Romans 13:1-7: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 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: 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. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.” The governing authorities exist with a divine mandate to uphold order, punish crime, and protect the citizenry. Those services benefit everyone. It is much safer to travel on roads where everyone is following the same set of regulations. Business prospers where there is protection from theft. We can all sleep better knowing the military and intelligence agencies are actively guarding the country from foreign threats. However, these advantages come with a cost. We have to submit to the same rules on the road. We have to pay taxes to maintain those roads and provide for the law enforcement that patrols them. We have to fund the military, and some of us have to serve in it. For some, the math doesn’t work out. The government’s actions seem more oppressive than beneficial to them. There are doubtless areas where the government reaches too far, becoming involved in affairs that should not concern. Corruption has wasted tax dollars, and in some cases, lives. Most disturbingly, the government has supported undeniably evil acts such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and the mutilation of children in the name of LGBTQ rights. While all of this goes on, the 24-hour news cycle continually wages war on both sides of the political aisle, undermining trust across the board. It is no wonder many become disillusioned with the government.
Only One is Sovereign
In response, some have declared themselves Sovereign Citizens (I understand they have other preferred terms, but Sovereign Citizens is the most recognized to the general public) operating outside the normal jurisdictions. The rhetoric employed in the movement overlaps with that of “Christian” Nationalists, with frequent elusions to the Constitution and its amendments used to set boundaries for governing officials and assert the freedoms of citizens.
Observing these souls in action, it appears to be an attempt to have all the rights of a citizen with fewer of the responsibilities. It also seems to inflict hardship on the front-line public servants, like the police. This raises issues with Romans 13:8, which reiterates the command to love our neighbors: “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.”
Now, I learned at an early age that the policeman is a person in my neighborhood, and so I owe him love. As a Christian, I am also called to submit to the authorities as a part of my submission to God. I must give the police and other officials the honor they are due because that honor is established by God’s design. I understand why it is difficult to accept this when we see our officials acting badly, passing bad laws, or violating the very laws they swore to uphold.
Paul does not make provision in these verses for such things, but he was not unacquainted with them. Paul lived under corrupt and downright depraved rulers including the infamous Nero. Paul faced a government that was often openly hostile to Christianity, and was himself executed for no other offense than professing the faith. Nevertheless, Paul did not commend or even condone acts of insurrection beyond faithfully preaching the Gospel. He did not declare himself above the law of Rome, even though he belonged to the only eternal Kingdom.
Paul’s response to the missteps of government is found in 1 Timothy 2:1-7: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”
Pray for them to the ends that we can live and work and above all minister in peace.
There is nothing in Scripture to support your own sovereignty. Only God is sovereign, and recognizing that supreme authority requires us to recognize the authorities established under it. God’s sovereignty also requires us to rely upon His unrivaled power and unmatched goodness to deliver us from evil rulers. We must have a lot more prayers for our leaders and a lot less personal insurrection.
Defying lawful orders does not serve God. Defying unlawful orders must be carefully considered. Remember that our Lord was unjustly accused and punished without resisting or even protesting. The apostles likewise honored the authorities in their speech, even as they refused to cease their Gospel proclamation. It is easy to justify our self-interested resistance with religious language and feigned piety. Who are you really serving?
We should vote wisely in accordance with God’s revealed agenda in Scripture. We should peacefully protest evil like abortion and the mutilation of innocents. We should engage harmful ideologies and falsehood with truth in love. We should debate, and we should proclaim. We should pray. We do not need a Christian nation, but we wish for a nation of Christians. Our work is to spread the Gospel, and in spreading the Gospel, we will naturally see many goods flourishing and many evils vanishing.
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- Views From a Branch: Only One is Sovereign - May 7, 2026
- Itching Ears Scripture: Bible Verse Meaning & Commentary - April 5, 2026
- Views From a Branch: A 2 Timothy 4:13 Meaning (Tickle Tickle) - March 22, 2026
