Sunday on Monday - September 21st, 2026
In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul described what gospel-shaped living looks like for the Christian. Yesterday we looked at Romans 13:1–7 and Paul’s teaching about Christians and government. Paul wasn't changing topics. The Christian reactions and interactions with government will either magnify or minimize Jesus.
Romans 13 is one of the clearest passages in Scripture about how Christians should live as citizens. And one of its clearest truths is this: our response to authority cannot be based only on whether we agree with those in authority or think they are treating us fairly.
Paul wrote to believers living under Roman rule. They did not choose this government, and it was far from Christian. But he still told them to be submissive to governing authorities. Why? Because government itself is part of God’s ordering of society. Its purpose is to restrain evil, uphold the rule of law, and carry out justice.
That does not mean government is always right. Scripture gives examples of faithful believers refusing to obey when human authority directly opposed God’s commands. Government has real authority, but it is never the highest authority.
Paul pushes even further in verse 5. We do not submit simply out of fear of punishment. We live with a conscience before God. That affects how we obey laws, pay taxes, disagree with leaders, and even how we speak about them.
We can strongly disagree without becoming hateful, mocking, or dishonorable. I admit, I have been guilty of these behaviors and attitudes. But God's Word realigns us, and if we are willing to make adjustments, Jesus will be glorified. Because our deepest hope for changing the world is not gaining political power. It is faithfully helping people know and follow Jesus.
