Beauty in the Book: Romans 13
Themes
This chapter covers how a Christian is to relate to government authority—respectfully, submissively. Themes of love, law, and living in the light are also covered.
Questions
This chapter addresses the following questions:
How should we, as Christians, relate to the government?
What role does God’s hand play in establishing our government systems?
How might Christ’s impending return impact how I live today?
Moving Forward
This writing will break down the chapter section-by-section, offering commentary for your reflection. Don’t miss the ending titled Beauty in the Book where it all gets wrapped up in a bow—highlighting how every chapter is woven with uplifting realities of God’s goodness and grace.
Romans 13:1-2
Here—venturing into the topic of governmental authority and submission—Paul continues to describe the high calling of God’s people.
As we saw previously in chapter twelve, God’s people are to be characterized by humility, love, and servant-hearted behavior. Not vying for value, but humbly laying ourselves down for the sake of others. It’s easy to imagine then, how a person with this mindset might naturally transition into having posture of peacefulness and submission in relation to government systems.
Whether one’s government is honest and organized, or chaotic and corrupt, our call to operate as people characterized by peace, love, and humility remains.
For Paul didn’t write to the Romans (in the previous chapter) about loving and serving only those who love and serve us, but on the contrary, we are to be colored by the gracious hue of Christ who operated in God-obedient, others-focused love until the very end. He expressed that love even to those who treated him poorly, accused him, and maligned him.
May we revisit Philippians 2:5-8?
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8 NIV
As we know, it was this very humility and others-servitude that led to Christ’s exaltation in the end. And just as we die to ourselves in the following of Jesus, so we will be exalted for the humility we exude on this side of eternity. Remembering this truth helps keeps God’s justice in view when we choose submission in circumstances that feel unfair.
In moments of humble submission, we remember that it’s actually the lowliest among us who will be called the greatest in God’s heavenly kingdom.
Jesus described this dynamic in Matthew 23:11-12, where he addressed religious leaders who were striving for earthly respect, wanting to be seen as superior to those around them.
He said this:
The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 NIV
With this in mind, may we consider that in our relation to the world systems in place, we can operate boldly as Christ’s body, displaying his bent to the world: one that relies on God’s higher authority to accomplish his purposes, as we willingly submit to those around us.
Romans 13:3-5
Here, Paul moves past the basic command of submitting to authority and breaks down a sort of common-sense logic on the topic.
Simply put: if a person isn’t breaking the law, what’s the problem with submitting?
While tales of government corruption are endless, the fact remains that God’s way is one of order, and that systems of authority are in place to accomplish his good purposes.
These authorities operate as God’s servants. And God is able to use these people to accomplish his purposes in the church, and in the world. This proverb speaks to God’s ability to use the one in a position of power for the betterment of his own people:
In the LORD’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him. Proverbs 21:1 NIV
While there are worldly authorities in place, God’s greater authority remains true and substantial. Verse 4 displays how God uses government for the good of some, but for the bad of others:
For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4 NIV
From the family system (Ephesians 5:23), to the church (1 Corinthians 14:33), to the worldly systems in place (Romans 13:1), we see a consistent pattern of authoritative orders being divinely established by God. After all, as 1 Corinthians 14:33 puts it:
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV
While government systems are imperfect, by nature, they provide a structure, strength, and order that anarchy lacks. By nature, government systems are tasked to address crime, injustice, and other needs that rise up in society. When you add to the fact that God is powerfully able to sway leaders according to his perfect will, this call to submission seems all-the-more sensible.
While we may face persecution for our faith in this life, may we—as Christians—not be found facing punishment for basic infractions of societal law. On the contrary, may we honor and respect God’s design for governed societies, as we see laid out in these verses from Romans.
Along these lines, may we heed the urging of Paul as laid out in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and be diligent in prayer for the systems which govern us. May we both express our gratitude for their existence and petition that their values would align with the heart of God. See the Scripture here:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV
These prayers aren’t without effect, but actually add to the pleasantness of our lives. As we pray for those in authority, we are being promoters of peace—better able to focus our energies on living holy lives in honor of God.
This beautiful, mutually beneficial arrangement is so pleasing to God. He wants goodness, peace, and salvation for all people.
Romans 13:6-7
Naturally, next up, Paul covers the well-known topic of taxes.
And while there is a whole lot here that we could say about how we can obey God regarding our finances because he is our ultimate provider, what I want to focus more on here is how Paul seems to be spurring the Romans into deeply-rooted mindsets of gratitude, and honoring others—even in this challenging area of submitting to the government and paying taxes.
Because isn’t that just how God is? He cares to produce holiness in every nook and cranny of our lives, leaving nothing untouched by his magnificent grace and goodness.
So then, as Paul encourages, may we pay what is due to those who deserve it. Living fair and honorable lives as members of our present society.
Romans 13:8-10
As Christians, we are set apart as God’s holy people. We aren’t to flail through life according to the ways of the world. We have been adopted and securely established in the family of God, and this family we are now a part of has beautiful standards by which we are called to live.
God’s ways aren’t meant to be burdensome, but to bring blessing—both to ourselves and to the lives of others around us. I want to note The Beatitudes here, because while—to the world—it may look like Christians lay everything down in love, what we gain is God himself.
Enjoy the lovely words of Jesus:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10 NIV
We who walk in meekness, purity, and mercy are called the children of God. We see him and are filled with the righteousness which souls enter this world entirely desperate for.
Speaking to our identity as sons and daughters of God, 1 John 5:2 says this:
This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 1 John 5:2 NIV
We obey God’s commands as his children.
We walk in love, beautifully obliged as God’s chosen ones.
This love is our duty as soldiers in the living army of God. We move the Kingdom force forward, not with traditional military might, but with the immovable force of love.
Romans 13:11-14
After explaining our duties and obligations as followers of Christ, Paul gives the “why”.
He urges the church in Rome to understand that we are no longer to live in the dark, but to live in the light of Christ. And in expectation of his imminent return.
And we are always to live in view of its nearness.
Living armored in light is powerful imagery. It reminds me of Ephesians 6, where the church is told to be dressed in God’s armor:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV
It’s important to note, that being dressed in God’s armor is to be clothed in Christ. To hold fast to truth, righteousness, and the peace of the Gospel—the only combat uniform strong enough to push back against the schemes of the devil.
This armor of God isn’t meant to be frivolously applied, but we are to sober-mindedly consider what it looks like to walk as God’s beloved—to live in the light of Christ. Not being battered by the deception of sin but protected by the truth of God’s love and mercy.
Ephesians 5 is a highly-descriptive portion of Scripture that aids our understanding of exactly what living in the light might look like. You may enjoy exploring it fully, but for now, let’s look at this bit found in Ephesians 5:1-10.
In these verses, we see the direct correlation of living in the light, and operating in a holiness of lifestyle. After all, we are dearly beloved children of God, chosen and set apart by him for glory. Here it is:
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5:1-10 NIV
May we be found in the light, clothed fully in the beauty of Christ, as we walk in His Spirit and put to death the dark and deceptive desires of our flesh.
May we embrace all things good, right, and true—as we live to please our Perfect Savior.
Beauty in the Book
What I absolutely love about this portion of the Bible is how relevant it is. We don’t live a Sunday morning faith, but our belief in Jesus seeps into every moment of our lives—reaching to the furthest corners of our circumstances and experiences.
Our relation to the government is no exception. We are impacted by God’s benevolent grace and his perfect process of sanctification. Living as people transformed by love means we are empowered to operate with a meekness and humility unheard of by those un-infused by the Holy Spirit.
As God’s beloved, chosen and set apart by him, we are called to lives of supernatural submission—knowing we are watched, held, and provided for by our loving Heavenly Father. We can live surrendered to the power of God, as we actively promote peace in our perimeters through prayer and patience, yielding to the authorities that be.
May we walk in humility in regards to our government systems and in relation to others—letting love be in fulfillment as we await Christ’s full return.
