Romans 13:4-7 (WEL) He is God’s servant to you for good, but if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t wear the sword for no reason, because he is God’s servant, an avenger to [execute] punishment on those who do evil. 5 Therefore, you must comply, not just because of the fear of punishment but also for the sake of your conscience. 6 For this reason, pay taxes also, for they are God’s public servants being diligent with this very thing. 7 So pay everyone whatever you owe them—taxes to whom taxes [are due], tariffs to whom tariffs, respect for whom respect [is due], honor to whom honor [is due].
V4 He is God’s servant to you for good, but if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t wear the sword for no reason, because he is God’s servant, an avenger to [execute] punishment on those who do evil.
Leaders are appointed by God (Daniel 4:35 and Daniel 5:21). They are to be under the authority of the King of kings (God) but nearly all leaders are disobedient. God is a God of order, not disorder. He wants the kingdoms on earth to be in order too and submissive to His authority.
The fear of punishment results from a guilty conscience. We would do well to obey human government authorities as much as possible—Romans 12:18 NLT – “Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
If leaders command something against God’s law, then we are obligated to obey God instead of the human authority (Acts 5:29). If we are punished for that, we have God’s blessing (1 Peter 3:17).
A principle is found here that disobedience brings consequences.
V5 Therefore, you must comply, not just because of the fear of punishment but also for the sake of your conscience.
Sake of conscience because we must give an answer to the King of kings (Matthew 12:36, Hebrews 4:13, and 1 Peter 4:5). God knows all things, so we must (1 Peter 3:16 (EHV)) …speak with gentleness and respect, while maintaining a clear conscience, so that those who attack your good way of life in Christ may be put to shame because they slandered you as evildoers.
V6 For this reason, pay taxes also, for they are God’s public servants being diligent with this very thing.
The same reasoning holds true for paying taxes. Take deductions when legal. Avoid gray areas.
V7 So pay everyone whatever you owe them—taxes to whom taxes [are due], tariffs to whom tariffs, respect for whom respect [is due], honor to whom honor [is due].
Do you owe a neighbor, a laborer, a plumber, mechanic, etc., then pay them when they finish. Respect authorities whether they are polite or not. Everything must be done to glorify God.
We learn:
- Laws regarding secular leaders.
- Principles of respecting leaders, when to obey or disobey, and to pay bills, taxes, and other debts.
Questions:
- Do you pay all your debts?
- Do you respect authority?