Grow With Pastor Joe

After the first world war, the Weimar Republic was the democratic government that ruled over Germany. Like the rest of the world, Germany struggled through the Great Depression. Their economic and political system was failing. The people were fearful of communism, and many desired a return to the Germany of old that was prosperous in many areas. Hitler enters the arena. His rise to power was slow, methodical, and filled with opposition. Hitler’s brutality, charisma, and timing could not have been more influential in this. The following excerpt from www.jewishhistory.org will serve to give you a better history of this came to be.

“Hundreds of thousands if not millions of people were unemployed and the government was not dealing effectively with the problem. Germans were looking for a savior and a scapegoat. Hitler provided them with both: he was the savior and the Jews were the scapegoat. More than anything else, the Great Depression helped boost Hitler. In the election after the Depression first struck the Nazis doubled their seats in the Reichstag, the German Parliament, going from 7% to 13.5% of the vote. And in the ensuing election they reached 21%. At their height they would reach about 40%. At that point, he felt victory was in his grasp and let loose the brown shirts more than ever before. Pitched battles were fought with his political enemies – not only metaphorically but literally. German politicians engaged in fist fights on the floor of the Reichstag. The Nazis terrorized the opposition. It was open hooliganism. The Weimar Republic had to make a hard choice between taking strong measures to stop Hitler or face the prospect of civil war. They chose the former. What they found – as the Western powers found later — was that the more they appeased Hitler the more powerless they were to stop him from taking even bolder steps. The president of the Weimar Republic was the elderly war hero General Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler wanted to be appointed chancellor, which was the second most powerful position to president, and only the president could grant that. Von Hindenburg had resisted the Nazis all along and disparagingly called Hitler the “Bohemian corporal.” Now, however, he felt he had to give in, hoping that being second-in-command would mollify Hitler and he would stop there. Once Hitler got power, however, no one controlled him. He increased the activities of his brown shirts, even beating to death opposing politicians. Then he presented the Reichstag with the Enabling Act, a bill that would give him absolute powers, in effect making the Reichstag powerless. Although it was political suicide to vote for it, no one dared vote against Hitler and it was passed into law. When the almost senile President Hindenburg died that summer Hitler had complete control of Germany.”

            The world did not know that it was about to change forever with Hitler’s legal appointing in January of 1933. Swiftly an economic and patriotic boom hit Germany. The social issues didn’t matter to the people just as long as they could return to work and make a comfortable living. Neither Germany nor the world knew what was in store. Between 1933-1939, Hitler began to legislate against Jewish citizens (there were others as well). Right now, you may be wondering, did anyone say anything? Where were the churches? Many who did speak out early on were beaten, jailed, or eliminated by Hitler’s “brown shirts” who silenced anyone brave enough to whisper any concern. Germany itself was a place that helped to birth the protestant reformation as the German monk Martin Luther began challenging the Catholic Church to return to the scriptures. In the 1930’s over half of Germany was protestant, the majority being Lutheran. The legislation that Hitler enacted didn’t impact the Lutherans, nor did it bother the Catholics too much. Complacency set in. By the early 1940’s, Hitler with a demonic greed seeks out to conquer the world. In doing so, brutal concentration and hard labor camps were established throughout their newly conquered land. In Poland, perhaps the most famous concentration camp, Auschwitz, was in full operation. It was Hitler’s “Final Solution” to eliminate the Jewish people altogether. In the countryside, congregations would gather on Sundays to go about their usual routine while living under the Nazi occupation. They were mostly unbothered as long as they kept to themselves. So, they did. Their silence spoke volumes. Soon, train cars began to rumble by the shadow of the steeple with bellowing, moaning, crying, and desperate wailing. The silent Lutherans and Catholics then began to sing to drown out the cries from the trains. If the cries grew louder then the people would sing louder in their wooden pews. Those trains were filled with Jewish souls headed for Auschwitz, many of whom would be tortured and brutally slaughtered.

During the rise of Hitler, he and his Nazi party used the Bible to win the minds and hearts of the people. Romans 13 was commonly referenced in propaganda and in the pulpits of local assemblies. Keep silent and submissive. Be good quiet citizens. Don’t forget this is all legal under the rule of law. Millions perished under the silent singing of saints who misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misapplied Romans 13.  Singing louder as the trains roll by only keeps your ears busy. Sometimes believers are called to silently suffer, but other times we are commanded to stand and speak (perhaps even shout). Romans 13 was used by the Nazis and the pastors of the day to keep the people silent. Then, it was used by those same pastors and prosecutors against the Nazis during the Nuremburg trials as they often testified that they were “just following orders.” We must ask ourselves, what does it mean to not just be a good citizen, but what does it mean to be a godly citizen? What does God desire for us today? We are called to be gospel fueled grace filled glory focused believers who are dual citizens of heaven and earth. However, how we live on earth and respond to human institutions must be done in and with heaven, glory, and eternity in mind. Romans 13:1-7 tells us, “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.² Whosoever 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: 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. 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; honour to whom honour.” God doesn’t call us to blind submission of all authority but to biblical obedience and at times disobedience to human authority in order to ultimately obey the word and will of God. Today, we will focus on Rom. 13:5-7 to see the reasons, requirements, and reservations of godly citizens.

First, we need to see the reasons for godly citizenship. Rom. 13:5 says, “Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.” For review sake and for understanding what this means, the word “subject” is the Greek word “hupatasoo.” It was a military term meaning to submit to or file under higher rank. In non-military use, it was a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility and carrying a burden. Romans 12-13 show us that we are first of all to submit to God’s infinite authority, second to His institutional authority (home, state, church), and thirdly to His instructional authority of how we are to respond to our relationships with those in authority over us. The word “needs” is the word “anagke” which means compulsion of inward necessity often to that of divine order. The Christian is inwardly compelled by God’s infinite authority to outwardly comply or cooperate with His institutional and instructional authority in our lives. Now, let me say before going any further that godly citizens are not gullible citizens because we have renewed minds (Rom. 12:1-3). However, to be a godly citizen means that we will be good citizens not merely for the government’s sake, but for God’s glory. Godly citizens are good citizens who look to Christ to live for Christ while living as citizens of this world. There are two reasons given in this verse for us to be godly citizens. One, the external reason is “wrath.” This deals with God’s wrath toward sin, within the context, especially against sinful rebellious attitudes and actions (See Rom. 12:1-4). Now, God’s wrath is not like man’s wrath. His is controlled and consistent with His character (divine essence, expression, exercises). God often expresses His wrath through the institutions that He established to issue out justice and punishment against sin as already seen in this passage. Simply, the first reason that we should be godly citizens is to avoid the punishment of God either by His direct hand of correction or His divine human institutions used to keep law and order. Two, the internal reason is “for conscience sake.” The word conscience is the word “suneidesis” (from sun = with + oida = know) which literally means “a knowing with” or a co-knowledge (with oneself) which is the witness borne to one’s conduct by their conscience. Romans 1-3 established man’s guilt and man’s conscience of good and evil. A.W. Tozer writes, “Conscience never deals with theories. Conscience always deals with right and wrong and the relation of the individual to that which is right or wrong. Remember the conscience is always on God’s side! It judges conduct in the light of the moral law, and as the Scripture says, excuses or accuses.” The Christian conscience, or inner man should be yielded to the Holy Spirit and scriptures which would inwardly compel us to not abuse, usurp, or ignore authority for the good of others and glory of Christ. Daniel Webster said, “Whatever makes men good Christians makes them good citizens.” It is the gospel, grace, and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ that does both.

Second, we need to see the requirements of a godly citizen. As established in Romans 12, all of life comes down to relationships and responsibilities to them. How we respond to our relationship to God and government matters. Rom. 13:6-7 says, “ 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; honour to whom honour.” These two verses give us two major requirements of godly citizens. One, we give revenue. Let me say, I hate taxes as much as you do, yet we find that God instituted them and uses them for the good of citizens. Often we don’t like how our tax dollars are spent but that’s a different story for a different day. We are told to give “tribute” which is the word “phoros” meaning to bring. The idea is specifically of imposed taxes, but in the context of Paul’s culture, tribute money was the imposed tax on conquered nations under the Roman Empire. We see an example of this in Luke 20:21-25. To give “custom” is the word “telos” which is the direct monetary taxing to support civil authority and governing agencies (Mt. 17:25). Think of the two this way. Tribute is federal taxation whereas custom is like highway tolls or sales tax. The collection of revenue from citizens is not ungodly nor is it unnecessary. If we want the perks of a civilized society and good leadership for our nation, state, or community then it will cost you. And in case you were wondering, yes, cheating on your taxes is a crime against your government (institutional authority) and a sin against God (infinite authority). Two, we also give reverence. As much as we hate paying taxes, we have perhaps even more of a difficult time giving “fear” or “honor” to those in authority over us. We like to put stipulations on this. We try to put certain parameters so that we can get by with disregarding or disrespecting authorities that we don’t like. Why do we give them reverence? Simple, because “they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.” Governing authorities are God’s servants to administrate His word, work, and will. However, we see that God even calls wicked rulers and nations His servants. In the grand scheme of eternity, there is nothing outside of His will and everything, both good and evil, will be used to accomplish His grand, good, and glorious purposes. To render is to give a repayment and the idea of what is due is that of a debt or payment. Not only do the institutional authorities over us collect revenue, but they are to collect our reverence because they are there to do God’s will of keeping law and order. To “fear” means to give respect with the idea of obedience (not blind obedience but limited to scripture). This is also seen in that when we live according to the law that we need not “fear” the sword that the government wields. We are also called to give “honor” which is the esteeming and valuing something or someone as precious. We should honor those who hold authority over us because of their position and the authority that comes with it. All of these things are also discussed in 1 Pet. 2:11-20. We see many cases throughout the Bible, including Paul himself giving reverence to those in authority even if they were ungodly or opposed them.

Third, we must see the reservations of a godly citizen. With all this talk of authority and submission we can see why so many misunderstand and misapply this passage. Like with all biblical interpretation, exposition, and preaching, the context of the passage within the whole Bible must be considered. Let me propose that sometimes to be a godly citizen you must stand against authority and speak against sinful attitudes or actions within the culture. John Knox wrote, “Let a thing here be noted, that the prophet of God sometimes may teach treason against kings and yet neither he nor such as obey the word, spoken in the Lord’s name by him, offend God.” Where’s the line? What about the separation of church and state? If you know American history, then you understand that this was established not so that the churches couldn’t keep the government in check, but so that the government would not impose or legislate a national religion which would of course lead to persecution. The reservation for godly citizens is this, when we are commanded to do what God forbids or forbidden to do what God commands. When this happens, which is rare, what are we to do? Some say, “Well Romans 13 says submit no matter what.” No, it doesn’t. Not in light of the rest of the scriptures. I could give you countless examples of biblical disobedience to authority and how we are to respond when that line is crossed. There are three main things that we should do when this rare case arises. One, make an appeal to the governing officials as seen by Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in Daniel 1:8-21. Appeal to the human institution by reminding them of the realities of the situation and that they are to rule for the good of the people according to God’s word. Their authority is borrowed and bestowed by God. What if that doesn’t work? Two, there sometimes comes the case where the appeal is denied or rejected, therefore, we must then respectfully rebel while being willing to face the consequences. This is also seen with those same Hebrew men in Daniel 3 as they give reverence to the King Nebuchadnezzar while also rejecting his command. They were willing to die in defiance to his ungodly command. This is also seen when the Hebrew nurses in Egypt refused to kill any babies (male) as commanded by Pharaoh because they “feared God” (Ex. 1:15-22). Later on, this is seen by the Apostle Paul on numerous occasions in his ministry. What if that doesn’t work? Three, sometimes there is a necessity to flee altogether. The wicked persecution of the early church by the Jews caused the early church to make appeals, respectfully rebel, and then flee the terrifying persecution as seen in Acts 8:1; 11:19. The wonderful thing about the early church flee for their lives is that they carried the gospel with them throughout the known world. God used it mightily. At one point we see what this all boils down to in Acts 5:29 which says, “²⁹ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Godly citizens must never disobey God which means we should be subject to institutional authorities over us until we no longer are able to do so according to the Bible.

In 2025 the box cars are still rolling under the shadow of our steeples. Instead of being filled with Jews, they are filled with babies who are being dismembered and discarded in the womb. Their cries number more than ten times the number of Jews killed during the holocaust and that is in our nation alone. Christians are being persecuted worldwide. Churches are fined for keeping their doors open or preaching the Bible. Street preachers are jailed for hate crimes as they simply read scripture or pass out literature. There is the LGBTQ+ movement that has been bowed down to by our government and universities. Now God’s order and design for man is mocked. His design of marriage is trampled in the mud by our nation’s leaders. This is encroachment. This is blasphemous. This is enough. Yet, Romans 13 is preached by many for us to stay silent or sing to ourselves as to drown out the noise. But God would have us to stand in these days and to speak, perhaps even shout the truth of the gospel, grace, and glory of Jesus in defiance to those who defy God. It is time that we learn to obey God by defying tyrants who seek to defy God and dismantle God’s design for man. As the trains roll by, what will we do? Will we just zip our lips? Will we put our head in the sand by just singing louder to keep our ears too busy to hear the cries of the damned slip into the flames of Hell? Will we allow for wickedness to be the cry of our society while not having enough courage to proclaim the truth of the gospel, grace, and glory of Jesus Christ? May we learn to live by grace through faith so that we may submit until its time to stand, speak, and shout. It is time for us to submit to God alone.