"The Christian Citizen" - Tim Williams

Americans are celebrating the 238th birthday of the USA this July 4^th.  During its history America has generally recognized religious freedom so that one's faith did not face interference from the government.  Throughout hundreds of years of church history various Christian leaders have debated the connection between the church and the state.  In this week's text the Apostle Paul gives inspired instruction on the type of citizen a Christian should be in regard to the earthly government under which they live. 

Why would Paul give such instruction?  He consistently would write his letters to the churches with a twofold emphasis.  First, what we are to believe and then how we live those beliefs out. The Book of Romans is no different, with the first 11 chapters dealing with doctrine and the last 5 dealing with duty.  Chapter 13 is instructive because some believers would perhaps struggle with the idea of supporting human government if our "citizenship" is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20), while others would struggle with being subject to governments or government officials who they considered cruel, immoral or opposed to Christian values. 

Summarizing Paul's teaching could be as follows...Christians are to 1) recognize that human government is instituted by God; 2) strive to be law abiding citizens; 3) pay our taxes; and 4) show respect to those in governmental office. 

Our text also causes Christians to ask "Must we obey human government in everything?”  Oh, the wonderful wisdom of our Lord Jesus.  "So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:21 

Happy 4th...see you Sunday! 

1. Where in the Bible do we find God instituting the concept of human government?  Some believe it starts in Genesis 9:6...why might they think that? 

2.  How do you think a Christian living under the governments of Iran or North Korea would or should understand Romans 13:1-7? 

3.  Read the Apostle Peter's inspired instruction about Christians and human government.  Would "God fearing, law abiding" citizens be an apt description for Christians based on his teaching? 

4.  Could something be legal but not right? 

5.  What if God's laws and human laws are not in agreement?  Read the Bible story of Daniel in the lion's den - Daniel 6.  Also see Acts 5:27-32 

6.  Did Paul ever exercise his Roman citizenship while serving the Lord?  Acts 16:35-39; 21:39; 22:22-29 

7.  Though he was a Roman citizen, Paul was also very committed to his Jewish nationality and heritage.  How strongly did he feel toward other Israelites?  Romans 10:1 

8.  Consider 1Timothy 2:1-3.  Have you prayed specifically for any government officials lately? 

9.  Read Psalm 2:10-12.  Do you think this might be healthy advice for those in governmental authority?