Christian Citizenship: Faithful Living in a Secular State

 

Summary

In our study of Romans 13, we delve into the Apostle Paul's teachings on the Christian's relationship with the state. This section is a continuation of the practical application of the gospel, which Paul began in Romans 12. The gospel is not merely to be believed but practiced, and this includes how we interact with governing authorities. The passage raises significant questions about the Christian's duty to the state, the extent of subjection, and the relationship between the church and the state. These issues are not only theological but have practical implications, especially in times of political turmoil.

Paul's teaching here is not an abrupt intrusion but a logical continuation of his previous discourse on living peaceably with others. The state plays a crucial role in maintaining order and enabling peaceful coexistence, which aligns with the Christian call to live peaceably. Furthermore, the passage addresses the issue of vengeance, emphasizing that God administers justice partly through the state. This teaching is vital for understanding our role as Christians in society and our responsibilities towards civil authorities.

The Apostle's instructions are particularly relevant given the historical context of Jewish Christians who struggled with the idea of submitting to non-Jewish rulers, as well as the broader Christian tendency to misunderstand the implications of their heavenly citizenship. Paul clarifies that while our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, we still have responsibilities on earth, including respecting and obeying earthly authorities. This teaching is echoed by other New Testament writers, such as Peter, who also emphasize the importance of submitting to human institutions for the Lord's sake.

In summary, Romans 13 provides a framework for understanding the Christian's relationship with the state, emphasizing submission to authorities as part of our witness and obedience to God. It challenges us to think deeply about our civic responsibilities and the role of government in God's plan.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel calls us not only to believe but to practice our faith, which includes our relationship with the state. Our submission to authorities is part of living peaceably with others, a theme Paul continues from Romans 12. [12:43]

- The state is an instrument of God for maintaining order and justice. Christians are called to respect and obey governing authorities as part of God's ordained structure, recognizing that God administers justice through them. [14:29]

- Our heavenly citizenship does not negate our earthly responsibilities. While we belong to the kingdom of God, we are still called to engage with and respect earthly institutions, reflecting our faith in our civic duties. [23:08]

- The relationship between the church and the state is complex and requires careful consideration. Christians must navigate this relationship with wisdom, understanding the distinct roles and responsibilities of each. [38:00]

- Understanding the function of government is crucial for Christians. We are called to have informed views on the role of the state and our responsibilities within it, ensuring that our actions align with biblical principles. [39:14]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 13
- [01:06] - The Gospel: Belief and Practice
- [02:24] - Christian's Relationship with the State
- [03:42] - Connection to Romans 12
- [05:07] - Debates Among Commentators
- [07:17] - Jewish and Greek Influences
- [09:22] - The Role of the State
- [11:00] - Continuation of Peaceful Living
- [13:00] - Vengeance and Justice
- [15:19] - Christian Relationships
- [17:10] - Jewish Christians' Struggles
- [20:36] - Misunderstandings of Citizenship
- [23:08] - Earthly and Heavenly Citizenship
- [27:39] - Practical Implications
- [30:28] - Peter's Consistent Teaching
- [32:21] - Living Peaceably and Vengeance
- [34:47] - Analysis of Romans 13
- [39:30] - Reasons for Subjection to Authorities
- [44:42] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 13

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 13:1-7
2. Deuteronomy 17:15
3. 1 Peter 2:13-17

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### Observation Questions

1. What is the main theme of Romans 13:1-7, and how does it relate to the previous chapter, Romans 12? [12:43]

2. How does Paul describe the role of governing authorities in Romans 13:1-7? What is their purpose according to this passage? [14:29]

3. In Deuteronomy 17:15, what specific instruction is given regarding the choice of a king, and how might this have influenced Jewish Christians' views on authority? [18:24]

4. According to 1 Peter 2:13-17, what reasons does Peter give for submitting to human institutions, and how does this align with Paul's teaching in Romans 13? [30:45]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. How does Paul’s teaching in Romans 13:1-7 challenge the notion that Christians should not engage with earthly authorities due to their heavenly citizenship? [23:08]

2. What might be the implications of viewing the state as an instrument of God for maintaining order and justice, as described in Romans 13:1-7? [14:29]

3. How do the teachings in Deuteronomy 17:15 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 help clarify the relationship between Christians and secular authorities? [18:24] [30:45]

4. In what ways does the historical context of Jewish Christians struggling with submission to non-Jewish rulers provide insight into the challenges faced by early Christians regarding authority? [17:10]

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### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your current view of government and authority. How does Romans 13:1-7 challenge or affirm your perspective? What changes might you need to make in your attitude or actions? [39:14]

2. Consider a time when you struggled with the idea of submitting to authority. How can the teachings in Romans 13 help you navigate similar situations in the future? [36:20]

3. How can you balance your heavenly citizenship with your earthly responsibilities, especially in terms of civic duties and engagement with government? [23:08]

4. Identify a specific way you can demonstrate respect for governing authorities in your daily life. How might this act as a witness to your faith? [14:29]

5. Discuss a situation where you felt conflicted about obeying a law or authority. How can Romans 13:1-7 guide you in making decisions in such scenarios? [36:20]

6. How can you educate yourself about the role of government and your responsibilities as a citizen to ensure your actions align with biblical principles? [39:14]

7. Reflect on the relationship between the church and the state. How can you contribute to a healthy interaction between these two entities in your community? [38:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Practicing Faith in Civic Life
The gospel calls us not only to believe but to practice our faith, which includes our relationship with the state. Our submission to authorities is part of living peaceably with others, a theme Paul continues from Romans 12. Paul emphasizes that the gospel is not just a set of beliefs but a way of life that influences every aspect of our existence, including how we interact with governing authorities. This teaching challenges Christians to consider how their faith informs their civic responsibilities and interactions with the state. By submitting to authorities, Christians demonstrate a commitment to peace and order, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their lives. [12:43]

Romans 12:18-19 (ESV): "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith in your interactions with local authorities or community leaders today?


Day 2: The State as God's Instrument
The state is an instrument of God for maintaining order and justice. Christians are called to respect and obey governing authorities as part of God's ordained structure, recognizing that God administers justice through them. This perspective requires Christians to view the state not as an adversary but as a divinely appointed institution that plays a crucial role in society. By respecting and obeying authorities, Christians acknowledge God's sovereignty and His use of earthly institutions to achieve His purposes. This understanding encourages believers to engage with the state thoughtfully and respectfully, recognizing its role in God's plan. [14:29]

1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV): "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."

Reflection: In what ways can you show respect and support for local government initiatives that align with biblical principles?


Day 3: Balancing Heavenly and Earthly Citizenship
Our heavenly citizenship does not negate our earthly responsibilities. While we belong to the kingdom of God, we are still called to engage with and respect earthly institutions, reflecting our faith in our civic duties. This dual citizenship requires Christians to navigate the tension between their allegiance to God's kingdom and their responsibilities on earth. By fulfilling their civic duties, Christians bear witness to their faith and demonstrate the relevance of the gospel in everyday life. This teaching encourages believers to consider how their heavenly citizenship informs their earthly actions and responsibilities. [23:08]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: How can you balance your heavenly citizenship with your earthly responsibilities in a way that honors God today?


Day 4: Navigating Church and State Relations
The relationship between the church and the state is complex and requires careful consideration. Christians must navigate this relationship with wisdom, understanding the distinct roles and responsibilities of each. This teaching challenges believers to think critically about the interaction between their faith and the state, recognizing that both have unique roles in God's plan. By approaching this relationship with discernment, Christians can engage with the state in a way that honors God and reflects their commitment to His kingdom. This understanding encourages believers to seek wisdom and guidance as they navigate the complexities of church and state relations. [38:00]

Matthew 22:21 (ESV): "They said, 'Caesar's.' Then he said to them, 'Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take to engage with government policies or actions in a way that reflects your faith and values?


Day 5: Understanding Government's Role in God's Plan
Understanding the function of government is crucial for Christians. We are called to have informed views on the role of the state and our responsibilities within it, ensuring that our actions align with biblical principles. This teaching encourages believers to develop a thoughtful and informed perspective on government, recognizing its role in maintaining order and justice. By understanding the function of government, Christians can engage with it in a way that reflects their faith and commitment to God's purposes. This understanding challenges believers to consider how their actions and attitudes towards the state align with biblical teachings. [39:14]

Proverbs 8:15-16 (ESV): "By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles, all who govern justly."

Reflection: How can you educate yourself about the role of government in a way that aligns with your faith and informs your civic engagement?

Quotes

The gospel is something that not only is to be believed it is to be practiced and if we fail to carry it out well then there is no point in any amount of intellectual understanding of it. [00:00:48]

The whole relationship of the Christian to the state has arisen in a very acute form it arose in Italy it arose still more in Germany in the time of Hitler and it's arising in many countries today and there are Christian people tonight who are in great trouble as to the exact interpretation of this passage. [00:02:46]

It is one of the great functions of the state the pels that be the government to enable us to live peaceably with one another to maintain order to avoid disorder it is one of the greatest functions of the state as we shall see so there's nothing in congruous about this it's an extension of what is already been saying. [00:12:49]

God punishes wrongdoing partly through the state and the laws of the state now some of these verses we're going to consider tell us this very plainly he says in the third verse rulers are not a teror of good works but to the evil wil thou then not be afraid of the power well then do that which is good and thou shalt have Praise of the. [00:14:08]

Surely our relationship to the state is a part of our general relationship to other people as Christians in this world now go back again to chapter 12 you remember we said that from verse three to the end of verse 8 indeed or you could take it right on if you like to the end of verse 13 the Apostle is is dealing mainly with our relationship to other people in the Christian church. [00:15:04]

The Apostle Paul you remember he says to the Philippians our citizenship is in him and we therefore draw the conclusion immediately if our citizenship is in heaven it can't be on earth and if my citizen ship is in heaven I don't recognize Great Britain nor the queen of Great Britain I don't belong to this my citizenship is in heaven I no longer am an Earthly citizen. [00:22:41]

Peter teaches exactly the same thing listen to 1 Peter 2 beginning to read at verse 13 submit yourselves to every ordinance of men for the Lord's sake whether it be to the king of supreme or unto Governors as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of them that do well. [00:30:28]

The unbelievers were always watching and if if they saw Christian workmen no longer ready to work or take orders from their masters those who paid them it would bring the whole of the Gospel into disrepute and it did Christians were often charged with being anarchists and many other charges were brought against them so for this great reason this has got to be dealt with. [00:31:59]

The Apostle here is dealing with this whole question and matter of Human Relationships he's bound to consider it so I'm arguing that what he does here is a continuation of the theme of living peaceably with others it is a continuation of the theme of not taking Vengeance yourself but Allowing God to do so either directly or else through the medium of the state which he so often uses. [00:32:39]

The Apostle deals here with the attitude of the Christian to the state in which he lives and to the demands of the State verses 8 to 10 the Christian rule of love to one's neighbor is again repeated and reasserted verses 11 to 14 all this is enforced by an appeal to us to realize that as Christians we are but strangers and pilgrims in this world. [00:34:48]

What is the exact relationship between the Christian church in the state not so much now the individual Christian but the church and the state what's the Christians view of the state and what is the relationship between the church and the state as Christians we belong to the church but we also belong to the state what's the relationship how do you define the relationship between these two things. [00:37:30]

The function of governments and of States now it's very wrong for us as Christian people to live in a country and to be members of states without having any idea whatsoever in our minds as to the function of governments and of states have we ever thought about this can we answer that question can we give an explanation of our point of view can we defend it necessarily if necessary in terms of the scriptures. [00:39:14]

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