Our country is deep into election season.
All 435 seats in Congress, 34 seats in
the Senate, and of course, the office of president are up for election. Add to
that the state and local elections taking place, and we are overrun with
campaign ads, signs and slogans!
And
then there are the endless political debates and discussions. The United States
is deeply divided over important issues. Each side in the political arena is
convinced they are right; consequently, passions run high and, unfortunately,
the rhetoric and debate is often less than civil.
In Romans 13, Paul addressed our attitude and behavior toward government, and we definitely need his guidance in this election season. While Christians may not like certain politicians, God calls us to respond based not on emotion but with actions that honor government and its leaders. Love for Christ and for others is to permeate every way we engage ourselves in the political arena.
Politics
can be a real minefield—especially for Christians. I learned this when I served
on my local school board. While politicians are often only concerned with the
outcome, Christians also must be concerned about the process.
In one
contentious moment some of my colleagues wanted to accomplish a goal that
would’ve been good, but they wanted to get there in a way that violated
Christian principles. I couldn’t support something good if I had to agree to an
unbiblical path.
The
phrase, “The end justifies the means,” is often associated with 16th century philosopher
Machiavelli. He wrote in one of his works: “For although the act condemns the
doer, the end may justify him.”1 Machiavelli apparently believed that, if our
goal is good, then we are free to use whatever means are needed to achieve it.
Unfortunately,
many Christians today seem to embrace that philosophy, but you won’t find that
idea in Scripture. In fact, God calls us to a wholly different standard: a
standard of obedience and love that will be seen in how we respond to politics and
government.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Romans 13:1-4
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there
is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that
exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the
authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do
right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one
in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in
authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for
rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of
wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
If you
imagine life in the Roman Empire was relatively peaceful, pleasant, and
prosperous, think again. The truth is that slavery, sexual exploitation,
violence, cruelty, graft, and corruption were common in the first century. It
was in the midst of all this that Paul wrote to admonish Roman believers: “Let
everyone be subject to the governing authorities” (v. 1).
I’d
never heard the phrase “the rule of law” until I heard it used on the news
during the 1990s. The phrase is a reminder that every society must have some
form of governance that guides the people and processes so we can live in
peace. Although the idea of the rule of law wasn’t invented in the 1990s, it’s
at least as old as this ancient text.
Question 2:
How
have you seen government benefit you or your community?
One
thing we know about God is that He is a God of order, and order is held together
under His authority. Just think about how He created the world. The earth
orbits the Sun from an average distance of 92.96 million miles and it
consistently orbits the sun every 365.256 days. If the earth were only slightly
closer to the sun, it would be too hot to sustain life, and if it were slightly
further away, it would be too cold. God ordered things just right.
Paul
told the Corinthian church: “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Cor.
14:33). The orderliness of God applies when it comes to government too, since
God institutes governments to maintain order. As we live in submission to the
government, we learn what it means to live in subjection to God Himself. “For
the one in authority is God’s servant for your good” (v. 4). Consequently,
failure to submit to the authorities He has placed over our lives is rebellion.
“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what
God has instituted” (v. 2).
Unfortunately,
governments are run by imperfect people. Imperfect people will do imperfect
things. At times, these imperfect things will go against God’s will.
A
challenge like this confronted the apostles. The authorities arrested the
apostles and instructed them to stop preaching in the name of Jesus (Acts
5:18-28), but the apostles told the authorities: “We must obey God rather than
human beings” (v. 29). Now this is not a loophole that allows us to disobey the
government whenever it suits us. The apostles’ example is a reminder that we
are to live in obedience to the government as long as that obedience doesn’t
cause us to sin against the will of God.
5
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of
possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue,
then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Our
testimony shows up everywhere, so as much as possible, Christians should be model
citizens. We are instructed to “submit to the authorities, not only because of possible
punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (v. 5).
Question 3:
How do
we view these verses through the lens of our form of government?
In His
Sermon on the Mount, Jesus added an element of servanthood to our obedience:
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matt. 5:41).
Jesus also said: “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”
(22:21). Many things may belong to the government, but everything belongs to
God—including government authorities. “The authorities are God’s servants” (v.
6). Our obedience to government is important because:
- God uses the government to build us up. Road
building and maintenance, water and sewage, police and emergency services, and
provisions for the poor, the sick, and the elderly are just a few of the myriad
ways the government helps us. The government’s ultimate role is to look after
the nation as a whole and make provisions that support the well-being and
prosperity of its citizens.
- God uses our lives as a testimony of His
faithful love and unselfish grace. The world is watching how we
live. “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
While nonbelievers may have used this title in derision, it’s apparent these
believers were people whose lives declared they were living like Jesus! Some
people may never read a Bible, so all they know about the character of God they
learn by watching the lives of Christians. When we live as good earthly
citizens, people learn of the faithful love and unselfish grace of the Almighty
God we love and serve.
- God uses the government for His purposes. God
is working out His providential plan. “From one man he made all the nations,
that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed
times in history and the boundaries of their lands” (Acts 17:26). We are
sometimes so focused on our own lives and concerns we forget that God is
working all around us—even within the government. “In the Lord’s hand the
king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him”
(Prov. 21:1).
Romans 13:8-10
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the
continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the
law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not
murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other
command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as
yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the
fulfillment of the law.
It might seem that Paul changed subjects in
verse 8 from our response to governing authorities to loving one another, but
we should read verses 8-10 in the context of how we respond to governing
authorities. Every system is made better when fueled by love, and no one has a
greater obligation to love than the Christian.
Question 4:
How do these verses speak to our
responsibilities as Christian citizens?
Politics must be practiced in the context of love.
Most of us are likely not politicians, but we have political views—and we need
to practice and express those views with love. The apostle Paul commanded the
Romans—and us—to owe nothing to anyone except the debt of loving others: “Let
no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (v.
8). Love proves whose we are. When people know we are Christians, our actions
and attitudes put God’s name on the line. If love is not present in our
political discussions, we will be mean, short sighted, and selfish. Hate-filled
name calling and incivility have no place in the life of a believer. As Jesus
said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”
(John 13:35).
Politics driven by love always seeks to do
the right thing. “Love does no harm to a neighbor” (v. 10). Love seeks to do
what is right by our neighbors. When our political action is driven by love for
God and love for others, we will lose the selfish attitudes. Our political
actions must lift up Jesus. Our votes must bring glory to God. We do this when
we care about all the things God cares about.
This also means that as Christians we should never
compromise our witness for a political agenda. It is right to support
politicians when they support God’s plan, but at the same time we must be
willing to call out those politicians when they are wrong. We must always serve
God first.
Question 5:
How can love overcome political division
among Christians?
THE LAW OF LOVE
We often do not think of the word love when
discussing the government.
Answer the following questions:
Considering today’s text, explain how
Christ’s love helps us not only fulfill God’s law, but the law of man.
Respond to these possible objections:
We should not have to pay taxes that support
ungodly activities such as abortion.
Our elected leaders are corrupt, so we don’t
have to obey them.
Offer a prayer that God will grant you grace
to express love in your attitude and relationships.
“Remind the people
to be subject to rulers and authorities,
to be obedient, to
be ready to do whatever is good.”
TITUS 3:1
LIVE IT OUT
When it comes to politics, how will you
reflect Christ’s love?
Choose one of the following applications:
- Practice love. We are in a season of elections, so politics
is a common topic of discussion. At times, Christians may find themselves on
opposite sides of an issue or debating with a candidate. Maintain love for
others in your conversations and discussions.
- Plunge into God’s Word. The political issues we face today are not
easy. Study Scripture to see how it speaks to the issues. Continually seek to
be aligned with God, and do so with love and humility.
- Participate. Are you an active participant or do you just complain from the
sidelines? It is important for Christians to influence the discourse in the
public square and the political processes. Get active and let your love for
Christ be an influence.
From my time on the school board to the
present time, I have learned one important life lesson: we can disagree without
being disagreeable. We may lose sometimes, but don’t fret. God wins in the end!
Well, this lesson is on politics so, I look forward to seeing you at the debate!
God Bless America!!
David & Susan
Teacher Notes:
Needless to say, the United States is deeply divided over important issues. Each side is convinced they are right; consequently, passions run high and, unfortunately, the rhetoric and debate are often less than civil. The rhetoric and debate has become hateful and evil to a point never seen in this country. I just don't believe this is how Jesus would have us be.
Paul addresses our attitude and behavior toward the government, and today we have the opportunity to discuss what Romans 13 means to each of us in this election season.
Romans 13:1-4
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is
no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist
have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels
against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For
rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do
you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right
and you will be commended. For the one in authority is
God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s
servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
New Living Translation: Everyone must
submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in
positions of authority have been placed there by God. So, anyone who rebels
against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will
be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing
right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of
the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are
God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you
should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s
servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.
What’s your immediate reaction to these verses?
How should I respond to politics?
How can we navigate the tension between obeying authority and
participating in the political process to seek change?
1. Respond
to the government with obedience.
· God is a God of order who ordained government for our good, benefit, and welfare. Christians have a responsibility to submit themselves to the governing authorities and society’s governing rules and institutions as they fit into God’s purposes. Those who resist civil authorities have reason to fear them; those who submit to them will receive their approval.
Romans 13:5-7
Therefore,
it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible
punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes,
for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue,
then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
New
Living Translation: So, you must submit to them, not only to avoid
punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Pay your taxes, too, for these
same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in
what they do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government
fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in
authority.
How
does our response to the government reveal more about us than it does the
government?
2. Respond
to the government with integrity, respect, and honor.
· Christians submit to governing authorities not only because of the fear of punishment but because it is the right thing to do. Government and governmental leaders are due financial support because they provide a public service that benefits the citizenry. Christian support to the government not only comes through monetary payment but through attitudes of respect and honor.
Why is it important for us to respect and
honor an authority figure, even when we don’t agree with everything they say?
Romans 13:8-10
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the
continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the
law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,”
“You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there
may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.
New Living Translation: Owe nothing to anyone—except for your
obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the
requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit
adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.”
These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your
neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the
requirements of God’s law.
3. Respond to the
government’s political discussions and disagreements with love.
· Christians have a divinely-appointed responsibility to love others, both those in the community of faith and those outside it. By their love, Christians bring the law of the Lord to its fulfillment. Love works for the good of others; it does not bring them harm.
What role can the church play in our
political process? How does love disarm an argument?
· Politics must be practiced in the context of love. Most of us are likely not politicians, but we have political views — and we need to practice and express those views with love. The apostle Paul commanded the Romans — and us — to owe nothing to anyone except the debt of loving others: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another” (v. 8). Love proves whose we are.
When people know we are Christians,
our actions and attitudes put God’s name on the line. If love is not present in our political discussions, we will be
mean, short sighted, and selfish. Hate-filled name calling and incivility have
no place in the life of a believer. As Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if
you love one another” (John 13:35).
While
Christians may not like certain politicians, God calls us to respond based not
on emotion but with actions that honor government and its leaders. Love for
Christ and for others is to permeate every way we engage ourselves in the
political arena.
If we are a Christian, I believe we have two options:
1. We can deny our faith and join in the hateful rhetoric.
Is that denying my faith? Yes, I believe it is. To me, to embrace Jesus Christ is to embrace His love and grace. Therefore, to live a life devoid of love and grace towards others speaks against the very One we claim to follow.
"Everyone who hates his brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him" (1 John 3:15).
2. We can pray for and honor the President - whether it's Trump or Biden.
Pray with honor toward him. How can I honor him when I think he's evil and is going to bring us to ruin? Remember what Peter said and did.
"Honor everyone. Love the brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor" (1 Pet. 2:17).
Maybe you're thinking. "Yes, we should honor the office, but I hate this president." Peter didn't command us to honor the office of emperor, but to honor the emperor. And I don't think Peter would've said something different had he lived under a President Trump.
He lived under the emperor Nero.
• Nero, the ruthless leader who killed his own mother.
• Nero, the man with multiple marriages who brutally kicked one of his wives when she was pregnant.
• Nero, the man who tortured Christians.
• Nero, the man who saw to it that Peter was killed.
Yet Peter said "Honor the emperor."
My point is this - Our course of action is the same for all of us, regardless of our political leanings. We are to pray for — and honor — the President, whether it's President Trump or President Biden.
We don't know what God has planned for whom He puts in authority. History has shown that He uses people we might not think He would or should to do His will. We should be very careful with the judgments we make and the hateful rhetoric we engage in especially in the name of Jesus.
If we want to bring about governmental change then go and VOTE!!
But when the votes are in and we have decided a president, then our lesson says to:
1. Respond with obedience.
2. Respond with integrity, respect, and honor.
3. Respond to political discussions and disagreements with love.
