The Book of Romans: God, government, and you.

 The Book of Romans

Welcome and Introduction

Good morning, Eastern Shore Baptist Church. My name is Stuart Davidson, and I have the joy of serving as the pastor here. I want to welcome every one of you to worship this morning. If you are a guest with us today, we are especially glad that you chose to spend part of your Sunday here at ESBC. Church family, it is always good to gather together with all of you. If you’re joining us online this morning, we are glad that you are worshiping with us as well.

Today we are back in our study through the book of Romans. Last week we wrapped up Romans chapter 12, and if you have been walking through this series with us, you know that we spent thirteen weeks pulling that chapter apart. Romans 12 taught us how the gospel transforms the way we live, the way we serve, the way we love people, and even how we respond when someone hurts us. Now today we turn the page and step into Romans chapter 13, verses 1 through 7, where Paul begins to talk about how followers of Jesus should live in relation to government and authority.

This has been an extremely tricky sermon to prepare for as I try to be biblical and not political.

Before we go too much further, I want to remind all of you, whether you’re a guest or a long time member, that we have a prayer line. The number is 251-222-8977. You can call or text that number anytime and let us know how we can pray for you. When you text us, I promise you will be prayed for immediately in that very moment. You may also receive a message back letting you know that you are being prayed for.

Introduction to Today’s Message

Before we step into today’s passage, I want us to think for just a moment about the nation we live in.

We live in a remarkable country. The United States of America is one of the most unique experiments in government the world has ever seen. When our nation was born, it seemed almost impossible that it would even survive. Thirteen small colonies stood up against the most powerful nation on earth at the time, Great Britain. Against all odds, those colonies fought through the Revolutionary War and secured their independence. Soon after, the nation established its first president, George Washington, and began forming a government unlike anything the world had really seen before.

What emerged was a representative form of government, a system where citizens would have a voice in choosing their leaders. Every four years our nation experiences something that is actually quite rare in the history of the world, a peaceful transfer of power. Instead of revolutions through violence, we experience what you might call peaceful revolutions through ballots, as citizens vote for presidents, senators, representatives, and local leaders. For nearly two hundred and fifty years this nation has continued that remarkable tradition.

Now that does not mean the journey has been easy. Our nation has faced enormous challenges along the way. We fought a brutal Civil War that nearly tore the country apart. We have endured world wars, economic crises like the Great Depression, acts of terrorism, and seasons of intense political division. In the early days, people pushed westward across the continent with a pioneering spirit, building communities in places that were once wilderness. Through all of it, this nation has had to wrestle with hardship, conflict, and change.

Yet it is hard to look at the founding of our nation and deny that the founders had God on their minds as they formed this government. The Declaration of Independence speaks of certain truths being self evident, that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. The document goes on to appeal to the “Supreme Judge of the world” and expresses a reliance upon “the protection of Divine Providence.” Those are not accidental phrases. They reflect the belief that human government ultimately exists under the authority of God.

Now why does that matter for us today?

Because as followers of Jesus, we are citizens of heaven, but we also live as citizens of an earthly nation. We pay taxes. We vote. We live under laws. We interact with leaders and authorities every single day. That raises an important question for believers.

How should Christians relate to government?

What does God expect from us as citizens?

That is exactly what the apostle Paul addresses in Romans chapter 13. In these verses, Paul helps us understand the relationship between God, government, and you. In fact, that is the title of our message today: God, Government, and You. What we are going to see this morning is that our faith does not just shape how we worship on Sunday. It shapes how we live as citizens every day of the week.

Today’s Message

“God, Government, and You”

Introduction of Today’s Thought

Friends, do me a favor. If you will, look there on your outline under Today’s Thought. You can see the blanks that need to be filled in. Let’s fill them in together.

Heaven is our destination, but humble and honorable living is our duty today.

Church, as believers, our ultimate citizenship is not here on earth. Our true home is heaven. Our first allegiance is to the Lord Jesus Christ. Our identity is not primarily political, national, or cultural. It is spiritual. We belong to Christ, and one day we will live with Him forever.

However, while heaven is our destination, God has placed us here for a season. We live in a real nation with real laws, real leaders, and real responsibilities. With that in mind, Christians are called to live with humility, integrity, and honor in the place where God has planted us. That means respecting authority, praying for our leaders, contributing to the good of our communities, and living in a way that reflects Christ.

It also means recognizing that the freedoms we enjoy have come at a great cost. Throughout the history of our country, men and women have stepped forward to defend this nation, sometimes even laying down their lives so that others could live in freedom. We as believers should honor that sacrifice and understand that loving our country and serving the common good are just a few ways we can live out our faith while we are here.

So yes, heaven is our destination. Until that day comes, God calls us to live humble, honorable lives right here where He has placed us.

Today’s Thought:

Heaven Is Our Destination, But Humble And Honorable Living Is Our Duty!

Introduction of Today’s Quote

I want to share a quote with you from one of the great voices of church history. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was known as the Prince of Preachers, and he often spoke about how believers should live faithfully in the world around them.

Listen to what Spurgeon once said:

Today’s Quote:

“Christians above all others should be the best of citizens. We are commanded by the Spirit of God to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. Our obedience is not based on the character of the ruler, nor on our agreement with every statute, but upon our reverence for God who has placed authority among men.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Sermon No. 1698, “A Plea for Order”

Introduction of Today’s Scripture

Friends, make your way to Romans chapter 13, verses 1 through 7.

Paul is writing this letter to believers who are living in Rome, the center of the Roman Empire. This was not a Christian nation. This was a pagan empire, and Rome often treated Christians with suspicion and hostility.

When Paul wrote these words, the pressure against Christians was already beginning to build. In just a few years, massive persecution under Nero would erupt. Christians would be blamed for the burning of Rome. Some would be imprisoned. Some would be executed. Some would be used as human torches in Nero’s gardens. History tells us Paul himself would be executed by the Roman government.

That is what makes this passage so remarkable.

Imagine living in a place where your faith made you a target.

Imagine knowing that the government around you was not friendly toward your beliefs.

Now imagine receiving a letter from the apostle Paul telling you how to live under that government.

If we are honest, our nature rebels against that idea. When we feel that leadership is unjust, when laws seem unfair, or when leaders do things we disagree with, our natural reaction is resistance or anger. Our instinct is to push back.

Now I have never professed to be a prophet. I am no psychic. However, I personally believe that our own country is slowly moving in a direction where the Christian faith will face greater hostility. Our culture is becoming more skeptical of the church. Society is growing more uncomfortable with biblical convictions. Day by day, the tone toward Christianity grows more critical, cynical, and even violent toward Christians.

Right now we are still living in a season of freedom. We gather and worship as we please. We pray openly. We read and preach the Bible without fear. It’s a blessing, especially when you think of countries like China and North Korea, which have outlawed the Bible, Christianity, and acts of faith.

However, if you read the whole story of Scripture, you begin to understand that the people of God have rarely lived in environments where their faith was celebrated by the surrounding culture. More often than not, the world eventually grows hostile toward the truth of God’s Word. So while we may be living in a season of relative peace today, the day could very well come when passages like this one become even more relevant, and even more difficult to live out.

That is why Romans 13 is so important.

Statement of Belief

So friends, let me remind you that…

“We are opening the living and powerful Word of God…truth without error, breathed out by Him, and fully sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It is our authority, our guide, and our hope. In honor of the God who gave us His perfect Word, I invite you to stand with me as we read it together.”

Today’s Scripture

Romans 13:1–7 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. [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.

Pastor: “This is the word of the Lord.”

Congregation: “Praise His name. Praise His holy name.”

Paul’s Call To Live As Christlike Citizens

I. Consider God’s Hand in Government (vs. 1–2)

Well friends, let’s look at these next three Roman numerals on your outline. You can see this portion of the message is entitled “Paul’s Call To Live As Christlike Citizens.” Paul is going to help us understand how followers of Jesus are to live within the systems of government that exist around us.

Look at Roman numeral one and fill in the blank there.

Consider God’s Hand in Government

We see this truth reflected in verses 1 and 2. Listen to what Paul writes.

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.”

You can see there on your outline a short explanation of the point.

“Governing authorities exist because God, in His sovereignty, has allowed it and stands above it. God is not reacting to leadership. He is ruling over it.”

In other words, there is no government, no kingdom, no ruler anywhere in the world that exists outside of the authority of God. Every throne, every presidency, every parliament, every empire ultimately exists under the sovereign rule of the Lord.

God establishes governments. He allows kingdoms to rise, and He determines when they will fall. History is not random. It is not chaotic. God is guiding it.

From the earliest pharaohs of Egypt, to rulers like Alexander the Great, to presidents like Abraham Lincoln, and even to leaders in our own time such as President Donald Trump, the Bible teaches that God stands above them all.

No leader surprises God.

No election confuses God.

No political moment catches Him off guard. 

He knows when kingdoms will come into existence, and He knows when they will fade away.

Throughout human history, God has used government to bring order to civilization. Governments establish laws. They maintain peace. They create an environment where families can live, work, worship, and think about the future. Good government allows societies to flourish and gives families the stability to think generationally about the lives they are building.

In fact, we see the early shaping of government within the Bible itself. In Exodus, Moses was trying to lead and judge all of Israel by himself. His father in law, Jethro, came along and said, “Moses, this is too much for one person. You need to divide the people and appoint leaders over groups.” Moses did exactly that. Leaders were placed over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens so that the people could be governed wisely. Even there, we see the principle of structured leadership and government emerging among God’s people.

Now I know what some people are wondering at this point.

If God stands over government, what about the bad governments?

What about the evil ones?

What about regimes like the Nazis?

What about tyrants like Pol Pot, Mao, or Stalin?

Are we really saying that God allowed those governments to exist?

According to Scripture, the answer is yes. That does not mean God approves of evil. It does not mean those rulers are righteous. It also does not mean that those evil, wicked rulers who are responsible for millions of deaths will go unpunished. They will receive their just reward on the day of judgment. It does mean that even wicked leaders cannot escape the sovereignty of God.

God can even use evil rulers and tyrannical systems to accomplish His purposes in history.

One of the clearest examples of that is Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. Pharaoh was a cruel and oppressive leader who hardened his heart against God. He enslaved the people of Israel and refused to let them go. Yet the Lord used Pharaoh’s rebellion to display His power through the plagues and ultimately to bring freedom to the people of Israel. What Pharaoh meant for oppression, God used for redemption.

Another example is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was a powerful and prideful ruler who conquered nations and carried the people of Judah into exile. His empire forced God’s people out of their homeland. Yet even through that painful moment, God was working. During the exile, the Lord preserved His people, humbled Nebuchadnezzar, and used that season to refine and strengthen the faith of Israel. In Daniel chapter 4, we see Nebuchadnezzar eventually acknowledging that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of men.

What about the nation that ruled the world during Paul’s day? What about Rome? Rome was not a righteous empire. It was brutal and oppressive. Roman authorities allowed Jesus to be falsely accused, unjustly tried, and crucified on a cross. Yet the very act that seemed like the greatest injustice in human history became the means through which God accomplished the greatest victory. Through the cross, God provided salvation for the world.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is sovereign over the rise and fall of rulers. Listen to how the prophet Daniel describes it.

Daniel 2:21 ESV

“He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

Paul’s Call To Live As Christlike Citizens

I. Consider God’s Hand in Government (vs. 1–2)

II. Cooperate with Civil Leaders (vs. 3–5)

Alright church, let’s move to our second point in Paul’s call to live as Christlike citizens.

First, we consider God’s hand in government.

Second, we cooperate with civil leaders.

Look at Roman numeral two on your outline.

Cooperate with Civil Leaders

We see this truth in Romans 13:3–5.

Romans 13:3–5 CSB

“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 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. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience.”

Again, you can see a short explanation of this point on your outline.

“God uses government leaders to restrain evil and promote good. Submission is not weakness. It is an act of worship.”

God designed government to serve a purpose in society. Government restrains evil and promotes what is good. Laws exist so that chaos does not rule the day. Authorities exist so that wrongdoing is punished and order can be maintained. When government functions the way God intends, it creates an environment where people can live peacefully, where they can raise families, where they can build communities, and where they can pursue meaningful lives.

Christians are called to respect and cooperate with those who serve in these positions of authority. That respect reaches from the local level all the way to the national level.

It includes police officers who protect our communities.

It includes mayors and city council members who govern our towns.

It includes state representatives and governors who guide our states.

It includes federal leaders who shape the direction of our nation.

Scripture speaks clearly about this responsibility.

1 Peter 2:13–14 NLT

“For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.”

Submission to authority does not mean blind loyalty to every decision a leader makes.

This is an important point, church. I need you to hear me say it again.

Submission to authority does not mean blind loyalty to every decision a leader makes.

Submission means recognizing the role God has allowed them to hold and choosing to live as honorable citizens within the structure of society.

One of the most important ways believers cooperate with civil leaders is through prayer. Scripture calls us to pray for those who lead.

Pray for wisdom in their decisions.

Pray for integrity in their leadership.

Pray for their families.

Pray for their souls.

A nation is strengthened when its leaders are lifted up before the Lord by the people of God.

Christians also cooperate with government by living as responsible citizens.

Obey the law.

Participate in the civic life of the community.

Vote thoughtfully.

Engage the culture with truth and grace.

Seek the welfare of the place where God has planted you.

Yet a question naturally rises when we talk about cooperating with government.

What happens when government supports something that God clearly calls evil?

History provides many examples of this tension. One of the clearest in our own lifetime has been the issue of abortion. If you remember, I opened last week’s message by discussing that very topic. For decades our government treated abortion as a moral right, while Scripture clearly teaches that life is sacred and that every human being is created in the image of God. Psalm 139 reminds us that God is actively forming life in the womb. The commandment “You shall not murder” leaves no confusion about God’s view of innocent life.

There is also the issue of gender and human sexuality. It was not long ago that presidential administrations held up, as a moral right and a moral good, the worldly ideology of homosexuality. In our last administration, high ranking members of the LGBT community were invited to the White House and celebrated as some of our nation’s loftiest examples of morality. Just a few years ago, the White House itself flew the Pride Progress flag and lit the building with rainbow lights.

While I am an American citizen, my first and foremost allegiance is to Christ, and I cannot sit idly by and call good what my Savior has called sin.

This is how I choose my civil disobedience, my Christlike call to proclaim truth. I choose to use this pulpit and this microphone as a herald of the gospel, calling the blind to see, the deaf to hear, and the prisoner to be set free. This is how I choose to use my voice. How will you use your voice?

Christians are not called to stand quietly while evil is celebrated.

Cooperating with civil leaders does not mean surrendering moral conviction. Faithful citizenship means using the avenues God has given us to pursue righteousness in our society. Those avenues include voting, advocating, speaking truth, supporting laws that protect life, and working within the system to replace evil with what is good.

Followers of Christ do not fight those battles with violence or hatred. Believers fight them through faithful work, prayerful persistence, and courageous conviction. The goal is not to tear down society. The goal is to influence it for good.

God calls His people to be a moral compass within the culture. Our faith should shape our communities, our counties, our states, and our nation. Christians cooperate with government by honoring authority, praying for leaders, and working within society to push back against evil so that righteousness can flourish.

Paul’s Call To Live As Christlike Citizens

I. Consider God’s Hand in Government (vs. 1–2)

II. Cooperate with Civil Leaders (vs. 3–5)

III. Contribute What Is Required (vs. 6–7)

Well friends, we have finally arrived at our third point in Paul’s call to live as Christlike citizens.

First, consider God’s hand in government.

Second, cooperate with civil leaders.

Lastly, look at Roman numeral three on your outline.

Contribute What Is Right

We see this in Romans 13:6–7.

Romans 13:6–7 CSB

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

Again, you can see the explanation of this point on your outline.

“Christlike citizens faithfully contribute taxes and revenue with respect and honor because obedience to civic responsibility reflects obedience to Christ.”

There really is no way to misunderstand what Paul is saying here. Paul is clearly instructing believers to pay what they owe, taxes, revenue, honor, respect. The Christian life does not remove us from civic responsibility. It calls us to live it out faithfully.

Now I know that is not the most exciting part of Scripture to preach. Nobody wakes up in the morning excited to talk about taxes. Most people would gladly volunteer to preach the sermon on heaven before volunteering to preach the sermon on taxes. Nevertheless, that’s where we are today. I have to preach what comes up in the text.

There are a few things in life you can count on. One is death. The other is taxes. Paul clearly agrees with that reality.

Jesus addressed this same issue during His ministry. The Pharisees tried to trap Him with a question about taxes. They wanted to force Him into a political controversy. If He supported paying taxes to Rome, the people might turn against Him. If He rejected the tax, the Roman authorities could accuse Him of rebellion.

Jesus asked them to bring Him a coin and then asked whose image was on it. They answered, “Caesar’s.”

Listen to what Jesus said.

Matthew 22:21 NKJV

“They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”

Jesus made it clear that believers have responsibilities both to God and to the society they live in.

Taxes serve a purpose. Taxes fund police departments that protect our communities. They help support fire departments that respond in moments of crisis. They contribute to schools that educate the next generation. They assist in providing care and resources for those who are struggling. Taxes fund the salaries of public servants who work on behalf of the people.

Taxes also help fund the military forces that stand as a shield of protection over a nation. That same military can also serve as a sword against those who seek to do harm. Governments carry that responsibility for the protection and order of society.

Paul’s point is simple. Followers of Jesus should be known as honest, responsible citizens who contribute what is required. Christians should not be the people trying to cheat the system. Christians should be the people known for integrity, respect, and honor.

Paul closes this section by reminding believers to give what is owed to everyone. Taxes where taxes are due. Revenue where revenue is due. Respect where respect is due. Honor where honor is due.

That is what Christlike citizenship looks like.

So as we bring this message to a close today, let me leave you with three simple calls for every believer.

Pray for our leaders.

Pray for our land.

Pray for our lives.

Pray that God would guide those who govern. Pray that our nation would pursue righteousness and justice. Pray that our own lives would reflect the humility, honor, and faithfulness that Christ calls us to display as citizens of both heaven and earth.

Pray For Leaders, Land And Our Lives!

Closing Prayer

Father God, we thank You for these United States of America. What a remarkable experiment began nearly two hundred and fifty years ago, a nation that has endured wars, hardship, and division, yet has continued to stand. Lord, that freedom has come at a great cost as millions of Americans have laid down their lives across the decades to protect this land. For that sacrifice, we are grateful.

Father, we recognize that our country is not perfect. We have our flaws, and we have faced many moments of crisis and chaos. Today we lift our nation before You, especially as our country has taken military action in Iran. Lord, protect our servicemen and women who are in harm’s way. Give them courage, wisdom, and safety as they stand against evil and seek justice.

Lord, we also pray for our leaders. Today we lift up President Trump, and we pray for every leader who has served before him and every leader who will come after him. Whether Republican or Democrat, our leaders need Your wisdom and Your grace. Guide their decisions and lead them toward what is right.

Father, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Help us as Christians to live as faithful citizens whose lives reflect Jesus in our community. During this time of invitation, if someone needs salvation, a church home, or to take the step of baptism, give them the courage to respond.

Bless this time of invitation now. In Jesus’ name, Amen.