What the Bible says about Government

I have been thinking about politics and government in our country a lot lately so I thought it would be good if I did some bible study along those lines. Whatever I do in life I want to make sure that my thoughts and actions line up with God's word. There are many times that I make mistakes but I am trying. I hope to encourage you in that area as well and hope that you will in turn encourage me and kindly point out the areas that you think that I need to improve in.



Here are some of the verses that I found that talk about Government and what our role is.



Romans 13:1-7 " Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. Wherefore it is necassary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them; tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to who fear; honor to whom honor."



Titus 2:1 & 2 "Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men."



1 Peter 2:13-17 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."


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, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."

Reading those some of the things I am reminded of are:
  • We need to be praying for our leaders! This is something that I do some but not nearly to the extent that I think I should. I think the song "Why worry when you can pray" would apply well to this situation. When we listen to or read the news it should also be a time of prayer.
  • We need to be in subjection to our leaders. (Keeping in mind Acts5:29) I am blessed to live in a country that is ruled by the people. Knowing that I need to be in subjection to my rulers it is my goal to help see the best leaders possible to get into office.
  • We need to honor our rulers. Their office calls for respect. I need to be careful in how I talk about them.

Do you have any other verses that you like that talk about our governement?