"Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil." Romans 13:3

AN APPRECIATION OF RULERS

No government would have the support of all the subjects! There would always be some who would be disgruntled. There would always be those who would find fault with the government. Paul offered a different approach!

"For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?
Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same."
Romans 13:3

1. "Rulers are not a terror to good works"

a) This seems to be a most obvious statement.

b) Nevertheless this statement is made as a reminder.

2. Rulers are a terror "to evil"

a) Those given to evil will resent the governing authorities.

b) The rulers are regarded in terror.

3. "Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?"

a) Some think that all government should practise only benevolence.

b) Some reject the authority that rulers exercise.

c) But are rulers who are unable to exercise firm authority really good?

d) Serious problems can arise if the rulers do not fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

i) There will be chaos because people will do whatever pleases them.

ii) Anarchy could result!

4. "Do what is good and you will have praise from the same"

a) If citizens would only concentrate on doing good deeds.

b) They would never need to fear the rulers.

c) They would in fact be praised by the governing authorities.