What is the biblical framework for how we – as followers of Jesus Christ – are to think, participate, and respond within a very diverse and divisive political climate?

Romans 13:1–7 (ESV) - 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. 2Thereforewhoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

God establishes governing authorities, and He is sovereign over them.

Why does God appoint governing authorities?

Genesis 4:7 (ESV) - If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Genesis 6:5–8 (ESV) - The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. 7So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 9:5–6 (ESV) - And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. 6“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

God established accountability to one another in this world.

Accountability = knowing a choice you make can receive consequence – good or bad - from another person with the authority to do so.

The lower the accountability; the greater the chaos.

Accountability is a relational dynamic God established to provide societal order and safety and to enact justice.

Government is the structure and method to carry out that accountability.

What matters in every form of government is not the structure itself – it’s the heart of the people.

1 Peter 2:13–17 (ESV) - Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Four parts to living as servants of God:
o Honor everyone – (Outdo one another in showing honor - Romans 12:10)

o Love the brotherhood

o Fear God

o Honor the emperor

1 Peter 2:18–25 (ESV) - 18Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Discussion Questions

1. If you could have dinner with any historical political leader, who would it be and what’s one question you would ask them?

2. In Genesis 9:5-6, God introduces accountability to mankind. Why is this important to understanding the purpose of government?

3. After reading Romans 13:1-7, discuss what it teaches us about God’s sovereignty. List all the reasons Paul gives for submitting to governing authorities.

4. Is submitting different than obedience? Why or why not?

5. Read 1 Peter 2:13-25. What stands out to you in this passage?

6. Is there ever a time when we should not submit to our governing authorities? If yes, be specific.

7. In what way does honoring or dishonoring the government reflect your commitment to living like Jesus?

8. What is one thing God is asking you to do in response to the truth found in these passages?