God established the institution of government; even poor government is better than lawlessness.

1. www.rossvillechurch.com 781 Salem Road, Rossville, GA 30741 April 3, 2011 Fifth Sunday Fellowship May 29 after Sunday Morning Service Constitution Hall in Fort Oglethorpe We will not meet Sunday night for an evening service.

2. Romans 13 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whoso-ever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

3. Remember that Paul is writing to Christians in Rome . We might assume that we would not be expected to obey a wicked government, But Rome was the seat of power for the Roman Empire , and much wickedness was committed by that government.

4. Nero was emperor at that time, and he was a determined enemy of God and of God's people. Torturing and killing of Christians was a sport in Rome.

5. http://blog.adw.org/2010/06/june-30-the-feast-of-the-the-first-martyrs-of-rome/ Many martyrs suffered death under Emperor Nero. … These early Christians were disciples of the Apostles, and they endured hideous tortures and ghastly deaths following the burning of Rome in the infamous fire of 62 AD. Their dignity in suffering, and their fervor to the end, did not provide Nero or the Romans with the public diversion desired. Instead, the Faith was firmly planted in the Eternal City. The Blood of Martyrs is the Seed of the Church.

6. 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Daniel 4 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He Will , and setteth up over it the basest of men .

7. Nebuchadnezzar was a vile king , and God brought him down to living as a beast in the wild. After he regained his reason he confessed God as Ruler of all; the Source of all power. Text again : 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God : the powers that be are ordained of God.

8. It's very hard for us to understand that God raises up every ruler on the earth, but He does . A nation always gets the leader the people deserve . When most people turn their backs on God , God will raise up a man to bring them down . When the nation turns back to God , God will raise up a deliverer.

9. 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. God established the institution of government. Yes, we are citizens of Heaven , but we are pilgrims living on earth. God commands us to submit ourselves to earthly governments and rulers.

10. There is one exception when we refuse to obey earthly governments and rulers: When they demand that we go against God . Acts 5 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in This Name? and, be-hold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

11. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: God commands us to submit ourselves to the lawful government.

12. 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake . A Christian has two good reasons to be law-abiding : to avoid punishment , and to be obedient to God Almighty .

13. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also : for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due ; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. God commands us : To pay our taxes, To respect the office of government officials, To fear and respect their power to punish.

14. Without government we would have anarchy , a condition much to be feared. Kenya New York Draft riots Civil War Memphis 1866

15. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law. Love is the debt that can never be paid in full . I can love you 100% today, and I still owe you my love tomorrow.

16. We can and should pay all other debts in a timely fashion ; as much as possible . This is part of providing things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17

17. Certainly we can all have times of financial crisis, when we can't pay all our bills on time. But if we live in a financial crisis, we need to change our lifestyle . Don't spend money this week, that we need next week to pay a bill. Don't buy something on credit that we can't really afford.

18. And above all things, be paying on the eternal debt of love every day. Be patient and kind to all people. Be happy for the blessings of others. Never look down on the less successful. Don't act ugly or rude; be courteous to all. Don't strive to have your own way, or to always be the winner or the star. Study 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 to see the rest of the debt of love.