Gospel Living and the Government Romans 13:1-7, 14

 (Romans 12:1-2)Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  (Romans 13:14) Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

 Introduction – Living Sacrifice (12:1&2)  Transformed life (Gospel Living)  Behavior in an organized faith institution, church (12:3-8)  Behavior in a Christian community (12:9-13)  Behavior in the General community (12:14-21)  Behavior in a country (in relation with the government) (13:1-7)  Overarching principle – Love (13:8-10)  Conclusion  The urgency of the transformation (13:11-13)  The resources provided by God to transform successfully - Jesus (13:14)

Romans 12:3 – 13:7

John R. W. Stott "Why should Christians get involved? In the end there are only two possible attitudes which Christians can adopt towards the world: Escape and Engagement...’Escape’ means turning our backs on the world in rejection, washing our hands of it...and steeling our hearts against its agonized cries for help. In contrast, ’engagement’ means turning our faces towards the world in compassion, getting our hands dirty, sore and worn in its service, and feeling deep within us the stirring of the love of which cannot be contained. … If we truly love our neighbors, and because of their worth, we shall be concerned for their total welfare, the well-being of their soul, their body and their community. And our concern will lead to practical programs." -- John R. W. Stott, Decisive Issues Facing Christians Today (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell, 1995), pp. 14, 19.

How do we engage the

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.

Government God Wrong Right Establish Rebel Submit Commend Punishment

 Submit  Do Right

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.  Taxes = direct tax. Eg. Income tax, property tax  Revenue = indirect tax. Eg. Sale tax. Toll. GST

Economic Growth Easy, Lisa! I’m here!

Economic Growth With a 0% tax rate, there is no productive government spending and so, no production and no growth!

Economic Growth When the government starts taxing capital, its spending on services raises the productivity of factors!

Economic Growth But, there is a point at which we reach a maximum, because…

Economic Growth … then, the tax becomes too high and after-tax return to capital decreases too much and disencourages capital accumulation, the main driver of growth!

Economic Growth A very high tax rate can really harm economic growth.

Economic Growth

Paying taxes is loving our neighbors

 Did God really establishes all governments?  What if the government is corrupted? Do we still submit?

 Exodus 7:3 – 5 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

 Daniel 2:21 He (God) changes times and season; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  Jeremiah 25:9 I (God) will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin.  Revelations 17:17 For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.

 Submit  Do Right

 Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1)  Queen Esther (Esther 4)  Daniel (Daniel 6)  The Apostles (Acts 5:27-40)  Paul

 Submit  Do Right

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:14