How does Romans 13:3 guide your response to unjust authority? Romans 13:3 in Focus “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will have his approval.” (Romans 13:3) The Core Principle: Keep Doing Good • Scripture assumes government’s God-given role is to reward right and restrain wrong. • Your first response, even under a flawed regime, is to “do what is right.” • This is an active call: integrity, honesty, service, and love remain non-negotiable. • Parallel: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.” (1 Peter 2:15) When Authority Turns Unjust • Romans 13:3 states God’s design, not an excuse for tyranny. • If rulers invert justice, their legitimacy is still limited by God’s higher law. • Acts 5:29—“We must obey God rather than men”—shows the boundary line. • Daniel 3 & 6 illustrate respectful refusal when obedience would require sin. • Even then, the believer accepts consequences without violence or revenge, entrusting judgment to God (Romans 12:19). Walking the Tension: Submission and Civil Courage Hold both truths together: 1. Submit where obedience to God is not compromised (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1). 2. Resist commands that violate God’s Word, yet without bitterness, slander, or vigilantism. 3. Pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) while seeking lawful means to address injustice (Acts 25:11). 4. Remember Jesus’ example before Pilate—silent, truthful, unafraid (John 18:23, 36-37). Practical Steps for Today • Examine every government demand through the lens of Scripture. • Continue good works that benefit society: generosity, honesty, service. • Use legal channels—petitions, courts, elections—to pursue justice. • Stay free from fear by anchoring your heart in Christ’s lordship (Matthew 10:28). • Encourage fellow believers; unity and love magnify your witness (John 13:35). • Leave vengeance with God; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Encouraging Examples From Scripture • Joseph served faithfully under pagan Pharaohs, influencing policy for good (Genesis 41:38-40). • Esther leveraged her position to save her people while honoring the king (Esther 4-8). • Paul used his Roman citizenship to appeal, not to escape, but to advance the gospel (Acts 22:25-29). Ultimate Hope in God’s Justice Even when rulers fail, God’s sovereignty stands. Christ will ultimately judge every authority (Revelation 19:11-16). Living Romans 13:3 means persevering in righteousness now, confident that perfect justice is on the way. |
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