August 10, 2024

ROMANS 13: HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN CITIZEN
August 10, 2025
Dr. Dondi Costin

All believers in Jesus Christ wish to be a good testimony to what He has done in our lives. In fact, our changed lives are the first clue someone who knows us can see that shows there has been a change in us! In Christ we are not the person we have been, for we are a new creature in Jesus—old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). Today, Dr. Costin, President of Liberty University, gives us a bold message on how to be a citizen of Heaven, while residing in our country of nationality here on earth. We follow mandates God has set forth—all the same for any believer, in any country, under any government. There are no exceptions. The only time we are exempt from the rules of the land is if the government passes laws that require disobedience to God’s word. We are to submit to our government, to love our neighbors, and to put on Christ.

Focal Passages: Romans 13.

SUBMIT TO GOVERNMENT:                                                                                                                                                                    

Our predicament: The problem of our Autonomy (our own authority) vs. God’s:

  • What does autonomy mean? What makes us want to be in control? What are the three areas in which we want to exercise our control? What makes us want to go ahead of God?
  • Read Judges 17:6; 21:25. If we all do what we want individually, how would that affect our relationship with (1) authority; (2) our neighbors; and (3) our testimony? How would exerting our own authority reflect on our duty in Romans 12:1?

Every authority is appointed by God to maintain order and avoid chaos:

  • Read Romans 13:1-7. Why did God establish authority? Would humans have abided by rules of ‘doing right’ if there was no authority established over them? How can you justify your answer? When God established government, who are the ones who must obey it?
  • Who is the Ultimate Authority over creation? What are some examples happening in creation now that don’t scare us because we know God is in control? Who is the head of the family? Where does the father look for his authority?

When we resist God-given authority, we resist God:

  • Read 1 Pet. 2:13-17. How does being a model citizen testify that we trust God as our Savior? What are some things we should be doing to make this our lifestyle?
  • What are ways we resist government daily? Do you ever think of it as resisting God?

Government leaders are God’s ministers to promote good and punish evil:

  • Read 1 Tim. 2:1– Does anyone pray for our leaders every day? Is that a commandment that is any less authoritative than not stealing, or not committing adultery? Why do most people not do it?
  • What obligations do governing leaders have? (They will be judged more strictly-Jas. 3:1; they should govern as if they are working for the Lord (Col. 3:23-24); they should advance others’ good, not their own (Matt. 25:14-30); and they should define good as God does.)

God expects us to submit willingly, not whiningly:

  • Read Rom. 13:5-7. Why should we submit to governmental authority?

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR:

  • Read Rom. 13:8-10. Look at the four community scenarios and tell some examples for each one: 1) What is good that we can celebrate and protect? 2) What is missing that we can contribute? 3) What is evil that we can oppose and resist? 4) What is broken that we can restore? As you assess these, how would your community react if you championed each?
  • Three suggestions from the sermon that should be anchors in our lives as believers for our community: Corporate worship each Sunday; a small group sometime during the week; 3) a ministry in which we use our gifts to serve others. What do you think?

PUT ON CHRIST:

  • Does anyone recall the illustration of the cockroaches? (Please tell it!) Why are people who live in darkness like those roaches? Why do evil men love darkness?
  • Read Rom. 13:11-14. ‘Our drive for Autonomy pulls us toward the kind of Arrogance that tries to unseat Jesus.’ (Dr. Costin, Sermon Notes.) What did he mean? Why do we feel we must be right in all arguments? Which is better, to be right, or to not argue?
  • Our choices are to live as we want, or to live as if we believe what God says is right. Which will you choose?

Close: Sometimes, it seems as if all of our lives we are always going to be under the rule of another. Think about it a moment. In America, we are to submit to our government. God did not say, ‘submit to the government, if you voted for that candidate.’ We are to submit to the rules of our land no matter how much we might wish to ignore them. Our President is the top authority in our land, and each state has its elected officials, down to the counties, and towns. These people all have authority over the citizens of the state, by the laws, the rules, the amendments, etc. No one is exempt unless the law disobeys God’s word. Ignorance is not an excuse. At the household level, those working are under the authority of any employers the family serves. That employer can set hours he wishes, pay what he wishes, and give time off however he wishes. Inside the family, the parents have the authority: the husband is over the wife, and the parents are over the children and servants. In the community, everyone should be always on the lookout for how they can serve their neighbors, love them, and by their actions, show God to their neighbors. God’s design is to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and spirit, and love others as much as we love ourselves. A big job.

By Sandy Day
August 10, 2025                                                                                        

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