Romans 13:1-7
1. For the good of your soul, align yourself under government.
Πᾶσα ψυχὴ / pasa psyche =
The flow of the broader context:
Christian morality is self-sacrificing (12:9-16)
And trusts the providence of God to vindicate finally (12:17-21)
And trusts God’s gift of human government to vindicate temporarily (13:1-7)
God has designed government as a human institution to give incentive to order
Why?
The government is an authority
It is from God
God has “aligned” governments.
Therefore, those “aligned against” government find God’s judgment.
2. Generally, governments cannot survive unchecked evil.
-God designed governments, like parents, to have a built-in need, a self- preserving need to praise the good and punish the evil.
3. Citizens, respect the government; it serves God in a difficult function.
4. Government, avenge the citizens; their basic justice is the reason you exist.
5. Participate with government through tax, talk, and thought.
6.You need a better King than the world’s governments offer.
