Firm Foundation Bible Study - Romans 13:1-7, ”Who are our Ministers, Authorities, and Avengers.”

Lesson by Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

A discussion about Romans 13:1-7 in light of its literal relevance to modern day America and other governments of the world. Was America founded on Christian principles or did the Founders design a government free from religious control in order to maximize freedom for all forms of religion?

(Presentation notes: http://visioncomsolutionscom.siteprotect.net/Justice_Romans13.pdf)

Romans 13:1, Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.