The Christian is a Model Citizen

By Bob McEvoy - Posted at The Salty Scrivener:

Text . Romans 13:7-10

Last study in this chapter we noticed that the Christian would be a model citizen. He would always do his best to keep the law of the land, obeying the civil magistrate and paying his taxes.

• Christians will obey the law of the land. V3 do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
• Christians will keep a clear conscience in respect of the law. V5 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
• Christians will pay their tax bill! Acknowledging that to do so is in fact an act of obedience to God, to contribute to the overall good of society, to pay for our hospitals and our security. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom;
• Christians will give honour to the king! And sing the national anthem! fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

We also learned that there was one particular instance when the Christian was not just entitled to disobey the government, but also was required to do so – and that is when the government hinders or forbids the free preaching of the Gospel, or indeed enacts legislation that is contrary to the Gospel, as we learned in our reading of Acts 4. In such a case the believer MUST obey God and not man.

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