Romans 13:1-14

Romans 13

Our Primary Citizenship: Heaven (Philippians 3:20)
Our Secondary Citizenship: U.S.A.

Our Relationship to Government

1. God has established all authorities (1)
2. We are to submit to His established authorities (1, 5)
3. Rebelling against an authority is rebelling against God (2)
4. Judgment awaits any who rebel against authority (2, 4)
5. Good behavior frees one from fearing authorities (3)
6. Authorities are supposed to govern for the good of people (4)
7. Our conscience tells us to submit to authority (5)
8. We must render to the government what is due (6-7)
* All this coming from a guy who had reason to be mad at government

What is the Biblical View of Capital Punishment?

“But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

1. Capital Punishment was instituted by God in the Old Testament
2. Capital Punishment was part of Theocratic Israel
3. Capital Punishment is not the same thing as murder
4. God has the right to take the life of anyone in His creation
5. The NT confirms that world leaders may use capital punishment
6. Christians, on a personal level, should not wish for any to perish

Our Relationship to our Fellow-man

1. Let no debt remain outstanding (8)
2. Love your neighbor as yourself (8-10)
3. Put aside the deeds of darkness (11-12)
4. Put on the armor of light (12-14)