How should we walk out our faith toward government?
The Command: Submit to governing authorities (13:1, 5)
Why should we submit?
Government is a God-ordained institution with divine authority. (13:1-2)
Government has God-ordained responsibilities within human society. (13:4-5)
How do we submit?
We obey the law. (13:2)
We do good to others. (13:3)
We pay our taxes. (13:7)
We show honor. (13:7)
We pray. (1 Tim 2:1-4)
Are there exceptions?
Yes…
When the government orders us to disobey God, we have to obey God. God is always the highest authority.
When the government passes or enforces unjust laws, we have a responsibility before God to work for justice.
Conclusions:
All authority (home, church, work, and state) is established by God, but not all use of authority is approved by God.
All authority figures are accountable to God for their use of power, and all those under authority are accountable to God for how they submit to authority
