Bill Acton :: Romans 13:1-7 - The Christian and Government

Sermon Outline for Romans 13:1-7

The Christian and Government

1. The Principle of Obedience – Rom 13:1-2
   1. The command – “Let every soul be in subjection to higher authority”
      1. Supportive passages
         1. 1Ti 2:1-2
         2. Tit 3:1
         3. 1Pe 2:13-17
      2. The fact of authority
   2. The reason for the command – “For there is no power but of God”
      1. Government is ordained by God
      2. Government exists by God’s authority
      3. Government has men appointed by God – Jer 27:5; Dan 4:17
2. The Sin of Disobedience – Rom 13:2
   1. The spirit of lawlessness
      1. The man – 2Th 2:7
      2. The mystery – 2Th 2:8
      3. The present dilemma
         1. A permissive society
         2. Departure from Bible truth
            1. Lawlessness – 1Jo 3:4
            2. Refusing control
         3. Treaty breaking by nations
         4. Dishonesty in private contracts
         5. Breaking loose from parental restraint
         6. Lack of punishment for crime
   2. The consequence of disobedience – Rom 13:2
      1. Resisting government – is resisting God
      2. Resistance brings judgment
3. The True Function of Government – Rom 13:3-4
   1. To “terrorize” evil – maintain law and order
   2. To minister good
      1. To protect the people
      2. To maintain peace
   3. To punish evil – Rom 13:4
      1. Sword – symbol of capital punishment
      2. Government is the servant of God in the matter of vengeance
4. The Responsibility to the Government – Rom 13:5-7
   1. Live in subjection
      1. To avoid punishment
      2. To have a clear conscience toward God
   2. Support the government
      1. Payment of taxes
      2. Honor the leadership