Observation: Paul is very direct as he begins a new section of the letter, talking about the way Christians are to live within a pagan society, and it begins with this ... submit to the government. His logic is complex. He does say that we are to submit to the government because the Lord is sovereign and thus even governments are part of his plan. However, there is an additional idea, which is that governments reward behavior that aligns to their edicts and punishes those that don't, therefore 'doing as told' is a way the Lord can give blessings to us. Opposing government not only denies us blessing, but creates conflict, fighting, and a lack of peaceful existence.
Some may say, 'well that's easy for Paul to say, he didn't face the division and political conflicts we face.' Well ... this letter was written in 57 or 58 AD, and the Roman emperor at the time was ... Nero. It was still early in his reign, but he had already killed his stepbrother, and there was a bitter power struggle taking place between Nero and his mother, with Nero removing or killing many advisors. We know what Nero would become as only about 7 years after this letter Nero would initiate the persecution of all Christians. It is to this person that Paul - inspired by the Holy Spirit - is telling Christians to ... submit, do not resist, for the Lord has a plan and wishes to bless you.
Application: Almost everyone I know is on one side or the other of our current political party system, and they declare they either do or don't support the government based on that allegiance. I personally know many of our local elected officials, and I know first-hand that most possess a problematic combination of ... extreme arrogance, and absolute ignorance. I also now sit in a state that just passed the largest single-year tax increase in national history because they ran out of money to fund things like free-use meth shelters, LGBTQ+ support programs, and the construction of toll roads so we can all pay $20 a day to drive on highways built by the taxes.
The Lord calls me - everyone - to submit to all these authorities, do not oppose them, and thus receive his blessing. While it is obvious I have opinions on the government itself, I do submit to it when conscience allows, and avoid fights when necessary. And I have been blessed by this! My income for the past 24 years, and hopefully now in the next five years to come, has been determined by these same government officials, and come from these same government funds, mostly directly (some derivatively).
It is possible to be a Christian and NOT fight the government ... any government, either party. It is better for Christians and the Church to not fight the government, so sayeth the Lord himself. We don't have to condone, and we absolutely must not conform, but we can be blessed by not fighting.
Prayer: Lord, I have known for many years that, when it comes to government, you have placed me in a unique position. At times you have given me access and influence in a place bereft of you, and that may continue still. May I have the courage and strength both submit but not conform; to speak but without conflict. Amen.
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