Topical Bible: Government: Duty of Citizens To

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The Bible provides guidance on the relationship between citizens and their governing authorities, emphasizing the importance of obedience, respect, and prayer for those in positions of power. This entry explores the biblical perspective on the duty of citizens to their government, drawing from various scriptural passages.

Obedience to Authorities

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, underscores the necessity of submission to governing authorities as a divine mandate. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage highlights the belief that governmental authority is established by God, and thus, obedience to such authority is a reflection of obedience to God Himself.

Respect and Honor

In addition to obedience, the Bible calls for respect and honor towards leaders. 1 Peter 2:13-17 instructs believers: "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men. Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." This passage emphasizes the importance of showing respect to all levels of government as a testimony of Christian conduct.

Prayer for Leaders

The duty of citizens extends beyond mere obedience and respect; it includes intercessory prayer for those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 urges, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." Prayer for leaders is seen as a means to promote peace and stability within society, aligning with God's desire for order and righteousness.

Paying Taxes

The Bible also addresses the responsibility of citizens to fulfill their financial obligations to the government. In Matthew 22:21 , Jesus responds to a question about paying taxes with the directive, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This teaching affirms the legitimacy of governmental authority to levy taxes and the duty of citizens to comply with such requirements.

Limits of Obedience

While the Bible advocates for submission to authority, it also acknowledges circumstances where obedience to God takes precedence. Acts 5:29 records the apostles' response to being forbidden to preach in Jesus' name: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" This principle establishes that when human laws conflict with divine commands, allegiance to God is paramount.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on the duty of citizens to their government encompasses obedience, respect, prayer, and financial responsibility, while recognizing the ultimate authority of God. These principles guide believers in navigating their relationship with earthly authorities, reflecting a commitment to both civic duty and divine allegiance.

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Matthew 22:17-21
Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
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Luke 20:25
And he said to them, Render therefore to Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and to God the things which be God's.
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Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
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1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
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Library

How under Eli's Government of the Israelites Booz Married Ruth ...
... CHAPTER 9. How Under Eli's Government Of The Israelites ... was so called by her fellow
citizens, according to ... not think it consistent with her duty to contradict ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how under elis.htm

Of the State of the Primitive Church, and the Mode of Government ...
... wish to frame a form of church government different from ... which they were exercised
in clerical duty before they ... indeed, the consent of the citizens was always ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 of the state.htm

The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ...
... So that the Russian Government, to procure the condemnation of ... of their position
and which it is their duty to support ... and become simply the first citizens of a ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xi the christian conception.htm

A Nation's Duty in a War for Freedom.
... and wisdom of the constitution and government, a guarantee for ... state where the rights
of the citizens are faithfully ... that on their faithfulness in duty and on ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/iii a nations duty in.htm

The Fort Sumter Expedition
... Senators, members of Congress, officers of the Government, clergymen and distinguished
citizens from all ... and perform probably the last act of duty of my ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/the fort sumter expedition.htm

The Ancient Form of Government Utterly Corrupted by the Tyranny of ...
... of the reader the order of church government observed by ... ever ventured to think of
depriving the citizens of their ... office, but intrusted with a duty which they ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the ancient form.htm

The Siege. (xxi, xxxii-xxxiv, xxxvii, xxxviii. )
... To talk to-day of duty, civil or military, to such a ... or human there was none in a
government so forsworn ... reservation of the duties of private citizens to their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/3 the siege xxi xxxii-xxxiv.htm

The Training of a Statesman.
... Questions for Further Consideration. Is it the duty of a government, in order to ...
Many of our states compel citizens to work in repairing country roads. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study viii the training of.htm

Chapter eleven
... element and thoroughly selfish so far as the affairs of city government are concerned. ...
My duty is plain. ... The citizens of Raymond will never forget that meeting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter eleven.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... The duty of the members ... and, in short, keep us under her charge and government, until,
divested ... are said to inscribe their names among the citizens of Jerusalem ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm