Romans 13 discusses some practical applications of holiness. Perhaps knowing that we have a responsibility to civil law is a given (cf. Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Matthew 22:17-21; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

God ordained law and order (Romans 13:1-2). This fact had a special application to the Christians in Rome. Jews were reluctant to offer subjection to the Roman government. It is also reasonable to expect Jews who became Christians to hold on to their former prejudices against subjection to Rome. More than likely, Gentiles who had become Christians felt that if Christ was their king, they should not be expected to be subject to any other power. Certainly, if civil power demands that a Christian do anything that is against God's will, "we must obey God rather than man" (Acts 5:29). However, to resist the government is to take a stand against, or defy, the governmental authority ordained by God.

Lawful order is a terror to the evil, but a blessing to the good (Romans 13:3-4). Please note that the Roman government imprisoned Paul and was responsible for his execution. Yet, he is affirming the propriety of civil government. When He stood before Festus, Paul said, "If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die." (Acts 25:11) Governments sometimes fail to function within their proper limits, just as churches sometimes fail to function as they should. However, this does not prove that the devil originated governmental power, any more than it proves he originated the church. Civil government lawfully bears "the sword" (a symbol of power, even power to inflict death as a penalty for crime). Long ago, God recognized the death penalty as suitable punishment for certain crimes. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man." (Genesis 9:6)

Paul gave two motives for the Christian's subjection to civil law. "Wherefore (ye) must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience sake." (Romans 13:5) Wrath indicates the penalty that government would inflict for failure to be in subjection; and the Christian who endeavors to have a clear conscience before God certainly must obey the authorities.

Involved in this responsibility, Paul said, "Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute (is due); custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." (Romans 13:7) Brethren, pay your taxes! The Lord taught the Jews to pay their taxes (cf. Matthew 22:15-22). Cheating on income taxes is not a new problem, and it is still sinful.

This same duty extends to all men. Those willing to cheat the government are often willing to cheat their neighbors. Paul said, "Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) Pay promptly what you have agreed to pay. When an obligation is due, meet it promptly! Paul did not condemn borrowing money. When you pay by the agreed-upon date, you do not owe; but when the due date comes and you do not pay, you owe. Those who recognize their duties and faithfully discharge them will refrain from doing anyone harm. Note the things mentioned in vs. 9-10, "For this, Thou shall not commit adultery, Thou shall not kill, Thou shall not steal, Thou shall not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law." This rule is quite different from those often followed in our selfish, dog-eat-dog society.

The fact that salvation awaits us helps us to obey God's laws (Romans 13:11-14). The Christian knows that eternal salvation is nearer each day (cf. James 5:8; 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Peter 3:8-11; Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). Since we are aware, isn't it time to awaken? Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) Isn't that interesting? Christians must live differently from the world and according to a different standard. Paul had already said, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, (which is) your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2; cf. Ephesians 5:11; 6:11-17) If we are to live differently, we must learn to think differently, "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

We must also learn to walk becomingly (honestly) (Romans 13:13). Again, Paul had already said, "Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men." (Romans 12:17) Do not walk in "reveling" (disorderly conduct, generally characteristic of a drunkard). Do not walk in "chambering" (unchaste conduct with the opposite sex) or "wantonness" (lewd and promiscuous behavior). Do not walk in "strife and jealousy" which usually grow out of such conduct. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14; cf. Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:9-10; Galatians 5:16-24; 1 Peter 2:11). As I strive to become more like Christ, making His life my life, I must not make provision to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Brother Galloway has done a wonderful job of outlining Romans 13. God ordained civil government for the good of all men. But, let us not suppose this means that God agrees with the choices and directions the political climate takes in our own, or any other, country. We are free moral agents to make choices-right or wrong. God's children must not blindly follow civil leaders down paths that He has clearly labeled as sinful. "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." (Matthew 15:14)

This is an election year. One of our privileges as citizens of this country is the right to cast our votes for its leaders. We must remember that our allegiance is to God and not to the world. In our country, many, even some of God's own people, blindly follow one particular party regardless of the platform and positions of those who are seeking office. How can Christians vote for candidates who advocate such things as same-sex marriage, abortion, feminism, and removing prayer from schools? Each of us must remember we will stand before God and give account of the choices we made in this life-including the political ones. This is not a Democratic and Republican issue; it is a moral issue. It's about who we are, what is right, and what is wrong. Sadly, some forget that they are Christians.

We are clearly commanded to pray for our leaders, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1,2) Still, those leaders are free to make choices that are contrary to God's will and His divine standard. Where does this leave God's children? Some want to separate the candidate's moral views from his political views in other areas, such as economics, graft, and military positions. Remember, you are voting for everything that candidate stands for and may seek to accomplish if he/she wins the office. How are you going to keep them from promoting their moral views, even if you agree with the other choices they make? Christians need to look at things from an eternal--not an earthly--vantage point.(KMG)