4 Reasons To Honor Earthly Authorities For Heaven’s Sake
As the corruptions of government officials are increasingly exposed, many would think that Christians are no longer responsible for honoring and obeying them. This post discusses why true believers do not think this way.
One of the clearest passages in all of Scripture that speaks to the Christian’s responsibility to honor and obey governmental authority is found in the perfect location in the Bible. In chapter 13, verses 1 through 7 of the book fittingly titled “The Letter of Paul to the Romans” we read the following:
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [rulers] are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due;] custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Rome during the reign of Caesar Nero, was the oppressive ruling government at the time of the apostle Paul’s ministry. Christian historian, Eusebius Pamphili wrote that Rome beheaded the apostle for preaching Christ. Rome was even in power during Christ’s ministry. And it was under Rome, then ruled by Tiberius Caesar, that Jesus Christ willingly allowed Himself to be put to death.
These things are worth mentioning because if Christ and arguably His greatest apostle could so submit to the governmental authorities that they willingly allowed their innocent lives to be taken, then we have to understand that, especially here in America, Christians have not even come close to experiencing the wholesale need to resist the shedding of our blood in striving against sin. In fact, as citizens of this country, we enjoy a broadness of religious freedom not found anywhere else on the planet.
And though that scope of Christian freedom here is slowly shrinking at the hands of those in government who would annihilate Christianity if they could, we still have a duty to government. And that duty comes to us by and through our ultimate Governor—God. As we can see in the verses above, God has ordained government, and has commanded us to honor and obey it as much as possible.
The only time we can and should resist is when government seeks to make us do that which God forbids, or attempts to stop us from doing that which God commands. There is no ambiguity in this simple, biblical rule of thumb.
You see, we have to understand that government is ultimately a part of God’s redemptive plan. And in the end, the Son of God will put down all rule, authority, principality, and power. And the government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). Romans 13:4 says that government is a minister of God to us for good, and a minister of God to execute wrath and punishment upon those who do evil.
And in case you’re wondering how with all the corruption we’re seeing in our government today, we as Christians should be expected to faithfully honor and obey it, let us remember that we do all that we do, first and foremost, for Christ’s sake. But let’s look at 4 important facets of that Christ-centered reason:
Reason #1
The Honor of Intercession
Jesus’ very life was a ministry of intercession. But we’ll get a bit more into His life with reason 3. Every Christian is commanded to continually pray for the human race, and especially for those in authority in and over it. You want to honor Christ? Then obey this 1 Timothy 2:1-4 exhortation:
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Notice that verse 4 speaks of God’s desire to save. Will all people be saved? The Bible makes it clear that such is not the case. Yet God wants us as His representatives on earth to intercede with prayers for the human race, because He will definitely save people out of every nation and ethnicity. And though He knows exactly who those people are that belong to Him, we do not know. So like Christ, we prayerfully intercede for all, and leave the rest to God.
Reason #2
The Honor of Identification
1 Peter 2:13-17 is very similar to Romans 13:1-7. There are, however, a few nuances in this passage that deserve our close attention. Please don’t miss them:
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
The first nuance is clear. We are to submit ourselves to every human institution “for the Lord’s sake”. Need I really say more? But what does it mean? Does the Lord need us to submit to government? No, but He commands us to. Remember, Jesus said that if you love me, you’ll keep My commandments (Jn. 14:15). Doing what the Lord did and said is the only way we truly outwardly identify with Him. We and others who see us need to know that we belong to Christ.
Another nuance of 1 Peter 2:13-17 is where it says, “that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish [people]”. As good as argument often feels, and as good a debater many a Christian might be, there is no more powerful tool we have for counteracting people’s foolish and ungodly ideas about life than the righteous life of Christ we daily live.
One more nuance, then on to reason 3. Notice verse 16 commands us to, “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil”. Jesus made it abundantly clear that if the Son makes you free, then you are free indeed (Jn. 8:36). The apostle Paul even said on a few occasions that all things are lawful to us, because we are no longer under the law, but that all things do not benefit or edify (e.g. 1 Cor. 10:23).
It is for such reasons we don’t just do whatever we want or can, just because we can. Jesus gave us an excellent example when He honored the Roman government by paying His taxes. Check out what He says in Matthew 17:25-27).
25 “…And when [Simon Peter] came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Jesus was essentially saying that this world is not our home, but while we are here, let’s not unnecessarily offend the people of the world by not honoring government. As true children of the kingdom of God, we are free indeed, and owe our allegiance to the Most High heavenly Authority—God. Yet He commands us to honor every earthly authority for His sake… and ours. Jesus did it. And if we want to identify with Him, then so must we.
Reason #3
The Honor of Imitation
Scripture shows and tells us that in this world we are to be imitators of God and of the Son of God (e.g. Jn. 13:15; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 John 4:17). Not only did Jesus INTERCEDE on behalf of sinners, and in His humanity IDENTIFY with sinners, but He also gave His very life for sinners. Thankfully, as Romans 12:1 says, God saves us to make us “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God”.
Yet even in our living, there is a continual dying to self and sin that we must do daily. This is the greatest way we IMITATE Christ. Look at what Acts 2:22-23 says about Jesus…
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—23 this [Man,] delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.
The phrase to hone in on in this passage is “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God”. Jesus’ whole life on earth was one complete perfect act of obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. Therefore, Jesus allowed His perfectly innocent self to be mocked, ridiculed, lied on, verbally and physically assaulted, and killed because He was pleased to do the Father’s will.
Furthermore, look at what Acts 4:27-28 says about Jesus. And notice how it more directly relates to governmental authorities…
“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
Saints, as we live this Christian life, the chances that we will be threatened or harmed because of our testimony of Jesus will continue to increase. This shouldn’t sound the least bit strange to you. Jesus said if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (Jn. 15:20). Paul reminded us that for Christ’s sake we have not only been granted the ability to believe on Him, but to also suffer for His sake (Phil 1:29). You can’t say you’re a new creation if you’re not willing to honor Christ by IMITATION…
Reason #4
The Honor of Imposition
I title this 4th and final reason the honor of IMPOSITION because Merriam-Webster’s defines the word as “a charge usually of money collected by the government from people or businesses for public use“. If we are Christians, then we want to identify with and imitate Christ. As we saw in reason 2, Jesus said that as children of the King of Kings, we are free from man’s impositions. Yet here’s what He says in Matthew 22:17-21:
7 [The Pharisees said] “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 “Show Me the coin [used] for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Surely, we all wished that Jesus would miraculously pay our taxes like He did for Peter, but let’s not miss the point. Jesus was making it clear just as Romans 13:6 where we started says. We are to pay taxes because it helps support the work and incomes of those entrusted with our governance. And that is why Romans 13:7 says, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
We are to do this because civil/governmental authorities are instituted by God. And we have no excuses as Christians to be participating in all sorts of rebellious, riotous government resistance efforts. Yes, there are times that we may need to resist. But even then, we must do it, not like a hostile, sinful world does it. We must do it with a humble heart of prayerful Christ-like INTERCESSION, for the sake of our IDENTIFICATION with Christ, our IMITATION of Christ, and lastly, for the very reason of IMPOSITION—Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man, paid earthly taxes.
Jesus established earthly government. And the government of the entire universe is actually already on His shoulders. He is the One who puts people into power, and takes them out of power. He is Sovereign, and can turn the heart of a man, or even an entire nation anytime He wants. For these reasons, and many more, we trust in Him enough to know that even in government, He is causing all things to work together for good to them that love God, even to them [to us His elect] who are the called, according to His eternal purpose.
Frankly speaking, we submit to earthly government for heavenly reasons. We have governors in all sorts of capacities down here. And more of them are corrupt and of bad character than we care to admit. But Christ is our Ultimate Governor. And as we honor His God-instituted governing authorities, we honor Christ, and become an even more integral part of His redemptive work in a dying world.
4 Reasons To Honor Earthly Authorities For Heaven’s Sake
As the corruptions of government officials are increasingly exposed, many would think that Christians are no longer responsible for honoring and obeying them. This post discusses why true believers do not think this way.
One of the clearest passages in all of Scripture that speaks to the Christian’s responsibility to honor and obey governmental authority is found in the perfect location in the Bible. In chapter 13, verses 1 through 7 of the book fittingly titled “The Letter of Paul to the Romans” we read the following:
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [rulers] are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due;] custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Rome during the reign of Caesar Nero, was the oppressive ruling government at the time of the apostle Paul’s ministry. Christian historian, Eusebius Pamphili wrote that Rome beheaded the apostle for preaching Christ. Rome was even in power during Christ’s ministry. And it was under Rome, then ruled by Tiberius Caesar, that Jesus Christ willingly allowed Himself to be put to death.
These things are worth mentioning because if Christ and arguably His greatest apostle could so submit to the governmental authorities that they willingly allowed their innocent lives to be taken, then we have to understand that, especially here in America, Christians have not even come close to experiencing the wholesale need to resist the shedding of our blood in striving against sin. In fact, as citizens of this country, we enjoy a broadness of religious freedom not found anywhere else on the planet.
And though that scope of Christian freedom here is slowly shrinking at the hands of those in government who would annihilate Christianity if they could, we still have a duty to government. And that duty comes to us by and through our ultimate Governor—God. As we can see in the verses above, God has ordained government, and has commanded us to honor and obey it as much as possible.
The only time we can and should resist is when government seeks to make us do that which God forbids, or attempts to stop us from doing that which God commands. There is no ambiguity in this simple, biblical rule of thumb.
You see, we have to understand that government is ultimately a part of God’s redemptive plan. And in the end, the Son of God will put down all rule, authority, principality, and power. And the government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). Romans 13:4 says that government is a minister of God to us for good, and a minister of God to execute wrath and punishment upon those who do evil.
And in case you’re wondering how with all the corruption we’re seeing in our government today, we as Christians should be expected to faithfully honor and obey it, let us remember that we do all that we do, first and foremost, for Christ’s sake. But let’s look at 4 important facets of that Christ-centered reason:
Reason #1
The Honor of Intercession
Jesus’ very life was a ministry of intercession. But we’ll get a bit more into His life with reason 3. Every Christian is commanded to continually pray for the human race, and especially for those in authority in and over it. You want to honor Christ? Then obey this 1 Timothy 2:1-4 exhortation:
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Notice that verse 4 speaks of God’s desire to save. Will all people be saved? The Bible makes it clear that such is not the case. Yet God wants us as His representatives on earth to intercede with prayers for the human race, because He will definitely save people out of every nation and ethnicity. And though He knows exactly who those people are that belong to Him, we do not know. So like Christ, we prayerfully intercede for all, and leave the rest to God.
Reason #2
The Honor of Identification
1 Peter 2:13-17 is very similar to Romans 13:1-7. There are, however, a few nuances in this passage that deserve our close attention. Please don’t miss them:
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
The first nuance is clear. We are to submit ourselves to every human institution “for the Lord’s sake”. Need I really say more? But what does it mean? Does the Lord need us to submit to government? No, but He commands us to. Remember, Jesus said that if you love me, you’ll keep My commandments (Jn. 14:15). Doing what the Lord did and said is the only way we truly outwardly identify with Him. We and others who see us need to know that we belong to Christ.
Another nuance of 1 Peter 2:13-17 is where it says, “that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish [people]”. As good as argument often feels, and as good a debater many a Christian might be, there is no more powerful tool we have for counteracting people’s foolish and ungodly ideas about life than the righteous life of Christ we daily live.
One more nuance, then on to reason 3. Notice verse 16 commands us to, “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil”. Jesus made it abundantly clear that if the Son makes you free, then you are free indeed (Jn. 8:36). The apostle Paul even said on a few occasions that all things are lawful to us, because we are no longer under the law, but that all things do not benefit or edify (e.g. 1 Cor. 10:23).
It is for such reasons we don’t just do whatever we want or can, just because we can. Jesus gave us an excellent example when He honored the Roman government by paying His taxes. Check out what He says in Matthew 17:25-27).
25 “…And when [Simon Peter] came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Jesus was essentially saying that this world is not our home, but while we are here, let’s not unnecessarily offend the people of the world by not honoring government. As true children of the kingdom of God, we are free indeed, and owe our allegiance to the Most High heavenly Authority—God. Yet He commands us to honor every earthly authority for His sake… and ours. Jesus did it. And if we want to identify with Him, then so must we.
Reason #3
The Honor of Imitation
Scripture shows and tells us that in this world we are to be imitators of God and of the Son of God (e.g. Jn. 13:15; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 John 4:17). Not only did Jesus INTERCEDE on behalf of sinners, and in His humanity IDENTIFY with sinners, but He also gave His very life for sinners. Thankfully, as Romans 12:1 says, God saves us to make us “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God”.
Yet even in our living, there is a continual dying to self and sin that we must do daily. This is the greatest way we IMITATE Christ. Look at what Acts 2:22-23 says about Jesus…
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—23 this [Man,] delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.
The phrase to hone in on in this passage is “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God”. Jesus’ whole life on earth was one complete perfect act of obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. Therefore, Jesus allowed His perfectly innocent self to be mocked, ridiculed, lied on, verbally and physically assaulted, and killed because He was pleased to do the Father’s will.
Furthermore, look at what Acts 4:27-28 says about Jesus. And notice how it more directly relates to governmental authorities…
“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
Saints, as we live this Christian life, the chances that we will be threatened or harmed because of our testimony of Jesus will continue to increase. This shouldn’t sound the least bit strange to you. Jesus said if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (Jn. 15:20). Paul reminded us that for Christ’s sake we have not only been granted the ability to believe on Him, but to also suffer for His sake (Phil 1:29). You can’t say you’re a new creation if you’re not willing to honor Christ by IMITATION…
Reason #4
The Honor of Imposition
I title this 4th and final reason the honor of IMPOSITION because Merriam-Webster’s defines the word as “a charge usually of money collected by the government from people or businesses for public use“. If we are Christians, then we want to identify with and imitate Christ. As we saw in reason 2, Jesus said that as children of the King of Kings, we are free from man’s impositions. Yet here’s what He says in Matthew 22:17-21:
7 [The Pharisees said] “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 “Show Me the coin [used] for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Surely, we all wished that Jesus would miraculously pay our taxes like He did for Peter, but let’s not miss the point. Jesus was making it clear just as Romans 13:6 where we started says. We are to pay taxes because it helps support the work and incomes of those entrusted with our governance. And that is why Romans 13:7 says, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
We are to do this because civil/governmental authorities are instituted by God. And we have no excuses as Christians to be participating in all sorts of rebellious, riotous government resistance efforts. Yes, there are times that we may need to resist. But even then, we must do it, not like a hostile, sinful world does it. We must do it with a humble heart of prayerful Christ-like INTERCESSION, for the sake of our IDENTIFICATION with Christ, our IMITATION of Christ, and lastly, for the very reason of IMPOSITION—Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man, paid earthly taxes.
Jesus established earthly government. And the government of the entire universe is actually already on His shoulders. He is the One who puts people into power, and takes them out of power. He is Sovereign, and can turn the heart of a man, or even an entire nation anytime He wants. For these reasons, and many more, we trust in Him enough to know that even in government, He is causing all things to work together for good to them that love God, even to them [to us His elect] who are the called, according to His eternal purpose.
Frankly speaking, we submit to earthly government for heavenly reasons. We have governors in all sorts of capacities down here. And more of them are corrupt and of bad character than we care to admit. But Christ is our Ultimate Governor. And as we honor His God-instituted governing authorities, we honor Christ, and become an even more integral part of His redemptive work in a dying world.
4 Reasons To Honor Earthly Authorities For Heaven’s Sake
As the corruptions of government officials are increasingly exposed, many would think that Christians are no longer responsible for honoring and obeying them. This post discusses why true believers do not think this way.
One of the clearest passages in all of Scripture that speaks to the Christian’s responsibility to honor and obey governmental authority is found in the perfect location in the Bible. In chapter 13, verses 1 through 7 of the book fittingly titled “The Letter of Paul to the Romans” we read the following:
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for [rulers] are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax [is due;] custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
Rome during the reign of Caesar Nero, was the oppressive ruling government at the time of the apostle Paul’s ministry. Christian historian, Eusebius Pamphili wrote that Rome beheaded the apostle for preaching Christ. Rome was even in power during Christ’s ministry. And it was under Rome, then ruled by Tiberius Caesar, that Jesus Christ willingly allowed Himself to be put to death.
These things are worth mentioning because if Christ and arguably His greatest apostle could so submit to the governmental authorities that they willingly allowed their innocent lives to be taken, then we have to understand that, especially here in America, Christians have not even come close to experiencing the wholesale need to resist the shedding of our blood in striving against sin. In fact, as citizens of this country, we enjoy a broadness of religious freedom not found anywhere else on the planet.
And though that scope of Christian freedom here is slowly shrinking at the hands of those in government who would annihilate Christianity if they could, we still have a duty to government. And that duty comes to us by and through our ultimate Governor—God. As we can see in the verses above, God has ordained government, and has commanded us to honor and obey it as much as possible.
The only time we can and should resist is when government seeks to make us do that which God forbids, or attempts to stop us from doing that which God commands. There is no ambiguity in this simple, biblical rule of thumb.
You see, we have to understand that government is ultimately a part of God’s redemptive plan. And in the end, the Son of God will put down all rule, authority, principality, and power. And the government will be upon His shoulders (Isaiah 9:6). Romans 13:4 says that government is a minister of God to us for good, and a minister of God to execute wrath and punishment upon those who do evil.
And in case you’re wondering how with all the corruption we’re seeing in our government today, we as Christians should be expected to faithfully honor and obey it, let us remember that we do all that we do, first and foremost, for Christ’s sake. But let’s look at 4 important facets of that Christ-centered reason:
Reason #1
The Honor of Intercession
Jesus’ very life was a ministry of intercession. But we’ll get a bit more into His life with reason 3. Every Christian is commanded to continually pray for the human race, and especially for those in authority in and over it. You want to honor Christ? Then obey this 1 Timothy 2:1-4 exhortation:
1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties [and] prayers, petitions [and] thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Notice that verse 4 speaks of God’s desire to save. Will all people be saved? The Bible makes it clear that such is not the case. Yet God wants us as His representatives on earth to intercede with prayers for the human race, because He will definitely save people out of every nation and ethnicity. And though He knows exactly who those people are that belong to Him, we do not know. So like Christ, we prayerfully intercede for all, and leave the rest to God.
Reason #2
The Honor of Identification
1 Peter 2:13-17 is very similar to Romans 13:1-7. There are, however, a few nuances in this passage that deserve our close attention. Please don’t miss them:
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
The first nuance is clear. We are to submit ourselves to every human institution “for the Lord’s sake”. Need I really say more? But what does it mean? Does the Lord need us to submit to government? No, but He commands us to. Remember, Jesus said that if you love me, you’ll keep My commandments (Jn. 14:15). Doing what the Lord did and said is the only way we truly outwardly identify with Him. We and others who see us need to know that we belong to Christ.
Another nuance of 1 Peter 2:13-17 is where it says, “that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish [people]”. As good as argument often feels, and as good a debater many a Christian might be, there is no more powerful tool we have for counteracting people’s foolish and ungodly ideas about life than the righteous life of Christ we daily live.
One more nuance, then on to reason 3. Notice verse 16 commands us to, “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil”. Jesus made it abundantly clear that if the Son makes you free, then you are free indeed (Jn. 8:36). The apostle Paul even said on a few occasions that all things are lawful to us, because we are no longer under the law, but that all things do not benefit or edify (e.g. 1 Cor. 10:23).
It is for such reasons we don’t just do whatever we want or can, just because we can. Jesus gave us an excellent example when He honored the Roman government by paying His taxes. Check out what He says in Matthew 17:25-27).
25 “…And when [Simon Peter] came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27 “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.”
Jesus was essentially saying that this world is not our home, but while we are here, let’s not unnecessarily offend the people of the world by not honoring government. As true children of the kingdom of God, we are free indeed, and owe our allegiance to the Most High heavenly Authority—God. Yet He commands us to honor every earthly authority for His sake… and ours. Jesus did it. And if we want to identify with Him, then so must we.
Reason #3
The Honor of Imitation
Scripture shows and tells us that in this world we are to be imitators of God and of the Son of God (e.g. Jn. 13:15; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 2:21-23; 1 John 4:17). Not only did Jesus INTERCEDE on behalf of sinners, and in His humanity IDENTIFY with sinners, but He also gave His very life for sinners. Thankfully, as Romans 12:1 says, God saves us to make us “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God”.
Yet even in our living, there is a continual dying to self and sin that we must do daily. This is the greatest way we IMITATE Christ. Look at what Acts 2:22-23 says about Jesus…
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know—23 this [Man,] delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.
The phrase to hone in on in this passage is “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God”. Jesus’ whole life on earth was one complete perfect act of obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. Therefore, Jesus allowed His perfectly innocent self to be mocked, ridiculed, lied on, verbally and physically assaulted, and killed because He was pleased to do the Father’s will.
Furthermore, look at what Acts 4:27-28 says about Jesus. And notice how it more directly relates to governmental authorities…
“For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
Saints, as we live this Christian life, the chances that we will be threatened or harmed because of our testimony of Jesus will continue to increase. This shouldn’t sound the least bit strange to you. Jesus said if they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you (Jn. 15:20). Paul reminded us that for Christ’s sake we have not only been granted the ability to believe on Him, but to also suffer for His sake (Phil 1:29). You can’t say you’re a new creation if you’re not willing to honor Christ by IMITATION…
Reason #4
The Honor of Imposition
I title this 4th and final reason the honor of IMPOSITION because Merriam-Webster’s defines the word as “a charge usually of money collected by the government from people or businesses for public use“. If we are Christians, then we want to identify with and imitate Christ. As we saw in reason 2, Jesus said that as children of the King of Kings, we are free from man’s impositions. Yet here’s what He says in Matthew 22:17-21:
7 [The Pharisees said] “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? 19 “Show Me the coin [used] for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
Surely, we all wished that Jesus would miraculously pay our taxes like He did for Peter, but let’s not miss the point. Jesus was making it clear just as Romans 13:6 where we started says. We are to pay taxes because it helps support the work and incomes of those entrusted with our governance. And that is why Romans 13:7 says, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
We are to do this because civil/governmental authorities are instituted by God. And we have no excuses as Christians to be participating in all sorts of rebellious, riotous government resistance efforts. Yes, there are times that we may need to resist. But even then, we must do it, not like a hostile, sinful world does it. We must do it with a humble heart of prayerful Christ-like INTERCESSION, for the sake of our IDENTIFICATION with Christ, our IMITATION of Christ, and lastly, for the very reason of IMPOSITION—Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man, paid earthly taxes.
Jesus established earthly government. And the government of the entire universe is actually already on His shoulders. He is the One who puts people into power, and takes them out of power. He is Sovereign, and can turn the heart of a man, or even an entire nation anytime He wants. For these reasons, and many more, we trust in Him enough to know that even in government, He is causing all things to work together for good to them that love God, even to them [to us His elect] who are the called, according to His eternal purpose.
Frankly speaking, we submit to earthly government for heavenly reasons. We have governors in all sorts of capacities down here. And more of them are corrupt and of bad character than we care to admit. But Christ is our Ultimate Governor. And as we honor His God-instituted governing authorities, we honor Christ, and become an even more integral part of His redemptive work in a dying world.