Engaging Faith: Christians and Their Role in Government

 

Summary

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul addresses the Christian's relationship to the state and the laws of the land. This passage is crucial because it provides unique guidance on how believers should interact with governmental authorities. Historically, Christians have grappled with these teachings, especially during times of political upheaval, such as under fascism, Nazism, and communism. As the world continues to evolve, this subject remains pertinent, particularly for Christians in countries experiencing political instability.

The first principle to understand is that becoming a Christian does not exempt one from participating in the world. Christians are still part of the world's systems, including marriage, family, and government. These are not nullified by faith; rather, they are part of God's created order. God has not abandoned the world despite its fallen state. Instead, He sustains it and has a plan to restore it to a state of perfection. Therefore, Christians should not withdraw from the world but engage with it, recognizing that Jesus is not only a personal Savior but the Lord of the universe.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the concept of government is ordained by God. This does not mean that every ruler is divinely appointed, but that the idea of governance itself is a divine institution. Paul does not prescribe a specific form of government, such as monarchy or democracy, but asserts that there must be some form of law and order. Christians are called to recognize and submit to governmental authorities, as they are instituted by God to maintain peace and order.

Christians should be involved in societal matters, including governance, as these are not inherently spiritual or moral but neutral. Issues like public health, law and order, and economic policies affect everyone, and Christians should be concerned about them. There is no single Christian perspective on these issues, and believers may hold different views while still being faithful to their faith.

Finally, the question arises whether Christians should participate in changing the state, especially in cases of tyranny. If a government becomes oppressive, it violates its God-given role, and Christians may be justified in seeking change, provided it is done lawfully and peacefully. The overarching principle is that Christians should engage with the world, seeking to live out their faith in every aspect of life, including their relationship with the state.

Key Takeaways:

1. Christians are called to engage with the world, not withdraw from it. Our faith does not exempt us from participating in societal structures like marriage, family, and government, which are part of God's created order. We must remember that Jesus is the Lord of the universe, and our role is to reflect His lordship in every aspect of life. [03:30]

2. The concept of government is ordained by God, and Christians are called to recognize and submit to it. This does not mean every ruler is divinely appointed, but that governance itself is a divine institution meant to maintain peace and order. Our submission is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all earthly authorities. [12:02]

3. Christians should be involved in societal matters, as these are not inherently spiritual or moral but neutral. Issues like public health, law and order, and economic policies affect everyone, and believers should be concerned about them. Our faith should inform our engagement with these issues, but there is no single Christian perspective on them. [26:20]

4. The function of the state is to maintain peace and order, restraining evil and promoting the well-being of all. When the state fulfills its role, it allows Christians to live quiet and godly lives, which is beneficial for spiritual growth and community worship. Our obedience to the state is part of our witness to the world. [31:40]

5. Christians may be justified in seeking change in the state, especially in cases of tyranny, provided it is done lawfully and peacefully. If a government becomes oppressive, it violates its God-given role, and believers can work towards change while respecting the law. Our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, which calls us to seek justice and righteousness. [44:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Romans 13:1-7
- [00:44] - Christian's Relationship to the State
- [01:41] - Historical Context and Relevance
- [02:58] - Christians in the World
- [04:23] - Orders of Nature
- [06:11] - God's Sovereignty Over the World
- [07:23] - Redemption of the Cosmos
- [08:11] - Jesus as Lord of the Universe
- [10:50] - Christian's View of Government
- [12:02] - Government Ordained by God
- [13:08] - Forms of Government
- [16:37] - Christian Participation in Government
- [21:10] - Misunderstandings About Christian Involvement
- [31:07] - Function of the State
- [37:31] - Changing the Character of the State
- [45:19] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 13:1-7
- 1 Timothy 2:1-2
- Ephesians 1:10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 13:1-7, what is the Christian's relationship to governmental authorities, and how does Paul describe the origin of these authorities? [12:02]

2. In the sermon, what examples are given of historical contexts where Christians had to grapple with their relationship to the state? [01:41]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus in relation to the universe and governance? [08:11]

4. What are some of the neutral societal matters mentioned in the sermon that Christians should be concerned about? [26:20]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of government being ordained by God influence a Christian's view of political participation and responsibility? [12:02]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christians can engage with societal issues without compromising their faith? [26:20]

3. How does the sermon reconcile the idea of Christians seeking change in oppressive governments with the call to submit to authorities? [44:10]

4. What does the sermon imply about the balance between personal salvation and the broader lordship of Jesus over the universe? [08:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current engagement with societal structures like government and community. How can you actively participate in these areas while reflecting Jesus' lordship? [03:30]

2. Consider a societal issue that you are passionate about. How can your faith inform your perspective and actions regarding this issue? [26:20]

3. Have you ever felt conflicted about submitting to a particular authority? How did you navigate that situation, and what principles from Romans 13:1-7 can guide you in the future? [12:02]

4. Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced tyranny or oppression. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to seek change lawfully and peacefully? [44:10]

5. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to withdraw from the world. How can you re-engage with this area in a way that honors God's created order? [03:30]

6. How can you contribute to promoting peace and order in your community, and what role does your faith play in this effort? [31:40]

7. Reflect on the idea that there is no single Christian perspective on societal issues. How can you engage in respectful dialogue with fellow believers who hold different views? [26:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging with the World as Christians
Christians are called to engage with the world, not withdraw from it. Our faith does not exempt us from participating in societal structures like marriage, family, and government, which are part of God's created order. We must remember that Jesus is the Lord of the universe, and our role is to reflect His lordship in every aspect of life. This means actively participating in the world around us, understanding that our faith is not a barrier but a bridge to engaging with society. By doing so, we acknowledge that God has not abandoned the world but is actively working to restore it. Our involvement in worldly systems is a testament to our faith and a reflection of Jesus' lordship over all creation. [03:30]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can engage more deeply with your community this week, reflecting Jesus' lordship in your actions?


Day 2: Recognizing Government as a Divine Institution
The concept of government is ordained by God, and Christians are called to recognize and submit to it. This does not mean every ruler is divinely appointed, but that governance itself is a divine institution meant to maintain peace and order. Our submission is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all earthly authorities. By understanding that government is part of God's created order, Christians can navigate their relationship with the state with wisdom and discernment. This perspective helps believers to respect and uphold the law, recognizing that their ultimate allegiance is to God, who is sovereign over all. [12:02]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate respect for governmental authorities in your daily life, even when you disagree with certain policies?


Day 3: Involvement in Societal Matters
Christians should be involved in societal matters, as these are not inherently spiritual or moral but neutral. Issues like public health, law and order, and economic policies affect everyone, and believers should be concerned about them. Our faith should inform our engagement with these issues, but there is no single Christian perspective on them. This means that Christians can hold diverse views while remaining faithful to their beliefs. By engaging with societal issues, believers can bring a unique perspective that is informed by their faith, contributing to the common good and promoting justice and righteousness in their communities. [26:20]

"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one societal issue you feel passionate about, and how can your faith guide your involvement in addressing it?


Day 4: The State's Role in Maintaining Peace and Order
The function of the state is to maintain peace and order, restraining evil and promoting the well-being of all. When the state fulfills its role, it allows Christians to live quiet and godly lives, which is beneficial for spiritual growth and community worship. Our obedience to the state is part of our witness to the world. By supporting the state's role in maintaining order, Christians contribute to a stable society where they can freely practice their faith and share the gospel. This obedience is not blind but is rooted in a desire to see God's order reflected in the world. [31:40]

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you support the state's efforts to maintain peace and order, and how does this align with your faith?


Day 5: Seeking Change in the State
Christians may be justified in seeking change in the state, especially in cases of tyranny, provided it is done lawfully and peacefully. If a government becomes oppressive, it violates its God-given role, and believers can work towards change while respecting the law. Our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, which calls us to seek justice and righteousness. This means that Christians have a responsibility to advocate for change when necessary, using peaceful means to bring about justice and uphold the values of God's kingdom. By doing so, they demonstrate their commitment to God's justice and righteousness in the world. [44:10]

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of injustice you feel called to address? How can you take a step towards advocating for change in a peaceful and lawful manner?

Quotes



The first principle of all there is the tendency as I was pointing out a fortnight ago for some people to think that because they become Christians that some or another they contract out of life as the result of that that they no longer are involved in the life of this world as they were before. [00:03:08]

We are still in this world and are a part of the life of this world I know we say and say rightly that we're in it but not of it but remember that must be interpreted very carefully we are not of it in a spiritual sense but we are of it in practically every other sense. [00:03:34]

The fact that we have become Christians does not mean that what we may call the orders of nature have been cancelled or abrogated what do I mean by the orders of nature well I'm thinking of things like not only our relationship to the state but marriage male and female. [00:04:00]

God created the world he made men he's made everything but this is still God's world the fact that the world has form doesn't mean that it is no longer God's world it is still still God's world he still sustains it he still causes the sun to rise upon the evil and the good. [00:06:16]

The Lord Jesus Christ is not only the personal savior of all who believe in him he is the lord of the universe we must never forget this you see there is this great of danger that we view our Salvation in such subjective personal terms that we exclude so much of the teaching of the New Testament. [00:08:11]

As Christians we believe that the powers that be are ordained of God there is no power but of God says the first verse the powers that be are ordained of God now that is a fundamental statement the state and government magistrates and so on are not a human invention not a human desire. [00:11:51]

The Apostle does not tell us that any one particular form of government is the one that has been ordained by God what he says is that the idea of government is ordained by God in other words he doesn't say that monarchy only has been ordained by God no he doesn't deal with this. [00:13:44]

Christians equally good Christians May hold different economic views so you can equally good Christians in the conservative party the Liberal Party the labor party equally good Christians what is it that divides them not their Christianity not their spiritual point of view it is their actual point of view with regard to specific problems. [00:28:54]

The function of government to order a quiet and a Peaceable life that is the real function of the state it does this in two ways it does it negatively by restraining evil and its manifestations government has become necessary because of the fall of men if men had never fallen these powers that be would probably not have been necessary. [00:31:40]

The state it restrains Evil by its warnings and its threatenings and by its actual punishment of evil doers and wrong and evil doing that's one side but there's another side the state is also appointed for the praise of them that do will it isn't one-sided will thou then not be afraid of the power do that which is good. [00:33:34]

The state encourages us to be low abiding citizens and to the extent that we are and others are it is good for us we are able to pray more we are able to give more time to the reading of the scriptures we are able to come safely to the house of God to worship together and to praise the name of God. [00:34:38]

If a state a king or an emperor or a governor or a dictator or anybody else becomes tyrannical well then we can say as Christians this state is violating the law of its own being and Constitution as laid down in Romans 13 Romans 13 says it is the business of the state and the government to repress evil and to reward good. [00:44:10]

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Transcript
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