April 24, 2024
Romans 13
Have you been called a Bible thumper, gun toting religious freak? Some politicians have openly made that statement about some of us Christians. Being a Bible thumper does not make us against the government so gun toting shouldn’t be used as a threat either. In chapter 12 we learned that we should live peacefully with everyone, if possible and as far as it depends on us, verse 18. So, it makes sense that we would consider those who have “power” and authority bestowed by God over us in this world in the form of governance.
The Jews did not like being under Roman authority. In fact, in the past the Jews have been under authority by several groups of people; Egypt for 400 years, Babylon, Persia, the Greeks by Alexandar the Great, and more and what they failed to realize that these conquerors were judgements from God. Now, God has put the Jews under judgement with the Romans and additional judgement is yet to come with the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Further judgement or testing of faith came from Nero in 64 AD, lighting up streets with Christians dipped in oil and used as lamps and Paul will feel the blade of an axe against his neck as Satan has lost the battle and will try to persuade everyone, by intimidation, that Christianity is not real.
But Christianity is real for the very real purposes of trials and tribulations we do experience as Paul did. Paul encourages us to be living sacrifices by walking close to God, by the Spirit, and to realize that our “salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” We will soon be delivered out of this world and into the kingdom of God, so be aware and be proactive to the many people who are lost and need to continue hearing the gospel. Be encouraged that Christ is to be put on, and rebel against the desires of this world.
The first part of chapter 13 instructs us to obey those who are over us, our “leaders.” God has set up governing institutions to keep His commandments. Many laws came from the 10 Commandments. Off shoots of these laws have increased the number of laws man has made. For example, an internet search showed over 300 federal gun laws. Government was set up to enforce Gods law, to do good and right which shows that the pagan has Gods law written in his heart 1 Peter 2:13-14. When we disobey our government, we disobey God. The only time we should disobey our government is when they tell us to do something against God’s law or not to do something that God’s law says we should do. The only catch is this, we must be willing to pay the consequences of our action. For example, in scripture, the book of Daniel 3:16-18, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the king, Nebuchadnezzar’ gold statue and they told the king directly that they wouldn’t. They said their God could save them from the destruction of the furnace but even if He did not, they would not bow down or serve this false gold idol. We know the story from there, God did save them from the furnace. Daniel was rescued from the lion’s den after disobeying the king’s edict not to pray to any god but the gods they created. Another example in the New Testament, Acts 4:19, “Peter and John answered them, ‘Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide” they were beaten but they kept on preaching.
So, our primary duty is to love, not as the “hippie’s” did in the 60’s and 70’s but with respect in doing to others as you would want done to you. Again, by example we show our devotion to Christ by living peacefully with all and to be a living sacrifice, “making no plans to gratify the desires of the flesh”, verse 14b.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we willingly disobey You by disobeying those You put over us. You are most high, and You have Your plan. Your word says not to fight against these things but live among the people in Jeremiah 29 and that those who do us wrong, You will repay. Oh, Father, how we can rest in tribulations knowing You have our best interests but not for our benefit but that Your name will be known. Help us to be the shepherd that feeds the flock you gave us through our actions and our teachings.
Amen
-David Mroz
