Civil Government
The biblical view of government is presented in Romans 13. God
has ordained civil government, and has expectations of both
believers and of governing authorities. God expects Christians
to submit to government (Romans 13:1, 2, 5, and 7).
God charged civil government with several duties. The state is
charged to protect the innocent (13:3-4). Government is also
charged to punish the guilty and restrain evil (Romans 13:4).
Paul points out in Romans 13:3 that rulers should be perceived
as a terror to evil conduct.
Romans 13 Outline
13:1-7
Christian duty to submit to the State
13:1-2
Government is ordained by God
13:3-5
Civil authorities are charged to punish evil
13:6-7
Render what is due (Matthew 22:15-22)
13:7-10
Christian duty to love (Matthew 22:34-40)
13:11-14
Christian response to a dark world
13:11
Be alert
13:12-13
Shun darkness for light
13:14
Put on Christ
The Sword
The sword is a symbol of lethal force (Romans 13:4). An officer
carries a weapon because it is capable of killing someone.
In the line of duty, a police officer or soldier may need to use
deadly force. The court, through civil law, may hand down a
sentence of capital punishment. In both cases, the government is
fulfilling its responsibility to be a terror to evil.
Taxes
God expects Christians to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7). When asked
about paying a poll tax, how did Jesus respond? “Render to
Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that
are God’s” (Matthew 22:15-22).
Because rulers are servants of God, devoted to governing
properly, Christians are expected to submit to their authority
and to pay taxes (Romans 13:6).