Pr Joshua Yong

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.”

This Friday, Singapore will celebrate her 59^th National Day. As we celebrate, it is good for all Christians to reflect on their relationship and responsibilities to their country and government.

How should a Christian view his country? Very often, we hear people complaining about their country and government. They are dissatisfied and unhappy. Whether it is the increase in taxes or certain inefficiencies, there is just something to complain about. On the other hand, we also find others who are less critical of their country. They take great pride in the country’s accomplishments and achievements. If we can understand our role and responsibility in the country God has placed us in, then we will have the right view and attitude towards our government and country.

Throughout the church's history, the state has, at different times, had various relationships with the church. There were times in history, such as in the time of Constantine, when there was no separation between the church and the king because the king controlled the church.

Romans 13 describes the Christian's responsibility to his government. The Apostle Paul exhorted all of us who are Christians to live as responsible and law-abiding citizens while remembering that we are also citizens of heaven.

1. Submit to God

Rebellion was widespread during Paul’s time. Many Jews rebelled against their Roman rulers. There was a group of Jews known as the Zealots who believed that they should only serve Jehovah. Out of defiance, they rebelled against Rome and sought to overthrow their Roman rulers. Unbelievers may want to rebel against their rulers, but Paul’s exhortation to Christians is that they should be subject to their governments.

The word “subject” is written in the form of a command, and the word means to “submit” or to “be subordinate unto.” Every Christian must submit. The Bible says we are to submit to the “higher powers.” This phrase describes a “governing authority”. In Paul’s time, Roman Caesars ruled with absolute authority. These Roman rulers were corrupt and immoral unbelievers. Paul exhorted the Christians to view these authorities from a spiritual perspective – they were to see that God is the One who has placed them to rule over His children. We who are God’s children must therefore submit to our governments as long as they do not command us to do anything contrary to God’s Word.

We must submit to all authorities, including parents, teachers, bosses, etc. We must submit to these human authorities as unto the Lord. God is the One who rules as the sovereign King over all nations and kingdoms. According to God’s design and purpose, He has chosen all authorities to govern all His children throughout the ages. To rebel and speak ill of authorities is to rebel and speak ill of God!  

We thank God that Singapore has a fair and just government. We have the freedom of worship, fellowship and service to God. Because of the peace and stability in our country that God has given us through our government, Singapore can become a “hub” for missions and the preaching of the Gospel.

2. Serve Our Country

Recognising that God has placed us here in Singapore means that we must fulfil our responsibility as Christian citizens of Singapore.

In Romans 13:14, Apostle Paul exhorted us to watch our conduct. The Bible says, “but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” When we “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ, we are clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ. This means that we must conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with Christ’s person and character. The Lord Jesus Christ is the light that others must see in us. The best way to serve our country is to be salt and light in this world. The Lord Jesus Christ has called us to be witnesses for Christ. We must fulfil all our other duties as Christians to shine forth a good testimony for Christ. Part of this testimony is “walking honestly” or “decently”.

The Bible also reminds Christians to pay their taxes (Rom 13:6-7). This is the rightful responsibility of every Christian. The word “tribute” in verse 6 refers to the “tax” that is paid to a country. In paying our taxes, the Bible exhorts us to “owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8). Our responsibility in our country is to fulfil the “debt” of love.

3. Pray for Our Leaders

1 Timothy 2:1–4 tells us to pray for the leaders of the land: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

We must thank God for our government which the Lord is using to govern Singapore. God has given us peace and provision in Singapore. We must employ these things for the furtherance of the Gospel. When we thank God, it will also keep us humble.

We must continue to pray for our government that God will be merciful to help the leaders rule this country with justice. The freedom of worship cannot be taken for granted. In Paul’s time, Rome was initially unsure of how they should view Christians. Initially, Rome was tolerant toward Christians until Nero falsely accused Christians for the burning of Rome. This resulted in the persecution of Christians by the Romans. Nevertheless, that could not hinder the preaching of the Gospel.

During this National Day, let us pray that God will continue to preserve Singapore so that the Gospel might be preached unhindered in these last days.