Introduction

Politics is a hot topic these days. Should we even talk about it in church? Some believe that politics is of the world and the church should not waste its time talking about it. Others are very zealous about politics. They are very engaged and vocal about it. We can see it all over social media. But where do we strike the balance? We believe God is present everywhere. Politics is not off-limits to Him. But we must understand what the Bible says about politics so that we can get involved as Christians, and not like those who do not know God.

Three Truths About Human Governments (Romans 13:1-7)

1. Government originates from God (vv.1-2). – God is sovereign (or all-powerful) when it comes to all kinds of human governments. In other words, all authority comes from Him and He is the One who gives authority to anyone as He pleases. He is sovereign in terms of the process of anyone having the right to rule. If anyone has any authority, it is because God gave it to him or her. Therefore, to rebel against any authority that God has established is to rebel against God. However, God is also sovereign when it comes to how or for how long that person can exercise authority. God will hold accountable anyone who misuses or abuses his or her God-given authority. At the same time, God is also sovereign when it comes to removing anyone from positions of authority whenever necessary.
2. Government fulfills God’s purpose (vv.3-5). – God’s desires order, even for those who may not recognize Him, because He cares for people. He knows how disorder can harm human beings. Therefore, He establishes all kinds of authority, beginning at home to the highest level of authority in a country or group of countries. God is the God of order, not disorder. This is the rationale behind human governments. In an ideal situation, God wants human governments to punish evil and reward what is good. Governments are God’s ways of limiting the harmful effects of sin in the world. If we understand this, we can appreciate the purpose of human governments.
3. Government needs support from God’s people (vv.6-7). – Because governments originate from God and they are placed by God in human society to curb evil, then we can understand why we need to support human governments. We need to cooperate as God’s people by submitting to the rulers and authorities established by God. As God’s people, we are not to be disrespectful or rebellious toward those in authority. We are to honor them. But we must do so as God’s people who recognize that God is the ultimate authority. Therefore, our submission to any human government is not a blind submission but a faithful submission. We must discern carefully and with God’s help any situation that may require faithful disobedience (Acts 5:28-29).

Conclusion

1. “We should be involved in politics because God is involved.”
2. As God’s people, we must recognize His presence in every arena of life.
3. Know the facts and vote wisely based on God’s standards.

Discussion

1. What was your attitude about politics before hearing this sermon?
2. Why should Christians be involved in politics?
3. How will you apply this truth beginning today?