The Ideal citizen and the Ideal government.
Romans 13:1-7
• Studies show there is a large number of people who do not vote, and that includes a large number of Christians. George Barna’s recent survey shows that only 51% of all faith voters are likely to vote in November. That means 104 million faith voters are unlikely to vote this election—including 41 million born-again Christians (defined by their beliefs not just by their self-identification), 32 million regular Christian church attenders will not vote, and 14 million who attend an evangelical church will not be voting.
• Obviously, if church folk would organize and participate, Christians could elect almost anyone.
• Romans 13 will be our biblical “voter’s guide.”
1. The Ideal Citizen
Romans 13:1 (NASB), “Every person is to be subject 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.”
• In Romans 13, God is laying out the ideal citizen in relation to government.
• Good citizenship in a civil society means this -- submission to authority.
• Jesus said it this way in Mt. 22, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. Render to God the things that are God’s.”
• Jesus did not lead a private revolution against the Roman government. He even paid His taxes.
• Paul does not want the church in Rome to lead a private revolution against the Roman government. He even wants them to pay their taxes (as we will see a few verses down).
• Pastor Adrian Rogers, “It’s unthinkable that Almighty God would ordain government, then have His people stay out of it.”
Why Christians Vote
1. We vote to exercise our authority as citizens.
2. We vote to elect the authorities we will submit to.
3. We vote to choose the principles/policies we will be subject to.
“The people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.” - President James Garfield (1831-1881)
2. The Ideal Government
Romans 13:3 (NASB), “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 servant 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 servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”
• The ideal government, according to Romans 13, is a government of law and order!
• The ideal government is moral and the rulers know the difference between good/evil and right/wrong.
• Moral leaders come from moral citizens!
• The ideal government has been established by God for two things. First, to praise what is good and second, to punish what is evil.
• God has furnished government authorities with the sword, to punish/prevent evil – for the good of society.
Who Christians Vote For
1. Candidates with moral clarity.
2. Candidates who praise what is good.
3. Candidates who will restrain/punish evil.
• Tim Goeglein of Focus on the family was asked, “What is the difference between a statesman and a politician?” He said a politician is thinking about the next election. A statesman is thinking about the next generation.”
3. Voting your Conscience
Romans 13:5 (NASB), “Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.”
How A Christian Votes
1. A Christian votes his/her conscience.
• The final question of conscience is in v7, “What is due them?”
• What does a Christian do when a leader abuses their power and they are no longer owed respect and honor?
2. A Christian votes for the best use of taxes.
3. A Christian votes to pay honor/respect to the candidates they choose.
CONCLUSION
“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. - Everett Hale (author, clergy 1822-1909)
In a fallen world, there is no ideal (perfect) citizens or politicians. Still, Christians should not refuse to vote and do the best we can to promote the good, and delay the decay of our society.
