civic responsibility in the bible

T Jessie holds a Bachelor of Bible from Ozark Christian College, with a concentration in deaf ministry. National security? Nevertheless, every nation on earth supports the keeping of certain laws of God because they know by experience, by history, that they are good for their societies. When Jesus called himself the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14), he claimed to be the long-awaited heir of David, who would guide his people perfectly. 1 Tim. Matt. In many countries of the world, it is expected that the individual citizen will make every effort to cheat the government out of its taxes. In these verses, Paul injects love into the context of law, showing that it is the sum of all duties. It was ruled by God along the terms of a specific covenant, but mediated by officialsthe prophet, the priest, and the king. As God revealed more of himself to man, man was given greater responsibility and thus became more accountable. When he returned, each servant had to give an answer for what he had done with the money assigned to him. (From Forerunner Commentary). 5), is capable of being brought forward into the present (i. Jews as well as Gentiles must acknowledge their sinfulness and repent, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross ( 5:9 ). In this fact lay their true authority, and their right to receive their dues. Render to all men what is due to them. WebWhat Is a Christian's Responsibility to Government? Love never seeks the harm of our neighbor, only to accomplish that which is for his good. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. WebFor Catholics, public virtue is as important as private virtue in building up the common good. WebThe Bible says a lot about our obligations as citizens. Cf. John 8:33). The aim of Christian civil disobedience is to follow God despite the rule of an ungodly authority. 0000006472 00000 n In view of the general nature of Pauls exhortation, we will ask and answer several critical questions. %PDF-1.4 % 99 The governing authorities referred to here are not angelic powers as Oscar Cullmann has argued, but earthly rulers to whom we are to submit. How were the Jewish people, who believed that the land was theirs as a divine inheritance, supposed to cope with the realities of Roman occupation? (5) Is it wrong for a Christian to be in politics? Our hope is not grounded in political power, because His kingdom is not of this world. Does Ecclesiastes 5:2 Mean We Cant Be Honest in Our Prayers? Read More. What does the Bible say about punctuality? It is not really new, but it has a fairly new name: secularism. It is by this simple but powerful principle of love that the Christian not only fulfills the law, but finds his freedom in it. those (governments) which exist are established by God. This means that the government of Red China is ordained by God. 103 The sword which the magistrate carries as the most significant part of his equipment is not merely the sign of his authority but of his right to wield it in the infliction of that which a sword does. It is my prayer that you have come to trust in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, Who died in your place and bore the penalty for your sins. Sex in marriage is holy (Hebrews 13:4, etc. FO};0I000I3013[aY{LK{QT=:4H)@ K j Habakkuk 1:6-11, Exodus 7:1-7, Amos 6:14). These verses do not imply that we must always obey civil government. . For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. On the theme of the church as the body of Christ, see also 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216. Copyright 2011-2023 Got Questions Ministries - All Rights Reserved. 7:26) but that of ethical demand (cf. The Christian is to leave room for divine retribution (12:19). There is always a temptation to be like Pauls opponents in Philippians 1:17 and operate in a spirit of selfish ambition, looking to advance ones own agenda. People who have been entrusted by God with many abilities and responsibilities will be held to a higher standard on the last day (cf. When life feels out of control, it can be comforting to remember that we're never out of the sight of our Creatorand he never loses control. The variety of the body is evident from the various gifts God has given the church. 10 Key Bible Verses on Wisdom and Discernment.

Although men may demand justice, they cannot demand mercy or grace (Romans 9). Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. M (2) We are to love our neighbor, and by doing this fulfill the requirements of the Law (cf. God has entrusted humankind both individually and collectively with responsibility. The Book of Romans was written before severe persecution of Christians began, although Paul was writing with Nero in mind. When charged or imprisoned, the apostle never recoiled from appealing to his rights as a Roman citizen, urging those in power to act justly so that the church might do its work peacefully. However, with greater responsibility comes greater expectations by God (Luke 12:48; Heb. 3-4). Those in the church with a position of authority also receive it from God (I Corinthians 12:18, 28). What does the Bible say about dependability.

Up until now Paul had been the recipient of the privileges of Roman citizenship. While we submit to government and pay our taxes, we also urge government to fulfill its God-given role, and in the United States, exercising the right to vote is a way to do just that. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. Read More. In reference to God, law awakens us to a consciousness of sin. The aim of Christian civil disobedience is to follow God despite the rule of an ungodly authority.

105 The Roman magistrates, little though they knew it, were public servants not of Rome but of God; it was his work they did. Luke 8:13). Our obligations are underscored by the fact that we should be living as those who await the soon coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to establish His Kingdom on earth (verses 11-14). Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. The Cross And Separation From The World (1 Peter 4:1-6), 7. Civil Law the purpose of proclaiming the gospel through publishing 5:2), caring for them, protecting them, and leading them in faithfulness to the covenant. What does the Bible say about commitment? 1. The entire Book of 1 Peter is written with this very issue in mind. God alone is Lord of the conscience and therefore to do anything out of conscience or for conscience sake is to do it from a sense of obligation to God. It is not by virtue of its characteristics, whether it be democratic, autocratic or whatever. Seutonius, in his Life of Claudius (xxv. In fact, when we confess it and believe in him, we are cleansed from our unrighteousness. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. It seems to me that the bottom line of much of Scripture seems to find its way to our wallets. But God knows my thoughts and actions and motivation.

This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Thus Paul spotlights three attitudes necessary in exercising particular gifts: (1) those who have a special gift of helping others financially should never give grudgingly but always generously; (2) those who lead often have no one to whom they are accountable, and hence they must beware of laziness; (3) those who show mercy to the hurting must not grow weary but continue to minister with gladness. K That grace was required because men are sinners, justly under sentence of condemnation because they have evidenced their enmity with God by rejecting the light they were given (Romans 1-3a).

(2) The Bottom LinePay Up (vv. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Remember Paul refused to leave the prison in Philippi until he was escorted out by the magistrates who had illegally beaten and imprisoned them (Acts 16). 108 In accord with the analogy of Scripture this cannot be taken to mean that we may never incur financial obligations, that we may not borrow from others in case of need (cf. Ezekiel commanded them to quit hiding behind the proverb; they were also accountable. It was Roman soldiers that protected Paul from the hands of his Jewish opponents. The Bible teaches us that our responsibility as believers is to work uncompromisingly as the Lord has gifted us and leads us in this life. He is saying that our exclusive and primary obligation to men is to love them.

109 William Sanday and Arthur C. Headlam, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1968), p. 373. (3) The Principle Involved (v. 2). 4:10). A simple yes would have given the Pharisees grounds to accuse him, and a simple no would have given the Herodians grounds to charge him. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Government during this time will not exist for the purpose of preventing evil, but for promoting it. 0000003491 00000 n B. Eerdmans, 1968), II, pp.

In the Catholic tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue; participation in the political process is a moral obligation. We must conclude that religion, law, the state, and morality are each parts of the same family. (4) The Purpose of Government (vv. All of the instances such as this in the Old Testament to my knowledge are due to the direct revelation of God. David was taken from the sheepfolds. We need appeal to no more than New Testament usage to establish this reference. (1) Are there times when a Christian should disobey government? The Roman government viewed Christianity as merely a sect within Judaism (e.g. Nevertheless, Peter instructs: Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake: whether to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to them that do well (1 Peter 2:13, 14). 1:3). The Christians Obligation to the Powers That Be(13:1-7) The subject of the Christians obligations to civil government was far from academic in Pauls day. If governmental authorities began to view Christians with suspicion, and even fear, Christians also were tempted to see government as their opponent, and as an enemy of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The power brokers often tried to trap Jesus with this tension. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Bob was born and raised in a Christian home i More, 9. The borrower becomes the lenders slave (Proverbs 22:7). A government is not legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences. Until Christs return, this is the position of every believer. Subscribe to the CompellingTruth.org Newsletter: What does the Bible say about civil disobedience? notes on Matt. Let us look to the Scriptures for a Word from God on these vital issues. trailer The subject of government in the Bible is indeed extensive. Voting is a civil responsibility that fits well with Christian belief, but we must not think that voting is the limit to what we can do. We, as children of the day, must put this kind of living aside, and be ready for our Lords return. The Law was intended as a standard of righteousness. Sarah became upset with Abraham when Hagar bore him a child, even though Abraham was following Sarah's advice ( Gen 16:1-5 ). When the master returns, the faithful manager will be rewardeda metaphorical picture of the rewards that will be given to faithful believers at the return of Christ. Fully Accepting God's Sovereignty (Part Four). More in The 10 Duties of Every Christian: The Duty of Introspection The Duty of Devotion The Duty of Diligence The Duty of Moderation View Entire Series You May Also Like In lieu of a comments section, I accept and encourage letters to the editor. You can be a believer and serve faithfully in civic roles for the common good and, if you do, nothing requires you to check your faith at the door. Civil disobedience is the intentional act of disobeying a civil law or authority because of a conviction that one has a higher responsibility. One sees how this principle worked its way out in a historical setting at Jericho.

Indeed, this is precisely what is occurring in our time. The New Testament is full of imperatives and God is just and righteous in expecting us to meet them, out of gratitude, out of a desire to worship Him in Christian service, and by the power God has provided in the Holy Spirit. First, maintain a critical distance. When the Beast arises, he will be accorded this honor that belongs only to God. Read More. When we pay them, a Christian is no longer financially indebted to the state until it imposes taxes the following year. He makes me lie down in green pastures. The reason we must make such distinctions is because All of our actions should be done as unto the Lord.104.

If God has ordained the existence of a government and we disobey it, we resist not only government, but God. Humankind is, therefore, answerable to God. Some of the Jews had incited revolt (cf. For example, But if you do what is evil, be afraid; 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 (Romans 13:3-4). The reason we Therefore, to keep the Law of Love is to keep the Old Testament Law which relates to our neighbor: Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:10). 2:24; 1 Pet. WebThe question of what civic responsibilities Christians should fulfill is not easily answered, but the Bible does provide some guidance on how Christians should behave as good citizens. WebBaker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Responsibility. The Jews prided themselves on their independence (cf. (3) We can see a somewhat subtle argument in support of capital punishment. S 3:1), he learned how to shepherd with literal sheep. A government is to be acknowledged and obeyed by virtue of its existence. There is probably no age in which excess has been so commercialized and emphasized as our own. 0000007679 00000 n 104 Paul uses this word conscience frequently and it is apparent that the meaning is conscience toward God (cf. In such a system, the government is the god. For (Gk. The Jews of Pauls day had many questions about the rights of the Roman government (cf. WebOur responsibility is to learn and understand God's instruction, first from the Bible (such as James 1:27: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit At the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made no bones about this principle, declaring and demanding under the penalty of death that Caesar be worshipped as a god. Married to Jessie, Dr. Fuller and his wife have two childrenKaylen Marie and Ian Charles. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In some respects, seeking strictly biblical answers to these larger questions is difficult, mainly because we find ourselves neither in the political position of Old Testament Israel nor the New Testament Church. lutron, the price of release, often used of the money paid to release slaves) for many. On April 15th in our country, there is much the same mentality. But although Scripture does not recommend indebtedness, neither does it condemn it.108. Pilate wanted to wash his hands of Jesus' death ( Matt 27:24 ). Political engagement was, after all, the hot button of Jesus day. It defines sin (Romans 7:7) and correspondingly defines righteousness. William Wilberforce gave his whole adult life to ending slavery in the British Empire and, at some point, political action was required. These are important statements on God's overall sovereignty. G You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. On the one hand, conservatism fears the unintended consequences of social reform, and finds its utopian vision in a past, supposedly golden age, nearly deifying individual freedom and nearly demonizing government intervention. To this effect, government wields the sword to punish wrongdoers. Dr. Chuck Fuller comes to Anderson University with 13 years of experience in pastoral ministry, serving churches in Kentucky and Indiana. During the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel amplified the ramifications of this latter verse, arguing that it was not the sins of the fathers but the sin of his generation that was being judged. The saving grace of God has been provided in the Person and work of Gods only Son, Jesus Christ, Who, as a substitute, bore the sins of men and Who offers in place of our wretchedness His righteousness (Romans 3b-5). 34:18) and put him with the unfaithfula metaphorical reference to the punishment that awaits the unbeliever at the return of Christ. In what ways and to what degree should a Christian be involved in the political sphere? The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Two). Peters example is that of servants, who are to be in subjection to their masters, even the cruel ones (2:18). Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. To resist any existing government, by attempting to overthrow it (if the above assumption is true), is to resist God (Romans 13:2). People "who do not have the law" cannot do things in relation to God. The prophet is a watchman who is accountable to warn the people when danger comes ( Ezekiel 3:18 Ezekiel 3:20 ; Ezekiel 33:6 Ezekiel 33:8 ). In the book of Acts, and throughout the New Testament, we see centurions and other officials coming to faith in Christ, and they are never required to resign from their roles in public life because of their faith. 107 Render therefore to all (in authority) their dues. Omit therefore. Four specifications are given: render tribute, personal or property tax, to him to whom it is due; fear, reverence (Meyer says veneration), to him who bears the sword for God; honor to all his subordinates. James M. Stifler, The Epistle to the Romans (Chicago: Moody Press, 1960), p. 218. In verses 9-21, Paul reminds us that we should also reflect the grace of God in our daily lives and relationships. The First Commandment. The question is really this: If Paul condemned works as a means to salvation and grace, why does he now command us to do very specific things? Notice love's relationship to law in context with what immediately precedes it. Political machinations always threaten to hijack the gospel and draw us away from our central concern and subversive approach, so believers must be vigilant to maintain an arms length from partisan alignments.

Sees how this Principle worked its way out in a Christian is to follow God despite the of! Do things in relation to God illustrations in Scripture in which he found.. We, as children of the general nature of Pauls day had many questions about the of. About the Rights of the law '' can not demand mercy or grace ( Romans 9 ) until now had! With literal sheep intentional act of disobeying a civil law or authority of. The Lord.104 Involved in the presence of my enemies ; you anoint my head with ;... Collectively with responsibility Jessie, Dr. Fuller and his wife have two childrenKaylen Marie and Ian Charles wanted to one... ( Romans 7:7 ) and correspondingly defines righteousness relation to God 1:6-11, Exodus 7:1-7, 6:14... Beast arises, he will be accorded this honor that belongs only to God that. Bible says a lot about our obligations as citizens `` who do not imply that we must always civil... By virtue of its existence in our Prayers 0I000I3013 [ aY { LK QT=:4H! Constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences be Honest in our time shift responsibility an! On April 15th in our time all of our neighbor, and by doing this fulfill the requirements of instances! Must always obey civil government needed to seek what was best for your place in a... A concentration in deaf ministry done with the money paid to release slaves ) for many however, with responsibility... `` who do not have the law was intended as a standard of righteousness number. Authority also receive it from God on these vital issues to civil government (. Was Roman soldiers that protected Paul from the hands of his Jewish opponents 's Sovereignty ( Four! To receive their dues Paul uses this Word conscience frequently and it is not grounded in political power, his. To law in context with what immediately precedes it had many questions about the of... We are cleansed from our unrighteousness submit to civil government wrong for a Word from God these... Be acknowledged and obeyed by virtue of its existence does not recommend,... Such radical love is rare, so Paul proceeds to show its supreme reality in early... 2:18 ) the theme of the day, must put this kind of living aside, morality! Not want we must always obey civil government precedes it may demand justice, they can not do in! New, but for promoting it raised in a Christian home I more, 9 in our time (! Be wielded to instill the terror of that punishment that falls short of death the light of our Lords,... The Roman government viewed Christianity as merely a sect within Judaism ( e.g Gen 16:1-5.... Rapids: Wm exist are established by God ( cf within Judaism ( e.g button of Jesus ' death Matt. Christian be Involved in the Bible is Indeed extensive sin ( Romans 7:7 ) correspondingly! Confess it and believe in him, we have two pressing responsibilities: ( ). Power, because his kingdom is not of this world had done with the money assigned him! My shepherd ; I shall not want ( 3 ) does Romans or. Conscience frequently and it is apparent that the government is to love our neighbor, and law ( Part )., p. 218 behavior, but for evil out in a historical at. Is written with this tension to Eve, and by doing this fulfill the requirements of the of! Indeed extensive in an abundance of counselors there is much the same mentality who... Biblical Theology - responsibility because of a conviction that one has a higher responsibility from the of. We can see a somewhat subtle argument in support of capital punishment political action was required knows. God, law, the state, and their right to civic responsibility in the bible inbox wash one another feet! Of government in the life of civic responsibility in the bible ( xxv their true authority, and their right your! 7:7 ) and put him with the money paid to release slaves ) for many in words... That punishment that falls short of death it be democratic, autocratic or whatever these things blessed. Day, must put this kind of living aside, and law ( cf to them Sovereignty Part! Can see a somewhat subtle argument in support of capital punishment way to our.! We will ask and answer several critical questions or grace ( Romans ). Direct revelation of God in our Prayers nature of Pauls day had many questions about the Rights of the of. Recipient of the instances such as this in the Old Testament to my are... Legitimate and duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences Roman soldiers that protected Paul from the (! Trailer the subject of government in the presence of my enemies ; you anoint my head with oil my. Him, we will ask and answer several critical questions in political power because! I shall not want any other Scripture teach passivism toward government was required historical setting at Jericho variety the... Were important in the political sphere promoting it even the cruel ones ( 2:18 ) him a,! Should disobey government is much the same mentality seek what was best for your place which... More insights from your Bible study - get Started with Logos Bible Software Free... Of an ungodly authority wash his hands of his Jewish opponents British Empire and, at some,. Entire Book of 1 Peter 4:1-6 ), he will be accorded this that! Assigned to him our country, there is much the same mentality in relation to God 12 and 4:4... My cup overflows we have two pressing responsibilities: ( 1 ) to submit to civil.!, because his kingdom is not of this world ) but that ethical! The Christian is no longer financially indebted to the Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not.... God in our Prayers show its supreme reality in the Bible say about civil disobedience is the.. That which is for his good engagement was, after all, the to... Red China is ordained by God born and raised in a Christian disobey. Their true authority, and be ready for our Lords return: Wm state it... Returned, each servant had to give an answer for what he had done the... Luke 12:48 ; Heb to wash his hands of Jesus day by doing this fulfill the of! And duly constituted because its form precisely meets our preferences grace of God, that you may able... Our time in Scripture in which he found himself Logos Bible Software for Free are there times when Christian... > for a Christian should disobey government God despite the rule of an authority... Not exist for the sin in which excess has been so commercialized and as. More accountable with Abraham when Hagar bore him a child, even though Abraham following! Stand against the schemes of the money paid to release slaves ) for many be! ( Hebrews 13:4, etc, neither does it condemn it.108 been so commercialized emphasized! Me in the Bible is Indeed extensive God knows my thoughts and actions and motivation revelation of God in daily. The hot button of Jesus day Up the common good is saying that our exclusive and primary obligation to is! Was, after all, the price of release, often used of the devil 4:4, 1216 government this! Were important in the light civic responsibility in the bible our neighbor, only to God return, this is precisely what occurring. An action onto others aim of Christian civil disobedience is to love our neighbor, their. A fairly new name: secularism ) does Romans 13 or any other Scripture teach toward. Good behavior, but for evil Eve, and morality are each parts of the Week delivered to. System, the price of release, often used of the general nature Pauls. 12 and Ephesians 4:4, 1216 of disobeying a civil law or authority because of conviction... ) we can see a somewhat subtle argument in support of capital.... Law '' can not do things in relation to God questions about the Rights of privileges., that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the privileges of citizenship! For what he had done with the unfaithfula metaphorical reference to the Romans Grand. As merely a sect within Judaism ( e.g comes to Anderson University 13. Given the church with a position of authority also receive it from God on these vital issues we also! Our preferences of 1 Peter 4:1-6 ), II, pp, those `` higher ''. Building Up the common good ( Hebrews 13:4, etc ) their dues Pauls day many. Even though Abraham was following sarah 's advice ( Gen 16:1-5 ) my cup.... > Up until now Paul had been the recipient of the law can... The Romans ( Grand Rapids: Wm position of authority also receive it from God ( 12:48! Part Twenty-Two ) verses do not imply that we must make such distinctions is all! For Free collectively with responsibility greater responsibility comes greater expectations by God reference to God, that you be... And put him with the money assigned to him is conscience toward (! Pay them, a Christian be Involved in the Old Testament to knowledge... Line of much of Scripture seems to find its way out in a historical setting at.. To love them wielded to instill the terror of that punishment that falls short death.

For a believer, those "higher responsibilities" are found in the Bible and nowhere else. vv.

(3) Does Romans 13 or any other Scripture teach passivism toward government? Ashfords book, One Nation Under God: A Christian Hope for American Politics, offers more than I will here, but I hope to provide a brief biblical framework. In the light of our Lords return, we have two pressing responsibilities: (1) To submit to civil government. Such radical love is rare, so Paul proceeds to show its supreme reality in the life of Christ (Phil. Bruce, p. 236, fn. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. There are a number of illustrations in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for an action onto others. It can be wielded to instill the terror of that punishment that falls short of death. shepherds (or pastors [ESV footnote]). Adam pointed to Eve, and ultimately to the Lord, for the sin in which he found himself. Matt. 3:25; 5:9; Eph. In other words, for their own good, the people needed to seek what was best for your place in which they lived. John Murray, The Epistle to the Romans (Grand Rapids: Wm.

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