Follow the Rules Don’t Pick & Choose Rom. 13:1-7 What is the relationship between the believer and the state? The question has been debated down through the centuries. Which is supreme, the church or the state? God pulls no punches in dealing with the issue. Simply stated, God expects the genuine believer to live as a testimony of righteousness (doing what is right) while a citizen of this earth.1. Be subject to civil authorities v.1.2. Government is ordained of God v.1-2.3. Government is ordained to promote good and restrain evil v.3-5.4. Government is ordained to provide benefits through taxes v.6-7. It does not matter how the civil authorities were appointed or by whom. It may have been by a senate, an army, or the people. The authority, whether just or unjust, legitimate, or illegitimate, is to be obeyed. It is God’s will that government exist and that persons have the authority to rule within the state. There are three institutions ordained by God: the family, the church, and government. Civil authorities and laws exist to restrain evil; therefore, any believer who breaks the law can expect to be punished by the state. The office of ruler is ordained by God for good; it is for the welfare and the good of the citizens. There are two reasons for obeying civil laws: a. For wrath’s sense, fearing the punishment of the state. b. For conscience’s sense, fearing the punishment of God. The government keeps the world from diving into chaos. Whatever peace is known within a country, it is known through the government that exists. The believer is to live above reproach before all men, and this includes being a good citizen of his government.