Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 13:1-7

What is the central topic of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' sermon?

The central topic of Dr. Lloyd-Jones' sermon is the Christian's relationship to the state and government, based on Romans 13:1-7. He describes this passage as a "most important teaching" and a "unique teaching" because it specifically addresses "the whole question of the relationship of the Christian to the state and to the laws of the country in which he happens to live." He notes that this is a subject "not dealt with frequently in the scriptures," making this passage a "kind of locus classicus" on the matter.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones believe this topic is increasingly relevant?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones believes this topic is increasingly relevant because Christians throughout history, "when they are truly spiritual in their thinking," have often faced difficulties with the states in which they lived. He specifically mentions that "this is becoming a very vital subject in this very century" because of "fascism, nazism and communism" and other political movements. He states, "as time goes on and the world continues upon its present cost, this will become an increasingly important subject," noting that Christians in emerging African nations have already had to face these issues due to rebellions and revolutions.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the Christian's general relationship to the world?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that Christians do not "contract out of life" when they become believers. While Christians are "in the world but not of it" in a spiritual sense, they are still part of the world in practically every other sense. He emphasizes that becoming a Christian "does not mean that what we may call the orders of nature have been canceled or abrogated," including relationships like marriage, family, work, and governmental structures. He states firmly, "It is still God's world" despite the fall, and God "still sustains it."

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, what is the biblical view of the state's origin?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). He emphasizes that "the state and government, magistrates and so on are not a human invention, not a human desire." He rejects evolutionary views that suggest "man has gradually evolved these things." Instead, he asserts that "government is not a human invention, not a human device, not a human arrangement at all. No, this is all ordained of God." However, he clarifies that what God ordained is "the idea of government and of law and of order," not necessarily every particular ruler.

Does the Bible mandate a specific form of government according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

No, Dr. Lloyd-Jones clearly states that the apostle Paul "does not tell us that any one particular form of government is the one that has been ordained by God." He explains, "He doesn't say that monarchy only is right, or that an emperor alone is right, or that a democracy alone is right, or that an aristocracy alone is right, or an oligarchy alone is right." Dr. Lloyd-Jones specifically rejects the doctrine of "the divine right of kings," stating "there is no scriptural warrant for that whatsoever" and "there is nothing in the scripture to say that a republic is wrong." What matters is that "there must be a constituted authority" of some kind.

Should Christians participate in government according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Yes, Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that Christians should participate in government. He challenges the view that "a Christian shouldn't touch it" because "politics is a dirty game." He points out that Christians are involved in "neutral matters" that government deals with—like preventing theft, regulating traffic, public health, and economic issues—in the same way non-Christians are. He states, "it is the business of the Christian to be interested in these things" and "it may well be that certain Christians are called upon to be some of these powers that be." He affirms that "you can have a Christian king, a Christian queen, a Christian prime minister, Christian magistrates."

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say about the function of the state?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that the function of the state, according to Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2, is "to order a quiet and a peaceable life." The state does this in two ways: negatively, "by restraining evil and its manifestations," and positively, by "promoting the well-being of all." He explains that the state "restrains evil by its warnings and its threatenings, and by its actual punishment of evil doers," while also being "appointed for the praise of them that do well." When the state functions properly, Christians "are able to live a quiet and unorderedly life" where they can pray, read scriptures, and worship safely.

Under what circumstances might Christians consider changing the government?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that if "the law itself allows us the possibility of changing the system," Christians are "entitled to take advantage of it." This includes voting in elections and participating in lawful labor movements. Regarding more extreme measures like rebellion, he suggests that "if a state, a king or an emperor or a governor or a dictator or anybody else becomes tyrannical," Christians can argue that "this state is violating the law of its own being and constitution as laid down in Romans 13." Since the state is meant to be "the servant and not the master," when it "turns itself into a master and into a tyrant, it is disobeying the law of God" and may legitimately be replaced with a government "prepared to abide by the teaching of Romans 13:1-7."

What was Dr. Lloyd-Jones' view on Christians participating in trade unions and strikes?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones believed there is "nothing wrong in belonging to a trade union" since it is "a part of the running of society, of the ordering of our affairs at the present time." Regarding strikes, he said that "if the law allows you to reconsider the contract and try and get a better contract, you are fully entitled to do so. There is nothing unchristian in that." He viewed strikes as "the last measure" that "should only be indulged in because it is allowed by the law," but maintained "there is nothing inherently wrong in it as it is allowed by law." He emphasized that "contracts must always be honored" as "an absolute principle."

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones reject the view that Christians should only be involved in spiritual matters?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones rejects the view that Christians should only be involved in spiritual matters because "you can't live like that. You are of necessity, involved in these neutral matters." He criticizes those who think "the Christian should only be interested in spiritual matters" as engaging in "a real denial of the teaching" of Romans 13. He points out the inconsistency of people who say Christians shouldn't be involved in politics yet "are actually working day by day with people who are not Christians" to earn their livelihood. He describes this view as "the Christian turning in upon himself, only interested in his own soul and the culture and cultivation of his own soul."