Romans 13
Submission to Authority: Living Out Our Faith in a Tense World
In Romans 13, Paul offers clear guidance to Christians on how to navigate the complex relationship between faith and government. The context is crucial: Christians in Rome were facing persecution, and many were questioning whether they should honor a government that was not only ungodly but actively hostile toward their beliefs. Fast forward to today, and the tension remains, as believers worldwide wrestle with how to engage with authorities in a world that often seems to oppose their faith. So, what does Paul say about submitting to governing authorities, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
Understanding Submission to Authority
Paul’s words in Romans 13 are not easy to swallow, but they are clear. He reminds us that all authority comes from God, and rebellion against authority is, in essence, rebellion against God. This principle can be hard to digest, especially when those in power seem unworthy of our respect. Yet, Paul’s message is unwavering: submit to authority as a matter of conscience and obedience to God. It’s not about agreeing with everything those in power do, but rather about honoring the position they hold, as it has been ordained by God. Of course, there’s a caveat: we are to follow the law unless it directly contradicts the teachings of Scripture.
Jesus and Paul: Living Examples of Submission
In reflecting on Jesus and Paul’s experiences with authority, we see that submission to authority does not mean blind obedience. Jesus himself submitted to the authorities of His time, even when they were corrupt. He paid taxes to Caesar, knowing that God was ultimately in control. Similarly, Paul wrote these words to the church in Rome under the rule of Nero, one of the most evil emperors in history. Yet, Paul still encouraged the Christians to honor him and pay their taxes, respecting his authority, all while remaining faithful to Christ. These examples challenge us to consider how we respond to those in power in our own time, whether it's the president, a governor, or local officials.
Love: The Motivation Behind Our Actions
So why should we submit to authority? Paul makes it clear that love should be our motivating force. In Romans 13:8-10, he tells us that love fulfills the law. Love for others, even those who oppose us, should guide our actions. This love isn’t limited to those who are easy to love but extends to our neighbors, even those we might consider our enemies. Jesus exemplified this love when He died for us while we were still sinners, enemies of God. As we live out our faith, our love for others should be evident in our interactions, even when we disagree with authority. Disagreeing with respect, honoring authority despite differences, and offering kindness and grace—this is how we reflect the love of Christ in our lives.
Living Out Our Faith with Integrity
The tension between honoring authority and following Christ’s commands isn’t a new struggle. It’s a reality that Christians throughout history have had to navigate. Today, we are called to live out our faith with integrity, loving others and submitting to authority, even in difficult circumstances. As we wrestle with what it means to live in a world that doesn’t always reflect our values, let us remember that our identity is not rooted in our politics or our position in society but in Christ. Our actions—whether at home, in the workplace, or in the public sphere—should be shaped by our love for God and others. By doing so, we demonstrate the heart of the Gospel to a watching world.
