Jun 21, 2020
Originally Presented: October 26th, 2008
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-10
In Romans 13, Paul continues drawing out some of the implications of Christianity. In the first seven verses of the chapter he introduces a new topic, namely the obligation Christians have to be subservient and obedient to their government. The general command is found in Romans 13:1. "Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities . . ."
In this passage some very practical ramifications issue from truths of these verses. One is seen in verse 4. Government "is a minister of God to you for good. . . . for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." One role of government is to restrain evil and to administer justice. The 'sword' here represents the government's God-given authority to mete out justice, even to the point of death. The word 'sword' is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to the instrument of execution (cf. Lk 221:24; Acts 12:2; Heb 11:37). This passage in Romans is often used as a New Testament warrant for capital punishment.
After speaking of Christians rightfully paying taxes in Romans 13:7, Paul says that Christians should not live in debt in verse 8, except for the debt of love which we owe to all people. "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
This verse provides a very helpful principle for financial responsibility. Except for the debt incurred in buying a house and, for most people, a car, Christians should not live in constant debt. And even a house and a car should be within the means of a monthly income. The ongoing, daily debt we have, as Christians, is the debt of love . . . which debt we should bear all the days of our lives for the sake of the name of Christ.