Romans 13 is hard to chew on whenever you’re at odds with whoever is running the country, state, or county, especially if you’re political.
In case you’ve conveniently skipped over it, we’ll look at it and the footnotes.
“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.” Romans 13:1
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right…Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13-14, 16-17
Are you thinking, “I have to listen to those people? Calling them leaders is ridiculous!”
Daniel 2:21 makes it even clearer. “He” being God in this verse.
“He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21
Donald Trump? God put him there. That line just angered half of you and got cheers from the other half.
Joe Biden? God put him there too. And God will remove him like He does everyone.
At times, it feels like Sodom and Gomorrah 2.0. We think it’s terrible or good, but it’s not Rome where Christians were used as party torches.
“Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 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. 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. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” Romans 13:2-5
As a Constitutional Republic, we’re supposed to have a say. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are the foundation that supersedes politicians.
Though that is being chipped away more and more.
However, as King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus is overall. Therefore, any person or policy tells you to go against what he says is an illegal order. That’s what the disciples told the Jewish authorities in Acts.
I remind you that you’ll still face the consequences of that decision.
I’m not arguing for a theocracy. That will come at the end times. But unfortunately, anything people touch has the taint of corruption.
The goal is to mitigate that as much as possible. Enforce your freedoms and expose evil. Exercise self-discipline and wisdom because I’ve seen otherwise wise individuals demonstrate a lack of self-awareness and hypocrisy.
“This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 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.” Romans 13:6-7
Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.
A Ronin's Journey 