THE GOVERNMENT AND GOD: ROMANS 13 (Part II)

In the first presentation, I gave the background of the chapter and answered question number 6 of the six questions asked by our brother:

Dear Theologians,
RE: Question about Romans 13

Paul gives good advice and explains the will of God on how those under authority or rulership must conduct themselves, without giving God’s will or good advice whatsoever regarding those in authority or rulership should conduct themselves.

1. What is God’s will on the rulers’/ authorities’ conduct?
2. Will God conduct His wrath on the subjects when they are at the same time under the oppression (wrath) of their ruler?
3. At what distinct point must I resist authority, if I should or must?
4. What is to do good according to this very chapter?
5. How should l understand Paul’s teaching in this chapter in light of what is happening in Uganda, first, and elsewhere in the world?
6. What does it mean that no authority except from God?

Let me now give brief answers to each of the above questions from 1-4. I will handle question 5 in the next presentation.

What is God’s will on the rulers’/ authorities’ conduct?

God’s will on the conduct of the rulers and authorities is as good as his will on each and every sinner. His will is that all sinners repent or face his judgment.

As ordinary people face consequences of their choices, so will bad leaders suffer a downfall of their leadership (Galatians 6:7,8) and if they have not believed Jesus Christ, they will eventually suffer the Judgment of God (Romans 1:18). The sin of our leaders and authorities is not bigger or smaller than any other person’s sin before God (Romans 3:23).

It is true that leaders have a bigger responsibility than those they lead but before God all sin and sinning is equal. God, therefore, appeals to both the leaders and the people to behave for there is only one cross for both the leaders and those they lead.

Will God conduct His wrath on the subjects when they are at the same time under the oppression (wrath) of their ruler?

Yes, if they (ordinary people) do not give their lives to Jesus Christ, they will be subject to the wrath of God.

We are not saved by the pity of God due to how much we have suffered but by the blood of Jesus Christ. In fact, in salvation matters, you can be killed by a dictator, you die without giving your life to God, and a dictator, who kills you, repents, gives his life to Jesus and goes to heaven while you are in hell. This is how serious this issue is. The wrath of God is not a reaction or even an emotion but a state. Whoever (leader or led), isn’t in Jesus Christ, however much innocent they are or injured they might be, they will be consumed by the wrath of God (John 3:36, John 15:6, Revelation 20:15).

At what distinct point must I resist authority, if I should or must?

At the point when the authority is against God. (Acts 4:18-20; 5:27-29).

Whenever the government officially (in polity) forbids what God allows and orders what God forbids we are justified, in thought and practice, to not only disobey but rebuke the government. Christians must be careful not to launch an uninformed rebellion and rebuke. We (Christians) must have evidence beyond emotions before we criticize or praise the government in pulpits and in public (1Peter 2:13-15, 2Samuel 11).

What is to do good according to this very chapter?

To do good according to this chapter and Biblical theology as well is twofold.

First, we do good in supporting the government and we do this by fulfilling our citizen duties like being a law-abiding citizen, paying taxes, and participating in all government activities not violating your faith (Mark 12:17). We also do good by praying for all the leaders regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and asked him to pray “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1Timothy 2:2). Imagine he wrote these words during the reigns of the Roman emperors Nero and Caligula, two of the worst tyrants known to history.

Secondly to ‘do good’ in this chapter is not some sort of unthinking and blind obedience to the authorities but holding them accountable for their administrative decisions and actions (Ezekiel 33:8, Matthew 12:36-37, Luke 3:12-14, Hebrews 13:17).

Next, I will handle the 5th Question.

God bless you and: THINK about what I am saying. The LORD will help you UNDERSTAND all these things. (2Tim 2:7 NLT)

Pr ITM White
The Gospel Hawker
iTiS Well of Worship Ministries (John 4:24)