Submission to Authority

In Romans 13:1-7 Paul presents 2 commands concerning our relationship to governing authorities.

I. Everyone must be subject to governing authorities
(vs. 1a & 5a).

A. Because no authority exists unless God grants it (v. 1b).

B. Because all authorities are instituted by God
(v. 1c).

1. So resisting authority is the same as resisting God’s will (v. 2a).

2. So resisting authority results in judgment from authorities (v. 2b).

a. Approval, not judgment, for those who do good (vs. 3, 4a).

b. God’s wrath, not approval, for those who do evil (vs. 4b, c).

C. Because you will avoid God’s wrath (5b)

D. Because you will keep a good conscience (5c).

II. Everyone must pay taxes.

A.	Because you are submitted to authority (v. 6a).

B. Because authorities collect taxes as ministers of God (v. 6b).

C. Because your submission to authority requires you to pay authorities what is owed them (v. 7).