Sermon Notes: In Christ Alone- A Study in Romans Romans 13:1-7

-Robert Ottley "There is indeed significance in the fact that in spite of their ardent zeal for social reform they [the prophets] did not as a rule take part in political life or demad political reforms. They desired...not better institutions but better men."

-John MacArthur "It really does not matter whether people go to hell as policemen or prostitutes, judges or criminals, pro-life or pro-choice. The moral will persist with the immoral. Our task is the proclamation of the gospel. Neglecting it is the spiritual equivalent of a skilled heart surgeon abandoning his profession to become a make-up artist, spending his time making people look better rather than saving lives. The mission of the church is not to change society – although that is often a beneficial by-product of faithful ministry and living – but to worship and serve the Lord and to bring others to saving faith in Him.”

 

   I.  Submit to the government.

-hupotasso = to place or rank under, put in subjection

-Titus 3:1, I Pet. 2:13-15

    a.  The government is appointed by God.

-established = tasso = appoint, assign, designate.

-Dan. 2:21, 4:17, John 19:11

    b.  Resisting the government is opposition to God.

-resist = antitasso = oppose, resist;

-James 4:6, I Pet. 5:5, Acts 18:6

    c.  The government is God's minister.

-minister = diakonos = servant, helper, deacon

-Ex. 1:17, Dan. 1:12-15, 3:16-18; Acts 4:18-20, 5:28-29

-Jer. 29:7, I Tim. 2:1-2

 

  II.  The purpose of government is to maintain social order.

-Ezek. 7:23-27

   a.  Deter evil.

   b.  Restrain evil.

   c.  Punish evil.

   d.  Praise what is good.

   e.  Promote what is good.

-Eccl. 8:2-5

 

  III.  Render what is required to the government.

-Matt. 22:21; Matt. 17:24-27