THE LAWS OF THE LAND (29 OF 34)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: Romans 13:1-14
This content is part of a series.
The Laws of the Land (29 of 34)
Series: Good News from God
Keith Krell
Romans 13:1-14
What is dual citizenship? Dual citizenship means that an individual is a citizen of two countries at the same time. In America, dual citizenship is not something that can be applied for. It occurs automatically for some individuals. For example, if a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents, the child automatically has U.S. citizenship as well as citizenship of the parents' home country. Similarly, the Bible calls you to dual citizenship. If you were born in the U.S. you are an American citizen, but when you were born again you became heaven's citizen. You are responsible to live out both citizenships. The problem is some Christians are prone to extremes: either focusing on their earthly citizenship or their heavenly citizenship. Yet, Paul argues that both citizenships are essential since you have dual citizenship. In Rom 13:1-14 Paul instructs you in your obligations as an earthly and heavenly citizen.
1. Submit to government (13:1-7). God is glorified and His will is fulfilled when you submit to His governing authorities. In 13:1a Paul writes: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities." The command begins with the words, "Every person" (pasa psuche lit. "every soul"). This includes believers and unbelievers, rich and poor, great and small, without exception. But Paul's primary concern is that believers "submit" to governing authorities. The verb "submit" (hupotasso) means "to place oneself under." After reading this blanket command, some look for exceptions. However, here Paul provides the general rule, not the exceptions. Of course, there are at least three areas in which a Christian should resist authority: (1) If he or she is asked to violate a command of God. (2) If he or she is asked to commit an immoral or unethical act. (3) If he or she is asked to go against his/her conscience. But when a believer resists authority he/she ...
Series: Good News from God
Keith Krell
Romans 13:1-14
What is dual citizenship? Dual citizenship means that an individual is a citizen of two countries at the same time. In America, dual citizenship is not something that can be applied for. It occurs automatically for some individuals. For example, if a child is born in the U.S. to foreign parents, the child automatically has U.S. citizenship as well as citizenship of the parents' home country. Similarly, the Bible calls you to dual citizenship. If you were born in the U.S. you are an American citizen, but when you were born again you became heaven's citizen. You are responsible to live out both citizenships. The problem is some Christians are prone to extremes: either focusing on their earthly citizenship or their heavenly citizenship. Yet, Paul argues that both citizenships are essential since you have dual citizenship. In Rom 13:1-14 Paul instructs you in your obligations as an earthly and heavenly citizen.
1. Submit to government (13:1-7). God is glorified and His will is fulfilled when you submit to His governing authorities. In 13:1a Paul writes: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities." The command begins with the words, "Every person" (pasa psuche lit. "every soul"). This includes believers and unbelievers, rich and poor, great and small, without exception. But Paul's primary concern is that believers "submit" to governing authorities. The verb "submit" (hupotasso) means "to place oneself under." After reading this blanket command, some look for exceptions. However, here Paul provides the general rule, not the exceptions. Of course, there are at least three areas in which a Christian should resist authority: (1) If he or she is asked to violate a command of God. (2) If he or she is asked to commit an immoral or unethical act. (3) If he or she is asked to go against his/her conscience. But when a believer resists authority he/she ...
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