Romans 13:3-5

A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 95 Chapter 13:1 – 14

“Our relationship to our Goverment.” - Part 2 Verses 3 – 5

By Pastor Randy Johnson

1. Verse 3 “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”
1. This is continuing from the first two verses that speak of God giving them the authority and power to rule.
2. Paul says here in verse 3 that this authority and power was not given to them to empower or punish evil but rather good. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil…” If a Christian obeys the law of the land then they should not be punished.

a. Deuteronomy 25:1 “If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that the judges may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.” – this is the commandment of God, however today it is not the case.

b. Proverbs 14:35 “The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.”

c. These are Gods commands for the rulers, but the rulers could care less about God or His commands this is why the Lord said evil would become good and good evil.

3. “…Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:”

a. Do not be one of fear, do what is good and “…thou shalt have praise of the same:”

b. We are to obey God rather than man even if the law of man turns to evil, and God will be our rewarded.

c. 1 Peter 3:13 - 14 “And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? (14.) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;”

2. Verse 4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
1. This is a warning to the evil rulers; they will pay to God for their sins against Gods people.
2. Let’s not be fooled by the word “minister” – while it does refer to Pastors, deacons, and Christian servants – it also refers to – servants appointed of God. So here refers to these world leaders that are appointed by God.
3. If you are a world ruler and choose to do and rule for evil then God has a warning “…be afraid…” of Gods judgment. Proverbs 20:2 “The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.”
4. “…for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” – he is an appointed ruler and he is responsible to God and will pay for his evil ways.

a. Ezekiel 25:14 “And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.”

b. These rulers in the world should be aware that their going to answer to God and He is not happy with them. The tribulation period is when God will show the world His anger, but for those who have died before that time will suffer a hotter place in hell.

5. “…for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” – he was chosen by God to do good and not evil, he was appointed to execute wrath on the evil doers but that have failed to do so and as any servant of God who refuses to do what God command they will pay an account to God for their failure, just as many Pastors, Deacons, and Christian teachers will.
2. Verse 5 “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.”

1. “Wherefore ye must needs be subject…” There are two reasons why we are to be subject to mans laws; (1.) That government was appointed by God. and (2.) that violation of the laws would necessarily expose to punishment.

a. 1 Samuel 24:5 - 6 “And it came to pass afterward, that David's heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul's skirt. (6.) And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.”

b. Titus 3:1 - 2 “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2.) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”

2. “…not only for wrath…” – not only for the fear that punishment but because God told us too.
3. “…but also for conscience sake.” – because it is the right thing to do in obeying God.

a. Acts 24:16 “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”

b. 1 Peter 2:19 “For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.”

c. Doing right always keep a Christian in good conscience toward God, and doing right is always following Gods word even when sometimes it may seem wrong.

d. But always remember we ought to always obey God even against our government but only if it is truly obeying God.