Well, in just under two weeks' time, on Friday the 23rd of May, we're going to have the opportunity
to vote. We're going to decide who will represent us on our local councils and who will represent
us in Europe. So, who are you going to vote for? And more importantly, what will be your
attitude to those who are elected? I'm not going to tell you who I'm going to vote for,
if you want that conversation with me afterwards you can. But God's Word is very clear about
how we should respond to those elected to rule over us. Look at verse 1. Everyone, that's
all people, and in the context especially those within the church, everyone must submit himself
to the governing authorities. You see, the church that has come to believe and experience
the gospel will work itself out in love to those elected to rule over us. Because all
of what we've looked at so far in Romans, in the first 11 chapters, is all about the gospel,
God's mercy, God's kindness, God's goodness to us. And when that gospel filters into our
lives, it begins to shape us into a loving church. So, in chapter 12, verses 9 to 21, we looked at this
last week, it's all about love for each other. So, in verse 10 of chapter 12, be devoted to one
another in brotherly love. And then when we move into chapter 13, verses 8 to 14, the next section on,
it's all about love for the world. So, in verse 8, we read, let no debt remain outstanding except the
continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. So,
there's this great theme of love. And sandwiched in between is Romans 13, verses 1 to 7, which is all
about the governing authorities. And the implication is, is that we should love those who are in authority
too. Because the church that has come to believe and experience the gospel will work itself out in
love for all kinds of people. And here this morning, it works itself out in love to those who are elected
to rule over us. So, this love is expressed in three ways. First, loving submission to the governing
authorities. Look at verse 1 again. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. Submission
is not easy. We don't like the idea of submission because it implies that we're living under the rule
and authority of someone else. But submission isn't a bad thing. It's a good thing because it's part of
God's order and design for our lives and for the world. So, he gives us actually three reasons why
we should submit. Here's the first reason. We submit to our governing authorities because
they are established by God. So, look at the, let's read verse 1 again. Everyone must submit
themselves to the governing authorities for or because there is no authority except that which
God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Now, you and I are going
to vote on the 24th of May and whoever gets the most amount of votes are going to be elected. But whether
that's Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fáil or Fiona Cairns of Sinn Féin, behind their election stands
the rule of God. In other words, those who are elected only have authority to rule as God allows it
or as God permits it. Let me give you an example of this. So, keep your finger there in Romans 13
and jump back to Daniel chapter 4. It's on page 888. Daniel chapter 4.
It's on page 888.
Daniel is a great book in terms of kings and those who are in authority in God and how God rules over
these things. And in Daniel 4 we're introduced to King Nebuchadnezzar who was the most powerful ruler
in the world at that time. He had the empire of Babylon. He was very, very powerful and he's very
proud about his rule and authority. So, in verse 30 of chapter 4, as he surveys and he looks out upon
his vast kingdom, this is what he says in verse 30, is not this the great Babylon that I have built
as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?
But no sooner does he boast about his rule when God reminds him who is in charge. Verse 31.
The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven.
This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar.
Your royal authority has been taken from you.
You will be driven from the people and live with the wild animals and eat grass like the cattle
seven times. So, that's after seven years will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High,
that's God, is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and he gives them to anyone he wishes.
You see, so whoever is elected, we need to know, and more importantly they need to know,
that their position of authority is given to them by God. He gives and he can take away.
Go back to Romans 13.
So, if all authorities have been established by God, that means, verse 2,
consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.
And those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
You see, we mightn't like our present government.
You mightn't even like who gets elected on the 24th of May.
But if we are people who believe the gospel and experience the gospel,
if it's worked down into our lives,
then that means we won't be a rebellious people against the governing authorities.
Instead, as an expression of our love to God,
we will lovingly submit to those who are in authority.
So, that's the first reason why we should submit.
They are established by God.
Here's the second reason.
We submit to our governing authorities
because they are appointed to keep order.
So, look at verse 3, chapter 13, verse 3.
4. For, or because,
rulers hold no terror for those who do right,
but for those who do wrong.
Do you want to be free from the one in authority?
Then do what is right and he will commend you.
Now, imagine what it would be like if we lived in a nation without rulers.
Well, that's anarchy.
And that's what parts of Ukraine are experiencing right now.
A nation or a country without rulers in charge
ends in chaos and disorder,
violence and death.
It ruins people.
It ruins communities.
So, God in his goodness has provided leaders
to keep order and to establish peace.
You see, authorities are only bad news for those who reject it,
but for those who lovingly submit to the authorities,
it is good news because, look at verse 3 again, the beginning,
rulers hold no terror for those who do right,
but for those who do wrong.
So, if we want to enjoy a good life,
if we want to live in a peaceful, ordered society,
if we want a caring and a good community,
then, look at the end of verse 3,
do what is right,
and he, that is the rulers,
will commend you.
So, we submit, secondly,
because they are there to keep order.
The third reason he gives,
we submit to our governing authorities
because they are God's servants to do us good.
Look at verse 4.
For he is God's servant to do you good,
but if you do wrong,
be afraid,
for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
He is God's servant,
an agent of wrath
to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
I don't know if you've ever considered
that those who will be elected
to our local councils
or to the European Parliament
are not just politicians,
they are God's servants.
That's what it says here.
They are God's servants
to serve the people.
They have been appointed by God
to establish and uphold justice.
You might remember back in chapter 12,
we were encouraged as a loving community
not to seek revenge
or to want to repay people.
Instead, we are called to love our enemies.
So, look at verse 19 of chapter 12.
It says,
Do not take revenge, my friends,
but leave room for God's wrath.
Sorry, this is Romans 12, verse 19.
Do not take revenge, my friends,
but leave room for God's wrath,
for it is written,
it is mine to avenge.
I will repay, says the Lord.
On the contrary,
instead of looking for revenge,
if your enemy is hungry,
feed him.
If he is thirsty,
give him something to drink.
Now, while we're called
to have a certain attitude
and love for our enemies,
on the one hand,
and God is saying,
on the other hand,
that when he returns,
he will bring his ultimate justice.
But in the meantime,
in between,
God has provided a means
for bringing justice today.
And his servants,
the governments,
the rulers,
those in authority,
are the ones to bring that justice.
So, that's why it says
at the end of verse 4,
of chapter 13,
he is God's servant,
an agent of wrath,
to bring punishment
on the wrongdoer.
That's why we have
a justice system.
That's why we have courts.
That's why we have laws.
God has provided servants
to protect people from evil,
to punish those who do evil,
so that it may be good for us.
So, governing authorities
have been established by God.
They're there to keep order.
They're there to do good.
Therefore, look at verse 5,
therefore it is necessary
to submit to the authorities,
not only because of possible punishment,
but also because of conscience.
We lovingly submit,
not out of fear,
as in,
well, if I do something wrong,
I'm going to get caught
and be punished.
That's part of the motivation.
But more importantly,
because of conscience.
God has made it clear to us
in his word.
This is part of his good design
and order,
that there would be people elected,
people that would rule over us.
And the church that has come
to believe and experience
the gospel,
will work itself out
in loving submission
towards those who are elected
to rule over us.
So that is the first way
we show our love.
We submit to those
governing authorities.
Now, I'm sure,
as we've gone through
this first section,
it's raised all kinds of questions.
Which brings us to the next big idea.
There is a loving exemption
from governing authorities.
Look at verse 3 again,
the beginning of verse 3.
It says there,
for rulers hold no terror
for those who do right.
Is that true?
What about the beginning of verse 4?
For he is God's servant
to do you good.
Is that always true?
I mean, what about the people
who live in North Korea
under the brutal regime
of Kim Jong-un?
Are they to submit
to the authorities?
What about all the people
who live in all kinds
of corrupt governments
around the world?
What about Christians
who live in a situation
where they're not allowed
to preach the gospel
or go to church
and meet with others?
And what about us?
I mean, the news
has just been plastered
at the minute
about some of our
elected politicians
who've lied and cheated.
And what about our whole
justice system at the minute?
It's a mess.
Well, the command seems
very clear in chapter 13,
verse 1.
Everyone must submit himself
to the governing authorities.
But we must also remember
that those who have been placed
in authority over us
do not always use
their God-given authority
for good.
The world is full of leaders
throughout history
and even now.
People like Mugabe of Zimbabwe
or Assad of Syria
who abuse their authority
inflicting great suffering
and pain on their people.
So does that mean
they are to take verse 1
and say,
I must submit to them?
Well, there are times
when we are exempt
from submitting.
Rulers have been put in place
by God
to bring justice and peace,
to punish evil
and to pursue good.
But here's the crux.
Where their laws
are contrary
to God's laws,
we are exempt
from submitting
to their authorities.
Where their laws
are contrary
to God's laws,
we are exempt
from submitting
to those authorities.
Let me give
some examples.
We need to go back
to the Old Testament
for this.
First,
as far as possible,
we should submit
to our governing authorities.
Look back to Jeremiah
chapter 29.
Jeremiah was the prophet
who had made it clear
to the people from God
that God's people
were going to go into exile,
into a foreign land,
under a foreign ruler.
And that ruler was,
we've already met him already,
was Nebuchadnezzar.
They would be placed
under a foreign rule
under Nebuchadnezzar.
But look at what God
says to the people.
How should they respond
in this new situation
under a new leader?
Verse 4 of chapter 29,
this is what the Lord,
God Almighty,
let me start again,
this is what the Lord Almighty,
the God of Israel,
says,
to all those I carried
into exile
from Jerusalem
to Babylon.
Build houses
and settle down.
Plant gardens
and eat what they produce.
Marry and have
sons and daughters.
So get on
with life as normal.
Verse 7,
also,
seek the peace
and prosperity
of the city
to which I have
carried you
into exile.
Pray to the Lord,
for it.
Because if it prospers,
you too
will prosper.
Now this is a foreign land
under a foreign leader.
But yet,
they have been called
to lovingly submit
to their new leaders
and to do
what is right.
Not to start a rebellion,
but to do what's right.
However,
move on to Daniel
chapter 3.
It's just a little
further on.
Daniel chapter 3.
When laws are
in defiance of God,
we are exempt
from submission.
So in Daniel chapter 3,
we actually get a picture
of what it was like
for these people
who've been carried
into exile
to Babylon
under Nebuchadnezzar.
And we meet
three people
who you've all heard of,
I'm sure,
Shadrach,
Meshach,
and Abednego.
So here's three people
who've been carried
off into exile
under a new leader.
And while they're in exile,
King Nebuchadnezzar
made a law
that said to the people,
I'm building
this big statue,
90 feet tall,
made of gold.
Perhaps it was
in an image
of Nebuchadnezzar himself
and people were
to bow down
in worship
to this idol.
And if they weren't
going to do that,
they would be thrown
into the fiery furnace.
That was the law.
Well, Shadrach,
Meshach,
and Abednego
knew God's law
that only God
should be worshipped.
He should be number one.
The priority.
And look how they respond.
Chapter 3,
verse 16.
Shadrach,
Meshach,
and Abednego
replied to the king,
O Nebuchadnezzar,
we do not need
to defend ourselves
before you
in this matter.
If we are thrown
into the blazing furnace,
the God we serve
is able to save us
from it
and he will rescue us
from your hands,
O king.
But,
even if he does not,
we want you to know,
O king,
that we will not
serve your gods
or worship
the image of gold
you have set up.
They were exempt
because it was
against God's law.
Now,
I don't think
Ender Kenny
has any plans
on setting up
an idol
or an image
of himself
and calling everybody
to bow down to him.
but our government
is seeking
to set up laws
that are contrary
to God's laws.
There is a push
for same-sex marriage.
There is a push
towards abortion.
And each of these
stands in contradiction
to God's design
and God's good order
for life.
So,
as Christians,
we need to make
a stand.
And while we are
living in this country,
in this nation,
under the governing
authorities that we have,
as far as possible,
we should always
submit to our
governing authorities
and do what is right
and best
for the country
and for the people.
But,
where laws are in
opposition to God's law,
we are exempt
from obeying them.
It doesn't mean to say
we start up a rebellion.
But we are
lovingly
turning away
from those
earthly rulers
and submitting
ourselves
to God's law.
So,
what will it look like,
then,
to actually
submit to
our
authorities
today
in this country?
Which brings us
to our third
big idea,
our loving expression
to our
governing authorities?
Look at verse 6,
back to Romans 13,
verse 6.
So,
here's a very
practical example
of working out
of how we express
our love
towards those
in authority.
Verse 6,
this is also
why you pay taxes.
Oh,
taxes.
Yes,
taxes.
For the
authorities
are God's
servants
who give
their full
time to
governing.
Taxes
are nothing
new.
And we're
not immune
to taxation
in this
country,
and there's
certainly
a lot of
talk about
water tax
coming up
to the
elections,
isn't there?
I wonder
what your
view is
on the
water tax.
Are you
going to
join in
with the
other
rebels
in some
parts of
Cork
who've
gone and
attacked
the
meter
installer?
Or park
your car
over the
little hole
where the
water meter
is so they
can't get
at it?
That would
be a good
idea,
wouldn't
it?
Or do
you verbally
abuse the
politician,
or when you're
with a group
of people,
talk about
them behind
their back?
Well,
as a
community
of love,
we are
to express
our love
to the
governing
authorities
by obeying
their laws
and showing
their respect.
Verse 7,
So,
this is what
it is.
If you want
to show
your love
to the
governing
authorities,
verse 7,
give everyone
what you owe
him.
If you owe
taxes,
then pay
your taxes.
If revenue,
then revenue.
If respect,
then respect.
If honour,
then honour.
You mightn't
like paying
tax.
You might
think it's
too much.
You mightn't
have even
voted for
the present
government,
but as we
have seen,
they are
God's
servants,
appointed
by God
to do
good,
and so
we express
our love
by paying
our water
tax,
by paying
the property
tax,
and we
speak
respectfully
of our
leaders,
and I
have to
take that
to heart
because I
don't always
speak
respectfully
of our
leaders.
I mightn't
agree,
but I
must be
respectful.
So ask
ourselves,
does God's
law forbid
paying taxes?
No,
it doesn't.
So pay it
as an
expression of
love.
Does God's
law forbid
speaking
disrespectfully?
Yes,
it does.
So speak
well as
an expression
of love.
And we're
going to have
an opportunity
to put this
into practice.
I guarantee
that all of
you,
over this
coming week
or the
next two
weeks,
are going
to be in
conversation
with someone
about water
tax or
about the
government
and the
elections.
And everybody
is going to
be saying
what they're
going to
do.
Oh,
I'm not
going to
pay that
or oh,
I'm not
going to
vote for
them and
oh,
they're
useless
and they're
stupid
and they're
no good.
Here's your
opportunity
to give
your voice.
What are
you going
to say?
That
authorities
are good.
I've had
some great
conversations
with the
guys who've
been knocking
on the
door.
And being
able to
remind them
and saying,
do you know
what I'm
speaking on
this Sunday?
You can
direct them
back to the
same passage.
And you
can say you're
praying for
them because
we take it
seriously that
they have been
placed there by
God and so
we'll pray for
them.
And as you
speak with
people,
don't fight
against the
government.
Show your
loving expression
to them.
God's love
for his
people.
You see,
in Jesus
we see the
ultimate leader,
the supreme
authority over
all people
and over
every nation.
God's love
is the
one who
came as
a servant
for us.
He came to
bring us and
to do good
for us.
He came to
bring peace.
He came to
bring order.
Jesus came to
bring justice.
But here's how
he's different.
He didn't come
with a sword.
Look at verse
four.
He didn't come
with a sword
as an agent
of wrath
to bring punishment
on the wrongdoer.
Instead,
Jesus came
to take the
place of
the wrongdoer.
He came to
take the
place of
people like
you and me
who rebel
against God's
authority,
who speak
ill of those
who are in
authority over
us.
And on the
cross,
Jesus takes
the place
of the
wrongdoer.
For you
and for me,
he dies in
our place.
He is the
one who came
and took the
sword that
you and I
deserve so
that we might
be set
free,
so that we
might live
a life of
love,
because we
are people
who have
been richly
loved by
God.
You see,
the church
that has
come to
believe and
experience the
gospel,
who have
come to
see what
Christ has
done,
who came
to serve
us and
give his
life for
us,
the expression
of that
will be
loving those
who have
been elected
to rule
over us.
Let's
pray together.
As we
pray,
let's
remember that
God's word
does command
us to
pray for
those in
authority.
So let's
now pray
for those
presently in
government and
for those who
will soon to
be elected to
our councils.
Let's pray.
Our Father
God, we
thank you for
our country,
for this
nation.
We thank you
for those who
you have put in
place to rule
over us.
us.
We thank you
for all the
good things
that we
enjoy because
of their
leadership.
And while
there is so
much that we
may see
fault in or
see wrongdoing
in, Father,
please help us
to support and
submit to all
that is good
and right,
trusting that
behind every
leader stands
our heavenly
Father who
rules over
all.
And Father,
would you
please help
all those who
are in
government right
now and
those soon to
be elected,
that they
would be
people who
stand for
good, who
condemn evil,
who pursue
what is right,
who protect
the vulnerable,
provide for
the most
needy, and
give to those
who are most
in need of
health, and
those who are
in most of
need of
housing and
finances and
support.
Raise up
leaders who
will do this
in a right
way.
Raise up
leaders who
will bring
justice to
our nation,
who will
live lives of
integrity and
honesty, who
will not lie
and cheat and
steal, but do
only what is
right and
good.
And Father,
we pray for
ourselves.
Please help
us to
show our
loving submission
to our
leaders, to
speak well of
them, to
pay our
taxes, not
as a grudge,
but as a
loving expression,
because you
have richly
loved us.
we pray for
our land, for
our nation, and
for ourselves.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Well, let's
turn to the
screen again as
we sing, from
heaven you
came.
Here is a
song about our
great leader, the
Lord Jesus
Christ, who
didn't come to
be served, but
to serve and to
give his life
that we might
live.
Let's stand
together as we
sing this.
Amen.