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Today’s Passage:
Romans 13:1-7


Religion or Politics


Religion and Politics


“These seven verse have caused more unhappiness and misery in the Christian East or West than any other seven verses in the New Testament.” - JC O’Neill

As believers, we have
Dual Citizenship.


Philippians 3:20 - But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

How do we balance our
obligation to God and State?


Romans 13:1-7 – “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. (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.

America =
Democracy


Roman Empire =
Autocracy

5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our role in government


Subject


Romans 13:1 - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities…


Hypotassesstho


Our responsibility:
Be good citizens and
pray for our leaders.

5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our role in government
2. The rule of government


Romans 13:1 - Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.


Common Grace

5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our role in government
2. The rule of government
3. The reason for government


Romans 13:3-5 - 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.


(5) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.


Diakonos


Minister


Thank them

5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our role in government
2. The rule of government
3. The reason for government
4. The response to government


Romans 13:6-7 - 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.


Support and Respect


You can disagree
without dishonoring


1 Timothy 2:1-3 - I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — (2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.


(3)This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”

5 Elements that form our relationship to government:
1. Our role in government
2. The rule of government
3. The reason for government
4. The response to government
5. The rival against government


Romans 13:5 - Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.



A Christian is to be a good citizen
until being a good citizen
means being a bad Christian.



You are stamped
in the image of God.



Have you given to God
what belongs to Him?


Philippians 2:15 – “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

GIVE US ONE YEAR OF YOUR LIFE.

1 PETER 1:17 // MSG

You call out to God for help and He helps - He’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, He’s also a responsible Father and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.