God established only three institutions on earth: the home (Genesis 2:1-25), the church (Acts 2:1-47), and human government (Genesis 9:1-29). Their functions are not to overlap; when they do, there is confusion and trouble.
While Christians are called out of this world system (John 17:14), they still have responsibilities to the world. Paul here discusses the Christian’s responsibility to human government and society.
The Christian’s Responsibility to Human Governments, vv. 1-7
A. What We Are to Do, vv. 1, 6-7
1. Obey the “higher powers,” governments, v. 1.
2. Pay our taxes, v. 6.
3. Honor or respect government officials, v. 7.
B. Why We Are to Do It, vv. 2-5
1. Because of the power behind the government, v. 2.
2. Because of the punishment from the government, vv. 3-5.
3. Because of the peace that government brings.
C. When Are We to Resist the Government, Acts 5:29
Remember that Paul wrote this letters during the reign of Emperor Nero, one of the most vile and evil emperors in history. God ordained rulers to be blessings or punishments to society. Nero was the beginning of God’s punishment on Rome for their cruel and evil acts.
When government is openly opposed to Christ, Acts 5:29 is our guiding principle. We must also recognize that this resistance will make us enemies of the state, and subject to the sword.
Since American government is the government “of the people,” we get the government that we allow by our inaction and apathy. Our resistance in this form of government is to oppose the government within the boundaries of the law.
The Christian’s Responsibility to Society, vv. 8-14
A. Love, vv. 8-10
1. Love seeks the best for others, vv. 9-10.
2. Love satisfies the law of God, v . 8.
B. Look, vv. 11-14
1. The Recognition, vv. 11-12–>The Lord’s coming is near.
a. Time is running out.
b. The Time of Salvation is near.
2. The Response, vv. 12-14
a. Put off the deeds of darkness.
b. Put on the deeds of light.
Conclusion
The last days will be days of lawlessness (see 2 Timothy 3:1-17 and 1 John 3:4). It will be increasingly difficult for dedicated Christians to maintain their testimony. Governments will become more opposed to the Bible and to Christ, until at last the Man of Sin welds the world into one great satanic system to oppose the truth. Read 2 Tim. 3:12-4:5 to see what God expects from us in these last days. –Warren Wiersbe