Christianity did not begin as a political movement. Christianity cannot exist as God intended in political form. Christianity shall not succeed through political efforts. It is easy to say, "Amen! Amen!" to those statements as most of us agree hypothetically. However, it is easy to question that statement in the grinding, abrasive realties of our world.
For a moment, consider a contrast. What if we collectively were not wealthy enough to solve problems with money? If all we collectively and individually had was faith in Jesus Christ, could we export faith? How? What if we collectively were not technologically advanced to the point that we could send equipped medical missions, or eye care services, or feed the starving in some deprived conditions in other places? If all we had was faith in Jesus Christ, could we send faith? How? If we could not afford to send and support missionaries, could we still do mission work? Could faith in Jesus Christ continue to bless other people? How would those efforts proceed?
The point is not that sending money, medical missions, eye care clinics, or feeding the starving is against God's wishes. In the process of delivering his message, Jesus used a power unknown to us to show a lot of compassion to people in a variety of needs. Early Christians did the same thing (consider Acts 3:1-9; 8:4-8; 14:1-3). The point is that we can become so dependent on our deeds in our efforts that we do not depend on God. There is a vast difference between understanding that God is at work through us and having the attitude that we are taking care of God. We can become so faith dependent on ourselves and our deeds that we cannot imagine faith in Jesus Christ spreading unless things are done our way. If we are not extremely careful, we promote and encourage the view that the survival of faith in Jesus Christ is dependent on what we regard to be a "proper" political perspective. It is quite easy to marry faith in Jesus Christ to a governmental political system.
Again, the point is not that God cannot use a variety of means, including political, to achieve His purposes. The point is this: God is not dependent on any means, including political, to achieve His purposes. If this world continues, long after the USA has gone the way of all past governments, long after each of us is dead, God will continue to be at work in the lives of people--without the USA and without us. Jesus Christ is Lord whether we are here or not!
Consider the remarkable. To whom did Paul write these words? He wrote them to Christians in Rome. Who was emperor of the Roman empire when Paul wrote? Nero. The early part of Nero's reign [the first 5 years] was a time of peace, and Nero would be viewed by today's standards as a capable leader. Romans is thought by many to have been sent to Christians in Rome in this period.
Even though in Nero's early rule conditions in the empire were peaceful, by no stretch of imagination was the Roman government pro-Christian! When Claudius [who preceded Nero] expelled the Jews, evidence indicates no distinction existed between Jews, Jewish Christians, or gentile proselytes. The riots concerning "Chrestus" were merely a Jewish argument. Though a clear distinction was made in Nero's reign between Jews and Christians, that was not likely the situation in Nero's early reign. The point: as late as A.D. 41 to 54 in Rome, Christianity was not recognized as a "distinct religious sect" by the Roman government.
In circumstances that were distinctly idolatrous [the Roman government recognized many idolatrous religious sects as legitimate] and may not have acknowledged the existence of Christianity, Paul gave Christians in Rome some unusual instructions. (1) Accept and respect the authority of the government. (2) Pay your taxes. (3) Show respect and honor to governmental officials as government directs.
Why would Christians behave in this manner toward an idolatrous government? God intends for a properly functioning government to oppose, control, and [if possible] repress evil. If evil people refused to be God-governed, government officials would control them. Roman rulers ruled with God's approval. If Christians did evil, they could anticipate the governmental opposition. Christians should regard the idolatrous emperors as serving God's purposes by opposing evil. In those Christians' circumstances, opposition to an idolatrous government must not be a consideration. Because the government favored them? No! They did so simply because it was the godly thing to do.
At the moment of his writing, Paul envisioned the triumph of Christianity through subjection instead of confrontation. This view is consistent with Paul's other statements. Consider as an example Paul's admonition in 1 Timothy 2:1, 2 -- "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." Christianity can exist and will triumph even in conditions that do not favor it. When Christians have God's focus rather than their own agenda, Christians triumph when they represent a compassionate God by showing compassion, not because they are favored.
Democracy does not exist everywhere Christians exist. Their faith conviction must not be, "We will spiritually succeed when democracy flourishes here." Their faith conviction must be, "We will spiritually succeed because we represent the God of compassion Who gave us Jesus Christ."
For Thought and Discussion
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 6