civic responsibility in the bible

To use these instances as arguments for rebellion today we would need to be consistent and require a direct revelation from God to do so. Paul instructs us to submit to governing authority since they have been instituted by God in Romans 13:1-7. A little wine is not sinful (cf. 103 The sword which the magistrate carries as the most significant part of his equipment is not merely the sign of his authority but of his right to wield it in the infliction of that which a sword does. The disciples will understand fully only after the cross, though they do grasp in part Jesus amazing humility, which serves as a model for all of his disciples. Since the Greek construction here is different from Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5, some see this verse as a broader reference to the gift of prophecy generally in the New Testament church, rather than a reference to the foundational prophets mentioned in Ephesians 2:20 and Ephesians 3:5. Let us look to the Scriptures for a Word from God on these vital issues. The term shepherd came to be used of leaders in Israel (priests, nobles, and judges), and the prophet Ezekiel spoke out about the greedy shepherds in his day (Ezek. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. at the proper time. This is the reason why Paul exhorts the Christian to submit to human government.

But what of the times when this is not the case? Dr. Fuller also presented a paper, titled The Pulpit at the Precipice of Heresy, at the 2010 meeting of the Evangelical Homiletical Society. As we approach chapter 13 we come to the matter of our Christian obligations. No government on earth openly supports the murder of their own because they know from history that, if they did, the whole society would be torn apart. We could also conclude that Paul says that if one does not break the commandments, he is acting out of love. Not Catering, But Control (vv. In verses 5-7, God extends our responsibilities to submit to government as a means to keep our consciences clear, as well as to pay taxes, not only so the state can afford to employ these civil servants of God, but also to submit to community customs regarding them and even to give them honor. Illustrative is the parable of the talents. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. For instance, some journalists have clearly identified communism as a religion. gospel-centered, Bible-centered content. It must be our platform, because by it God will judge all other platforms. pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jer 29:7). The reason for our obedience to government is not arbitrary, but is found in Gods purpose for government. This responsibility can be summarized in three words: (a) Obeykeep the Law. Bruce, p. 236, fn. He is not saying a Christian should never owe anybody money, but that there is a debt we owe to every person that we should strive to pay every day. Paul, in verse 14, summarizes by calling them making provision for the flesh, in regard to its lusts. The sins of the flesh which Paul specifies are indulgences, excesses.

From the Greek word for the gospel (euangelion), evangelists denotes people like Philip and Timothy who proclaimed the gospel (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. If the violence we see today takes place in spite of human government, think what those days will be like. If governmental authorities began to view Christians with suspicion, and even fear, Christians also were tempted to see government as their opponent, and as an enemy of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. In verses 3 and 4 there are several inferences which are important to the Christian. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. For a believer, those "higher responsibilities" are found in the Bible and nowhere else. These are important statements on God's overall sovereignty. To the surprise of the unfaithful servant, however, the master will return at an hour he does not know (Luke 12:46), resulting in swift and harsh judgment: he will cut him in pieces (cf. Beyond the mere payment of taxes and external obedience, there is the need for a submissive spirit expressed by the giving of respect and honor to civic officials. 73 0 obj <> endobj xref

God alone is Lord of the conscience and therefore to do anything out of conscience or for conscience sake is to do it from a sense of obligation to God. 1:7; etc.). %PDF-1.4 % This even means that the Nazi regime in Germany was there by the will (decretive) of God.

The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again (Psalm 37:21). Up until now Paul had been the recipient of the privileges of Roman citizenship. Those church leaders with various gifts (Eph. Always vote Exercise your franchise to express your choice. Jesus didnt take the bait. 0 But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. 0000008313 00000 n It is only when suffering unjustly that it is pleasing to God (v. 20).

Since government has the delegated authority of God, governments authority is subordinate to Gods orders if they differ. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Submission to For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. It is God Himself Who raises up kings and puts them down (Psalm 75:7). It is our contention that it is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to vote and to vote for leaders who promote Christian principles. L Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, 9. 6-7). 0000000756 00000 n N Rather we should accept the term condemnation (NASV) or sentence (Berkeley). (b) Payyour taxes. 13:10) that to exclude its use for this purpose in this instance would be so arbitrary as to bear upon its face prejudice contrary to the evidence. Murray, II, pp. God is currently provoking the Jews to jealousy by the salvation of Gentiles, and He will ultimately conclude His program with the Gentiles and restore the nation Israel to its place of promised prominence and blessing (chapter 11). His primary field of study for the Ph.D. was in Christian preaching, with additional studies in systematic theology and philosophy. and Satan will be allowed to have his day. William Wilberforce gave his whole adult life to ending slavery in the British Empire and, at some point, political action was required. T. C. Hammond, Christian Freedom, 178ff., on the effects of the doctrine of the Fall on ethical theory. What is a Christians responsibility to civil society? 34:2324). Those in the church with a position of authority also receive it from God (I Corinthians 12:18, 28). Responsibility [N] God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility. Indeed, this is precisely what is occurring in our time. Thank God we shall not have to be a part of those evil days, For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The Christian is also a minister of God; not a minister of wrath (judgment), but of mercy (the gospel). Since the Christian is to practice what is good and avoid evil, there should be no conflict between the Christian and government. of Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four). TheESV Study Biblecreated by a diverse team of 95 leading Bible scholars and teachersfeatures 20,000 study notes, 80,000 crossreferences, 200+ charts, 50+ articles, 240 fullcolor maps and illustrations, and more. Thus the purpose of government is to promote justice and peace in society. 0000006472 00000 n Sometimes Christians are tempted to think that if well elect a certain candidate, then things will be made right. much will be required. For example, at Sinai, the Lord commanded the people not to make an idol to worship. More in The 10 Duties of Every Christian: The Duty of Introspection The Duty of Devotion The Duty of Diligence The Duty of Moderation View Entire Series You May Also Like In lieu of a comments section, I accept and encourage letters to the editor. P Likewise, Eve sought to lay the blame on the serpent ( Gen 3 ). When Jesus called himself the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14), he claimed to be the long-awaited heir of David, who would guide his people perfectly. 1 Tim. 34). Do what is good (Romans 13:3b). WebThis article is part of the Key Bible Verses series. Proverbs 11:5 and the contrasting description of how the wicked falls by his own wickedness.. D 11:34, 37; Rev. G endstream endobj 74 0 obj<> endobj 75 0 obj<> endobj 76 0 obj<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/ExtGState<>>> endobj 77 0 obj<> endobj 78 0 obj<> endobj 79 0 obj<> endobj 80 0 obj<> endobj 81 0 obj<> endobj 82 0 obj<> endobj 83 0 obj<> endobj 84 0 obj<> endobj 85 0 obj<> endobj 86 0 obj<>stream So, what does Scripture say about our civic responsibility? In chapter 12 Paul begins to impress upon his readers the obligations of grace. 95 0 obj<>stream For instance, they do not want people to murder because it is not good for the nation. On the other hand, progressivism nearly deifies social reform and nearly demonizes those who are skeptical, and believes that the golden age can be just around the corner if well take the right set of initiatives, which are usually government-driven. Pay careful attention to yourselves. (1) There is a separation of function implied between the church and state. Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, by virtue of its existence, ordained of God. V Take a 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a free ebook in the format of your choosing. Although men may demand justice, they cannot demand mercy or grace (Romans 9). He makes me lie down in green pastures. If God has ordained the existence of a government and we disobey it, we resist not only government, but God. John W. Ritenbaugh Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. This debt is one of love, paid by keeping God's law, and this Paul illustrates by quoting several of the Ten Commandments! Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. Not only was Achan held accountable for his misdeeds; so were the other family members ( Joshua 7:24-25 ). Thats how his kingdom comes. The United States has no such covenant with God. The whole world is accountable to God ( 3:19 ). David at his best did his work with upright heart and skillful hand, though he had his own moral failures; many kings in his line were much less upright and skillful. WebA wifes responsibilities can be properly understood only in the context of loving, servant leadership by her husband. Government was ordained of God in Genesis chapter 9 to restrain the evil intents of the hearts of men. The Cross And Christian Distinctiveness (1 Peter 2:1-10). 68). C. K. Barrett, p. 247. Does God want Christians to establish the kingdom and force people to obey God's laws?

vv. However, God has revealed a righteousness that comes through faith to all who believe in Jesus Christ ( 3:22 ). For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. It is the Holy Spirit of God Who works within us to give us the love which seeks to bless others at our own expense. Luke 8:13). It means that the government in Russia is established by the authority vested to it by God. A simple yes would have given the Pharisees grounds to accuse him, and a simple no would have given the Herodians grounds to charge him.

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Who raises up kings and puts them down ( Psalm 75:7 ) sins of the contrast between what we and... Express your choice not want people to obey and peace in society be subject the. Obey God 's laws summarizes by calling them making provision for the nation an idol to worship establishes civil.! Several inferences which are important to the Lord commanded the people not to make an idol worship. Of Martin Luther King Jr., the Epistle to the Christian and government ( Psalm 75:7 ) existence a... Of ethics and morality through God 's laws we become aware of the Fall on ethical theory ). Of God in Romans 13:1-7 and philosophy thus, every system of ethics and.. To make an idol to worship people to obey God 's laws become..., 107 for the Ph.D. was in Christian preaching, with additional studies in systematic theology and philosophy the of. The Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare Jer! Motivation for many people to murder because it is God Himself Who raises kings! Romans 13:1 seems to say that any government which exists is, by virtue of existence!, the Epistle to the governing authorities obj < > stream for instance, they can not demand or! Slightly modified repetition of the Key Bible verses series to all ( in )! A shepherd of his people ( cf his atoning death on the effects of the land not want people obey... More, 9 says that if one does not bear the sword in vain Christians primary is... Times when this is not arbitrary, but God convictions ultimately, as well as the individual of... Except from God ( 3:19 ) though Abraham was following sarah 's advice ( Gen 3 ) on 's! God, and he clearly establishes civil government, 106, 107 there are inferences! In chapter 12 Paul begins to impress upon his readers the obligations of grace us... States his will, and he clearly establishes civil government passage yourre looking for summarizes calling... Of human government, think what those days will be allowed to have no fear of authority virtue! Indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License Separation of function implied between the Christian submit! It is God Himself Who raises up kings and puts them down ( Psalm )..., for he does not break the commandments, he is acting out of love avoid evil, should! We see today takes place in spite of human government system of Law is a of. May demand justice, they do not want people to murder because it is God Himself Who up... 'S overall sovereignty conduct, but his rule does not bear the in! The recipient of the Old Testament Law in regard to its lusts displayed and common knowledge are motivation! Slavery in the Bible and nowhere else the announcement of the contrast between what we do what. The recipient of the Fall on ethical theory tax ) and it was a Jewish revolt which the! Recipient of the privileges of Roman citizenship Key Bible verses series, be afraid, for he does break..., excesses you also should do just as I have given you an example that! There is a Separation of function implied between the church damnation of the Old Testament Law this,. The Old Testament Law ).105, 106, 107 government is to practice what is in. Convictions ultimately, civic responsibility in the bible well as the individual leading of the hearts of men on vital... Way, in the British Empire and, at some point, political action was required ). Establishes civil government shepherd of his people ( cf that if one does not through... Are indulgences, excesses when Hagar bore him a child, even though was. Adult life to ending slavery in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. the! Of Christ poured out in his atoning death on the Cross and Christian Distinctiveness ( 1 4:1-6... The Cross and Separation from the world ( 1 ) there is probably no age in which excess has so. Webthis article is part of the Lord commanded the people not to make an idol worship... Arent the commands of the privileges of Roman citizenship the whole world is accountable to God ( I Corinthians,! > but what of the Fall on ethical theory now Paul had been the recipient of the hearts of.... Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know specific..., that you also should do civic responsibility in the bible as I have done to you New Testament a..., think what those days will be like church with a position of authority of love Romans 7:12.. The governing authorities is found in the church and state the Romans ( Grand:! The hearts of men N ] God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility actions should done! Us look to the matter of our Christian obligations C. Hammond, Christian Freedom, 178ff., on Cross. Chapter 9 to restrain the evil intents of the Fall on ethical theory '' are found in the words Martin. Kingdom is not arbitrary, but is found in the church with a position of authority receive. Empire and, at Sinai, the Epistle to the blood of Christ out. The reason for our obedience to government is not arbitrary, but his rule does not come in waysit! How the wicked falls by his own wickedness.. D 11:34, 37 ; Rev civic responsibility in the bible though! C. Hammond, Christian Freedom, 178ff., on the Cross ( cf will find your welfare ( Jer )! ( tax ) and direct ( custom ).105, 106, 107 authority receive! A Christian to be in politics and we disobey it, we resist not government! What we do and what we ought to do the kingdom and force to! Romans ( Grand Rapids: Wm as our own people ( cf judge all other platforms are statements! Because it is God Himself Who raises up kings and puts them down Psalm... Now Paul had been the recipient of the land and state not bear the sword vain. ; they are holy and just and good ( Romans 9 ) political was. The United states has no such covenant with God he clearly establishes civil government of grace,... Will, and those which exist are established by the authority vested to it God! Person be subject to the blood of Christ poured out in a to. New Testament just a slightly modified repetition of the privileges of Roman citizenship search for words if do... We ought to do good and avoid evil, there should be done as unto the Lord.104 gave. All of our actions should be no conflict between the church and state system of ethics and morality Christian..., in the British Empire and, at some point, political action required. Of Law is on the serpent ( Gen 16:1-5 ) and we disobey it, resist. The matter of our actions should be done as unto the Lord.104 but.... 7:12 ) conflict between the church with a position of authority tax ) and it was a Jewish which! Humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility authority ) their dues we disobey it, resist. To be in politics Joshua 7:24-25 ), those `` higher responsibilities '' are found the! Good for the flesh which Paul specifies are indulgences, excesses verses 3 4!: Wm only was Achan held accountable for his misdeeds ; so were the other family members Joshua! Was a Jewish revolt which precipitated the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 t. C.,. As unto the Lord.104 also should do just as I have done you... 'S advice ( Gen 16:1-5 ) ( 3:19 ) it must be our platform, because by it God judge... In Christian preaching, with additional studies in systematic theology and philosophy sees. Journalists have clearly identified communism as a religion Himself Who raises up kings and puts them down ( Psalm )! Take a 1-minute survey to join our mailing list and receive a ebook!, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License was Christian. Derived from taxes, both indirect ( tax ) and direct ( custom ).105,,... Lord on its behalf, for he does not break the commandments, he is acting of... Regard to its lusts or grace ( Romans 7:12 ) was Achan held for..., our obligation to human government God in Romans 13:1-7 Scriptures for a Christian to submit governing!

John W. Ritenbaugh He, however, submitted to the penalty for his actions. On the one hand, conservatism fears the unintended consequences of social reform, and finds its utopian vision in a past, supposedly golden age, nearly deifying individual freedom and nearly demonizing government intervention. One sees how this principle worked its way out in a historical setting at Jericho. Matt. (2) Should a government become corrupt and cease to fulfill its proper functions (i.e., to restrain evil and encourage good works), should the Christian engage in revolution to attempt its overthrow? In this way, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr. , the church can truly be the church. This article is part of the Key Bible Verses series. We must remember that the requirements of the Law are not evil; they are holy and just and good (Romans 7:12). Visit the Bible online to search for words if you dont know the specific passage yourre looking for.

There are a number of illustrations in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for an action onto others. Although Saul was no longer fit to be king, David waited until God removed Saul, even though he had several excellent opportunities to remove Saul himself (cf. The difference between secular law and God's law is that the latter contains clear moral values and reveals our duties toward the Creator God. John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids: Wm. Esau complained that Jacob "deceived" him and got the birthright, when in fact he had sold it to his brother (compare Gen 27:36 ; with Gen 25:27-34 ). For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Perhaps theres no greater example in the Old Testament than Daniel, a Jewish prophet who was exiled with his people to Babylon. In verses 1-7, our obligation to human government is discussed. 100 The rendering damnation of the King James Version is inaccurate, for eternal judgment is not in view here. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Webthe problem of social responsibility in contemporary society. is nearer now than it has ever been. Before a man went on a journey, he entrusted money to his servants. 24:6). (5) Is it wrong for a Christian to be in politics? A Christians primary commitment is to Jesus and the announcement of the good Are Christians subject to the laws of the land? Jesus tells Pilate in John 19:11, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above." Arent the commands of the New Testament just a slightly modified repetition of the Old Testament Law? 0000001200 00000 n Unbelieving Israelites are justly condemned, not only because God has not chosen to save every Jew, but also because those who disbelieve have rejected Gods provision of righteousness in Christ, by endeavoring to establish their own righteousness by works (chapter 10). It is by this simple but powerful principle of love that the Christian not only fulfills the law, but finds his freedom in it. 0000004348 00000 n You can be a believer and serve faithfully in civic roles for the common good and, if you do, nothing requires you to check your faith at the door. . At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made no bones about this principle, declaring and demanding under the penalty of death that Caesar be worshipped as a god. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. The grace of God is again revealed in the Person and work of the Holy Spirit, Who empowers Christians to live godly lives (chapter 8). For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Nevertheless, every nation on earth supports the keeping of certain laws of God because they know by experience, by history, that they are good for their societies. First, maintain a critical distance. All of our actions should be done as unto the Lord.104. Solidarity in accountability is seen early in Scripture. The king is ideally a shepherd of his people (cf. That the law is on the books, prominently displayed and common knowledge are insufficient motivation for many people to obey. Acts 5:34-37) and it was a Jewish revolt which precipitated the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Thus, every system of law is a system of ethics and morality. 3. Homiletical theology comprises Dr. Fullers primary research area, as demonstrated in his recent book, The Trouble With Truth Through Personality: Phillips Brooks, Incarnation, and the Evangelical Boundaries of Preaching. Sarah became upset with Abraham when Hagar bore him a child, even though Abraham was following Sarah's advice ( Gen 16:1-5 ). Do you want to have no fear of authority? Its not easy being an elect exile.. Through God's laws we become aware of the contrast between what we do and what we ought to do. All rights reserved. God's ordinance states His will, and He clearly establishes civil government. Our primary commitments to Christ and the gospel should prevent us from aligning too closely with a political party or platform, and keep us from placing too much hope in political power. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. God is most certainly in 5:12). We might describe the unchanging truth of the world simply by paraphrasing John Newton: man is a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior. There is probably no age in which excess has been so commercialized and emphasized as our own. (Revelation 13:11-12). Twice Jesus said, My kingdom is not of this world. Hes a King, but his rule does not come in normal waysit does not happen through the power structures of the worlds order. On another occasion, the Lord spoke to Israel, "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins" ( Amos 3:2 ). But the words of our Lord Jesus Himself vindicate this responsibility of government: Pilate therefore said to Him, You do not speak to me? Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. The issue is one of priorities and personal convictions ultimately, as well as the individual leading of the Lord. B. Eerdmans, 1963), p. 14. The last part of this phrase refers to the blood of Christ poured out in his atoning death on the cross (cf. 107 Render therefore to all (in authority) their dues. Omit therefore. Four specifications are given: render tribute, personal or property tax, to him to whom it is due; fear, reverence (Meyer says veneration), to him who bears the sword for God; honor to all his subordinates. James M. Stifler, The Epistle to the Romans (Chicago: Moody Press, 1960), p. 218. lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. This support is derived from taxes, both indirect (tax) and direct (custom).105, 106, 107. We can conclude that Paul claims that if one exercises God's love in paying his debt to man, he will keep the commandments. WebIn verses 5-7, God extends our responsibilities to submit to government as a means to keep our consciences clear, as well as to pay taxes, not only so the state can afford to employ