Christian and The State (2)
A Sermon on Romans 13:1-7
Originally preached Dec. 9, 1966
Scripture
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3For rulers are …
Sermon Description
How the people of God relate to kings, emperors, magistrates, and the state in general has long been a topic in the Christian church. Persecution by the state, unjust laws, along with the emergence of new political ideologies, often lead to a re-evaluation on the topic. Can the Christian say with confidence that there is a biblical view on the relationship between the Christian and the state? If so, what principles should guide them? What are the implications for a hot-button issue like capital punishment? In this sermon from Romans 13:1–7 titled “Christian and the State (2),” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones continues to examine Paul’s message as he tackles this confusing topic by providing biblical and theological principles as guidance. Within what Dr. Lloyd-Jones calls the two “extremes” – always maintaining the status quo or anarchy – and paves a way forward that holds together the Christian call to be subject to the state, the limits of being subject to the state, a nuanced understanding of liberty of conscience, and a tempered overall expectation of what the state can accomplish in a sinful world. Dr. Lloyd-Jones is able to soberly look at the complexity of the topic and leave both sides challenged and also encouraged. While ultimately citizens of heaven, Christians are still pilgrims in this world. Listen and learn how to faithfully relate to the state as sojourners and strangers.
Sermon Breakdown
- Christians should be subject to the governing authorities
- There are limits to a Christian's subjection to governing authorities
- If the government commands something contrary to God's will
- If the government infringes on liberty of conscience and worship
- Christians can claim the protection of the law and government
- Christians should not glory in any particular form of government
- Christians should not expect too much from the government
- The government's role is mainly negative, to restrain evil
- A Christian's view of the government should not come between them and other Christians
- The government bears the sword not in vain, indicating its power to execute wrath on evildoers
- This includes the power of capital punishment
- Capital punishment upholds the sanctity of life by showing that only God has the right to take life
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Romans 13:1-7
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about the Christian's relationship to the state?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the Christian's relationship to the state is a balanced one. Christians should be subject to the governing authorities and be the best citizens possible, obeying not merely out of fear of punishment but "for conscience sake." However, there are limits to this obedience. If the state comes between the Christian and their relationship to God, Christians should obey God rather than men. Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasized that "our citizenship is in heaven" and our relationship to any earthly state is only temporary, which should give Christians a certain detachment from political excitement and partisanship.
What are the two extreme views of the state that Christians should avoid?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies two dangerous extremes: First, the "traditional view" that Christianity always supports the status quo and is "on the side of privilege" - maintaining the aristocratic or hierarchical view of government where people should remain content with their assigned social positions (like "the rich man in his castle, the poor man at his gate"). The second extreme is anarchy or "democracy run wild," where people reject all authority and each person does what is right in their own eyes. Neither extreme is supported by Scripture, which teaches a balanced view of respecting government while maintaining proper priorities.
When is it biblically justified for a Christian to disobey the state?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones clearly states that Christians should disobey the state when it attempts to come between them and their relationship to God. He cites examples from Acts chapters 4 and 5, where Peter and John told the authorities, "We ought to obey God rather than men" when commanded not to preach about Jesus. He also mentions how early Christians refused to say "Caesar is Lord" even when threatened with death. The principle is "liberty of conscience" in matters of worship and obedience to God's commands when they conflict with state demands.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about capital punishment?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones defends capital punishment (specifically for murder) based on Romans 13:4, where it states that the governing authority "does not bear the sword in vain." He argues that capital punishment is designed to maintain and emphasize "the sanctity of life" rather than being vindictive. Since God is the author of life, only He has the right to take it, and He has delegated this authority to the state in certain circumstances. Lloyd-Jones sees capital punishment as God's way of declaring the sacredness of human life through the state acting as "the minister of God."
How should Christians view political differences with fellow believers?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones strongly cautions that Christians should never allow political differences to affect their relationship with other believers. He states it is "quite unforgivable" and "altogether wrong" when Christians quarrel over politics or when churches divide over political issues. He acknowledges that Christians can legitimately hold different political views and be members of different political parties, but these differences should never disrupt Christian fellowship. This error often stems from expecting too much from the state and becoming overly attached to political systems rather than remembering our primary citizenship is in heaven.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach about expecting too much from the state?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones warns that Christians should never expect too much from the state. He critiques the historical tendency of Christians to get overly excited about political systems, whether monarchy or democracy. He specifically mentions how nonconformists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries wrongly believed "that by acts of parliament you could make a new world." The preacher emphasizes that the state's function is "mainly negative" - to limit evil and its manifestations - and it can do "very little positive good." Christians err when they expect the state to establish the kingdom of God through legislation.
Is it right for Christians to claim the protection of the state?
Yes, Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that it is entirely appropriate for Christians to claim the protection of the state and its laws. He cites the example of Paul asserting his rights as a Roman citizen in Acts 16 and later appealing to Caesar. Lloyd-Jones also mentions how Whitefield and Wesley invoked the law when they were illegally prevented from preaching. He states that Christians who refuse to claim such protection in the name of spirituality are "not being as spiritual as they think, but they are very definitely being unscriptural."
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.