Romans 13:1-7
vv. 1-2: Submit To Authority
vv. 3-5: Rulers Are God’s Servants
vv. 6-7: Submission Includes Paying Taxes
“To be sure, men will abuse and misuse the institution of the State just as man because of sin has abused and misused every other institution in history including the Church of Jesus Christ, but this does not mean that the institution is bad or that it should be forsaken. It simply means that men are sinners and rebels in God’s world, and this is the way they behave with good institutions. As a matter of fact, it is because of this very sin that there must be human government to maintain order in history until the final and ultimate rule of Jesus Christ is established. Human government is better than anarchy, and the Christian must recognize the ‘divine right’ of the State.”
– Richard Halverson, former chaplain of the United States Senate
Sermon Talks
- Romans 13:1 states that “there is no authority except from God.” How does understanding this foundational truth change your perspective on obeying governmental laws, even those you might disagree with?
- In what ways do you see political loyalties sometimes hindering a Christian’s ability to truly submit to governing authorities as described in this passage?
- Romans 13:4 says rulers are “God’s servant for your good.” What are some specific “good” things that government provides or maintains in our society today that we often take for granted?
- How does the idea of rulers being “God’s servants” influence your prayers for national, state, or local leaders? What specific things can we pray for them based on this passage?
- The passage explicitly links submission to paying taxes. Why do you think Paul included this practical instruction, and what does it reveal about the spiritual dimension of our financial obligations to the state?
- Richard Halverson’s quote notes that men will abuse the institution of the State due to sin. How can we, as Christians, maintain our submission and respect for the institution of government, even when we witness its abuse or misuse by sinful individuals?
- What is one practical way you can demonstrate active, respectful, and submissive engagement in your community or towards authority this week?
Pray about it: Meditate on God’s Word (Romans 13:1-7) and this week’s message.
Adoration: What can I praise God for in light of what this teaches me?
Confession: What sin can I confess because of what this teaches me?
Thanksgiving: What can I thank God for in light of what he has done?
Supplication: What do I need to ask of God in order to grow in light of this?