Christian Living

WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
10/14/16
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"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.⁴ For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.⁶ This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. (Romans 13:1-7))

In reading the book of Romans, my mind wandered to that old cliché, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." How does this idiom parallel the scripture? Well, let us look at a good definition of this phrase, taken from dictionary.com as follows:

"When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it. It can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes."

The apostle Paul surely knew the ropes of Rome. Being a staunch Jew, and converted persecutor of those of “The Way" (Christians), he had experienced both sides of the proverbial fence. Thank God, he was converted to the right side. (Philippians 1:2)

So, why did God's Holy Spirit prompt the apostle Paul to pen the words of this introductory scripture? From a secular mindset, Paul probably had every reason to be concerned, living under the dictates of Nero's Rome. However, from a Christian standpoint, we know all Scripture is inspired of God. (2 Timothy 3:16) And God used the common man to record His divine prophecy predictions. (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Could it be that God in his infinite wisdom (Matthew 11:21) knew this particular passage of scripture would be needed for such a time as this? You see, in recent years we have seen an upward trend in cynicism with respect to government. So it was important from a Christian worldview to have the correct posture about our government, and to have this inspired Word of God as our guidepost. The state is certainly obligated to us, and we to the state. It's a two-way street.

Unlike the Roman Empire, we live in a free country whereby we are free to choose our leaders. And this choice gives us the autonomy to choose good over evil, and right over wrong.

However, we must not allow apathy and ignorance to be used as a subtle form of rebellion against God. For God, through His divine sovereignty (Ephesians 1:8), is the final decision-maker in all aspects of life, including any governmental interactions. We must trust God for now and for the future, including all things governmental. (Daniel 2:19-23)

This does not mean that only certain forms of government are ordained of God. God established and upholds all the principles of government, even though some governments do not seem on the surface to be fulfilling His desires. He simply uses these situations for good. (Genesis 50:20)

This being said, it is very important that we stand firm in the faith (Hebrews 10:22-25), and be ready for Him to work through our lives in affecting His will for our government. We are to vote according to the decrees of Scripture after seeking the truth and making wise decisions based on Biblical principles. And we are not to be led astray by false doctrine. (2 Peter 3:17)

Oftentimes we Christians tend to develop a variety of misconceptions and conclusions toward our God and government such as:

IGNORING THE GOVERNMENT- Assuming as Christians, we are actually citizens of heaven, having the right to ignore this present world.
TOTAL COMPLIANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT- Assuming that the government is co-equal with God..
REBELLION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT- Assuming all governments are considered to be an agent of evil.
GIVING THE GOVERNMENT FALSE AUTHORITY- Assuming governmental authority is to be taken above that of God..

As Christians we must never idealize government over the commands of the gospel. For government in and of itself is an imperfect man-made entity, much like religious denominations. They both are simply a means of serving human needs. Our loyalty should always be to God's principles.

We as a people must turn back to the God of the Bible by asking forgiveness for our collective sins. (1 John 1:9) The party is not necessarily over yet as God has surely made a way of escape. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Simply put, we His people must humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face. Then He will hear from Heaven, and heal our land.

Will we do this? Only time will tell. I surely pray we will.

Author's Postscript:

With respect to the church at Rome, the book of Romans has probably more than any other single book of the Bible played a crucial role in shaping church history, including our secular governments.

More formal than Paul's other letters, the book of Romans sets forth the doctrine of justification by faith, with the theme of the epistle being the righteousness of God. A number of other basic Christian doctrines are discussed, including this introductory scripture regarding the Christian’s relationship to government.

Paul was anxious to minister to this Roman church (Romans 1:8), but he was arrested in Jerusalem, then carried to Rome as a prisoner. (Romans 16:1)

Paul was then apparently martyred in Rome, so it is unlikely that Paul founded this church. Possibly some who were converted at Pentecost could have carried the gospel back to Rome, as the membership of this church was predominantly Gentle. (Romans 1:13) (Romans 11:13) (Romans 15:15-16)

The key verses are (Romans 1:16-17).

I trust that you did grasp the intent of having good Christian government, as shown in this blog. Like Mr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, wrote in one of his pamphlets,

"Because men are not angels, government is necessary. Because no man stands to another as God to man, or as man to beast, government must be based on consent. In recent decades, the way our government operates has departed from the Constitution. It has become less limited and our liberties less secure."

http://ccrobey.wixsite.com/themessage

Please note: It is the intent of this blog to encourage the Christian community to pray, and then vote for the candidate of choice  in America's  upcoming presidential election. As this is our God given responsibility. (Romans 13:1-7)