Romans 13:2

 

Romans 13:2

They that Resist Shall Receive Damnation

 

Rom 13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

“In any successful attack on freedom, the state can only be an accomplice. The chief culprit is the citizen who forgets his duty, wastes away his strength in the sleep of sin and sensual pleasure and loses the power of his own initiative”

-          Abraham Kuyper (A Dutch Reformer)

 

         1.      Government is Given to Us by God for a Blessing

a.       Government is a restraining grace given by God to control the wickedness of man. Even corrupt governments will attempt to restrain evil and its advances.

b.      “If men were angels there would be no need of government” – James Madison

                                                              i.      2 Samuel 23:1-4 

c.       God overturns and strengthens governments based on the righteousness of their rule.

                                                              i.      Proverbs 16:12 

d.      There is an inherent majesty given to governments from God, which we should honor them.

                                                              i.      Daniel 4:34-37 

       2.      To Resist Government is to Resist the Ordinance of God

a.       A love of truth and justice is the foundation stone for an effective government

                                                              i.      Exodus 18:21 

b.      God will hold rulers accountable to His law

                                                              i.      God did not want Israel to have a king, but in His wisdom, He knew they would want one. When they got a king, in order to keep his power in check, the citizenry were to hold him accountable to the following:

1.      Deuteronomy 17:14-20 

        3.      Can Government Overstep its God Given Authority?

a.       Our first response to government should always be a spirit of submission

                                                              i.      1 Peter 2:17 

b.      Can government violate God’s law?

                                                              i.      1 Samuel 15:24 

c.       When government violates God’s law, it is the duty of a prophet (or preachers) to warn civil governments of their violations.

                                                              i.      Nathan

1.      2 Samuel 12:7-9 

                                                            ii.      John the Baptist

1.      Mark 6:18 

d.      When government violates God’s law, it is the duty of the Christian to practice civil disobedience.

                                                              i.      Acts 5:29 

e.       It is not wrong to disobey the commands of a ruler when preserving personal liberty.

                                                              i.      Peter did this

1.      Acts 12:11 

                                                            ii.      Paul did this

1.      2 Corinthians 11:32-33 

f.        God allows for armed resistance when preserving the rightful government of a nation.

                                                              i.      Jehoiada’s armed resistance

1.      2 Chronicles 23:1-3 

g.      When governments violate God’s law, Christians must be prepared to deploy their greatest weapon.

                                                              i.      The most powerful weapon a Christian can ever weld against tyranny is a willingness to suffer.

1.      “Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out”                                                    - Hugh Latimer

2.      Revelation 12:11