the bigger picture.
• Which is that

Our Posture Must Reflect the Cross, Not the Crowd.

Jesus said in:

Matthew 5:14–16 (CSB)

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

• In other words:
• We don’t represent ourselves.
• We represent Jesus.
• And the way we engage with politics
• Either draws people toward Jesus
• Or pushes them away.
• That means:
• Our tone matters.
• Our attitude matters.
• Our online comments matter.
• Our conversations over dinner matter.
• Because our posture reveals our Lord.
• This is a good spot to pause and remember something beautiful:

Jesus is the Only King Who Never Misuses Power.

• He’s not selfish.
• He’s not corrupt.
• He’s not manipulative.
• He never lies.
• Never flatters.
• Never betrays.
• He is the Servant-King
• Who took off His robe to wash feet.
• The King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.
• The King who wore a crown of thorns.
• The King who died for His enemies.
• So when Jesus shapes our posture…
• He’s not calling us to fake it.
• He’s calling us to follow Him.
• And here’s the truth:
• You’ll never regret showing honor.
• You’ll never regret living humbly.
• You’ll never regret responding like Christ.

Because You Reflect Your King Best When You Embody His Posture.

So far we’ve seen:

• Jesus shapes our allegiance—He’s the true King.
• Jesus shapes our posture—we live with humility and honor.
• But how do we know when to stand firm?
• How do we discern when to go along
• And when to speak up?
• That brings us to our final point…

Point 3 Jesus Shapes Our Convictions.

Acts 5:29 (CSB)

“Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than people.’”

• There it is.
• One of the boldest, clearest, most courageous statements in all of Scripture.
• And it didn’t come from a politician.
• It came from a man who had once denied Jesus out of fear…
• Now standing in front of religious and political leaders
• Risking his life.
• Why?
• Because Jesus had changed Peter’s allegiance,
• Transformed his posture,
• And now shaped his convictions.
• Let’s talk about convictions for a minute.
• Convictions are not the same as opinions.
• They’re not the same as preferences.
• They’re not knee-jerk reactions to what’s trending.
• Convictions are deeply held,
• Biblically formed,
• Spirit-empowered beliefs
• That guide our lives even when it costs us.
• So, what do gospel-formed convictions look like in a political world?
• First

Gospel Convictions are Shaped by God’s Word, Not Political Winds.

• Here’s the temptation:
• We build our views by collecting what sounds right to us.
• We listen to our favorite news anchor or follow our favorite thought leader.
• We start with politics and sprinkle in a few Bible verses to back it up.
• But followers of Jesus do it the other way around.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (CSB)

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

We Don’t Let Our Politics Interpret Our Bible.

We Let the Bible Shape How We Engage Politics.

• That means we may not always fit neatly into a political box.
• That means we might agree with one side on one issue and the other side on another.
• That means we stand where God’s Word stands
• Even when it’s not popular.
• Because

Gospel Convictions Value Righteousness Over Results.

• Sometimes we see individuals
• Compromise character for what they think are “greater wins.”
• But the Kingdom of God never advances through unrighteous means.

Micah 6:8 (CSB)

“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

• So we stand for truth—with love.
• We defend the vulnerable—with compassion.
• We vote with integrity.
• We speak with humility.
• We act like Jesus
• And we don’t have to worry about what others think
• Because

Gospel Convictions Don’t Fear Being Misunderstood.

• Peter and the apostles stood before authorities and said:

“We must obey God rather than people.”

• They knew that would cost them.
• They had already been arrested.
• They were going to be beaten.
• Eventually, many of them would die.
• But their conviction was not built on safety
• It was built on the resurrection.
• If Jesus conquered death,
• Then no earthly threat could silence eternal truth.

Listen, church:

• There will be times when you are misunderstood.
• There will be times when you are called names.
• There will be moments when culture pressures you to stay silent or conform.
• But when Jesus is your King
• Your courage doesn’t come from there approval.
• It comes from the Spirit of God living in you.

2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

• Remembering that

Gospel Convictions are Marked by Love, Not Hostility.

• Let’s be clear:
• There is no room for hate in the heart of a Christian
• No matter how justified we feel.
• Jesus didn’t say:

“They’ll know you’re my disciples by how right you are.”

• He said:

John 13:35 (CSB)

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

• That includes people who vote differently.
• That includes people who mock your faith.
• That includes people you struggle to understand.
• Conviction without compassion becomes a weapon.
• But conviction with compassion becomes a witness.
• And this understanding frees us to know that

Gospel Convictions are Prepared to Suffer—Not Seek Control.

• Here’s where the gospel cuts against every human instinct.
• We want power.
• We want influence.
• We want to be respected.
• But the early church changed the world not through political dominance
• But through sacrificial love.

Philippians 1:27–29 (CSB)

“Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit…For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…”

• We’re called to stand firm in the truth…
• But also to suffer well when it comes.
• Why? Because Jesus did both.
• And it is what he did for us that motivates us

Gospel Convictions Flow From a Heart Changed by Grace.

• We don’t take political stands because we’re angry.
• We don’t hold convictions because we want to win a debate.
• We do it because Jesus saved us.
• He opened our eyes.
• He changed our hearts.
• And now we live differently
• Not because we’re better
• But because He’s better.

Gospel Conclusion:

• Let’s be honest:
• Every government is flawed.
• Every political party falls short.
• Every nation will rise and fall.
• But there is One King who is perfect.
• One Kingdom that never ends.
• One Lord who rules with righteousness, mercy, and truth.
• His name is Jesus.
• And the most political thing He ever did…
• Was let the political system kill Him.
• He didn’t fight back.
• He didn’t storm the palace.
• He didn’t call down angels.
• He laid down His life.
• He died in our place.
• He rose again—
• Declaring ultimate victory over sin, death, and every corrupt system in this world.

Colossians 1:13 (CSB)

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.”

• So here’s the real question today:
• Does Jesus have your full allegiance?
• Not just your Sunday morning.
• Not just your political opinions.
• But
• Your heart,
• Your hope, and
• Your trust.

When Jesus is Lord of your life…

• He shapes your allegiance.
• He transforms your posture.
• He anchors your convictions.

And He leads you into a Kingdom that will never end.

• Let’s land the plane.
• We’ve talked about allegiance.
• We’ve talked about posture.
• We’ve talked about conviction.
• But let’s be real:
• None of this matters if it just stays in our heads.
• Jesus doesn’t just want to influence your political opinions.
• He wants to rule your whole life.

So here’s the final challenge:

• Don’t just vote like a Christian.
• Live like Jesus is King.
• The world doesn’t need more Christians
• Shouting about politics.
• The world needs more Christians
• Showing what it looks like
• To live with hope, peace, courage, and sacrificial love.

Let me ask you:

Where is Jesus not yet Lord over your political life?

• Is it in your speech—how you talk about leaders you disagree with?
• Is it in your fear—believing that your future rises or falls with the next election?
• Is it in your bitterness—toward people who think differently than you?
• Is it in your passivity—staying silent when God is calling you to stand?

This week, here’s what I want us to do:

• If Jesus really does
• Shape our Allegiances
• Shape our Posture &
• Shapes our Convictions

1. Pray Before You Post

Before you type… pause.
Ask: “Is this post shaped by the fruit of the Spirit or the spirit of the age?”
Does it reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?

2. Open Your Bible Before You Open the News

Before you take in political commentary, open God’s commentary.
Let His truth shape what you believe and how you respond.

3. Begin Praying Regularly for Leaders You Struggle to Respect

Not because they deserve it—but because Jesus commands it.
And prayer will do more to change your heart than political outrage ever will.

4. Ask the Holy Spirit to Search Your Heart

Say:

“Jesus, is there any way I’ve been giving my allegiance to a lesser kingdom?
Is there anything in my posture, my words, or my priorities that doesn’t reflect You?”
And then—follow where He leads.

• Church,
• If we get this right—
• If Jesus truly becomes Lord over our political lives—
• Then we won’t just survive another election season…
• We’ll shine.
• We’ll show the world what it looks like to live with conviction without cruelty…
• To speak truth without hate…
• To trust a Kingdom that cannot be shaken…
• Because our hope doesn’t rise and fall with a party, a president, or a platform.

Our hope has a name—and His name is Jesus.