Romans 13:1-7; Mark 12:13-17

Mark 12:13-17

Point # 1 “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

Implication A: a salvation-historical shift to accommodate Jesus’ pronouncement

- no mediator-king
- a NEW covenant
- gentile inclusion in the covenant community
- separation of “church and state”

Implication B: being divine image bearers grounds our responsibility

Romans 13:1-7

Point # 1: The authority of the state (1-3)

- Ruling authorities should be obeyed because God has ordained and appointed the governing authority.

- Those who resist that authority oppose what God himself has ordained and are liable to judgment by the state. Those who do what is right will be commended by the state.

 

Point # 2: The ministry of the state (4-7)

- The one in authority is God’s servant for our good, as well as agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

- Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities and pay our taxes - not only because of possible punishment, but also because of conscience.