Getting Clarity | Romans 13:1-7

In this sermon from Romans 13:1-7,  Pastor Will looks at the text in three sections: The Rule, the Reason, and Our Response to Government.

Paul - the author of Romans - tells us that every person must submit to governing authorities because all authority comes from God. Resisting authority means resisting what God has instituted.

The early belief was that accepting Jesus exempted one from worldly rules. But we are called to be salt and light in this world, living out our faith within our current realities, not escaping them.

In Romans 13:3-5, Paul explains the Reason for Government. Authorities are meant to reward good behavior and punish evil. We submit to avoid wrath and maintain a clear conscience before God. Our conscience must be aligned with God’s Word, guiding us to live out His truth.

Romans 13:6-7 discusses Our Response to Government. We are to pay our dues—taxes, respect, and honor. This respect is for the office, not necessarily the officeholder, as all authority is under God’s sovereignty.

What do we do when government directives oppose God’s laws? We honor and respect authorities until their demands conflict with God’s commands. When that happens, we follow the examples of those like Paul, Peter, John, and Daniel, who chose obedience to God over human authority. But we must be ready to face the consequences of such disobedience.

So what is our response to governing authorities as followers of Jesus today?

1. Live above reproach and honor authority.
2. Put your view of government in a healthy perspective.
3. Remember that no matter who is in office, God is still on the throne.
4. Don’t allow your personal views to affect your relationship with other believers.