Blog 13 - Faithful Citizen

 


Faithful Citizenship

Read:

  • Romans 13


Submit to Government (v1-7)

If you’ve seen the news lately, you’ll know that Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 US election has stirred strong reactions across all media. For some, it’s cause for celebration; for others, it’s a source of concern. Regardless of where we stand, Romans 13 reminds us that God is sovereign over all authorities. Verse 1 emphasizes, "The authorities that exist have been established by God." This means that, as believers, we’re called to submit to the government leaders God has placed over us, even when we don’t always agree (v2).

Paul was writing to believers in the heart of the Roman Empire, a time when persecution was looming, and citizens were expected to declare, “Caesar is God.” Yet, instead of urging rebellion, Paul takes an unexpected approach: he calls them to respect the state’s laws while remaining steadfast in doing good (v3).

Our submission should come from a place of conscience. If we face laws that contradict God’s commands, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Yet, we are still called to honour the laws that don’t conflict with our faith and paying taxes (v6-7) and fulfilling our role as good citizens. In doing so, we reflect Christ’s character in all aspects of our lives.

Putting on Christ (v8-14)

When we reflect Christ’s character, being good citizens means loving one another genuinely. As Paul says, the only debt we owe is to love one another (v8). As believers, we are called to follow the commandments, but not as a checklist of rules; instead, we fulfil them out of love for each other and for God. Pastor Warren Wiersbe puts it well: “When we practice love, there is no need for any other laws, because love covers it all” (v9). Love fulfils the law, echoing Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35: “Love one another; as I have loved you.” Jesus is our example of what true love looks like.

Romans 13 guides us from obeying out of fear (v4) to obeying out of love for God (v8-10). This growth in understanding helps us live like Christ by “putting on” His character, as Paul says in verse 14. We’re called to “put on the armour of light” and set aside deeds of darkness (v12). This means doing good and avoiding evil. Paul outlines actions to avoid “revelry and drunkenness, lewdness and lust, strife and envy” (v13)—and challenges us to act as Christ would.

By studying Jesus’ life in the Gospels, we gain insight into how He responded to every situation. When we ask, “What would Jesus do?” we set a course for being faithful citizens and honouring both our earthly country and, most importantly, God.

Dear Lord, thank you for the country we live in that we have the freedom to serve you. We praise you oh Lord that you are sovereign and in control of all authorities and governments here on earth. Help us and guide us to be faithful citizens for our earthly country and for you. Help our governments and those in authority to do good and align with your will. In your name we pray. Amen.

Going Deeper Questions

  1. How does the fact that God is sovereign over earthly government in verse 1 and 2 help when we feel discouraged by the way our government may run our country?
  2. In verses 3-4, Paul talks about government as a servant for good. How can we be positive influences in our community and reflect Christ even if we disagree with those in authority?
  3. Verse 9 talks about how love fulfils the law and commandments, how does this change your perspective on how we may view the commandments?
  4. Romans 13:12 speaks of “putting on the armour of light.” What does it mean to you to “put on Christ” in your daily life? How does this impact the way you interact with others?
  5. Verse 14 encourages us to avoid “revelry, drunkenness, lewdness, lust, strife, and envy.” What are practical steps you can take to guard against these behaviours and live in a way that honours God?

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