Renewing Civic Engagement (Romans 13:1-7)

Renewing Civic Engagement (Romans 13:1-7)
Pastor Brent Kompelien

Pastor Brent comments on research that exhaustion is one of the most common health complaints nationwide. Much of this can be attributed to anger, even contempt, surrounding political divisiveness. If one views politics as a savior, then it is an idol. By contrast, Pastor Brent brings us biblical perspective from Rom. 13: “Posture Toward Government” (vv. 1-2); “Power Delegated to Government” (vv. 3-4a); and “Purpose of Government” (vv. 4b-7). Submission is willingly putting oneself under authority, not blind obedience to unjust laws. Whereas the Family has “the power of the rod” and the Church has “the power of the keys,” the State has “the power of the sword” and enacts boundaries for peaceful and orderly living in civil society. Government is our servant, not our savior. Pastor Brent ends with “Tools for Your Toolbox,” including this key: “There is a difference between right and wrong values and good and bad policies.” He admonishes us how to engage in politics and highly recommends the book How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman.