(a) What was Paul's advice on the right attitude to Civil Authority? (b) State three ways in which a Christian can demonstrate the qualities of a good citiz...

Answer Details

(a) Paul's advice on the right attitude to civil authority (Romans 13:1-7).

1. Paul taught that every person must be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
2. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
3. He explained that rulers are not a terror to good conduct but to bad. Whoever wishes to have no fear of the authority should do what is good, and he will receive its approval.
4. He described the ruler as God's servant for the citizen's good. But if one does wrong, he should be afraid, for the ruler does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.
5. Paul therefore urged that one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath (punishment) but also for the sake of conscience.
6. For the same reason, he said, they should pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
7. He concluded that they should pay all what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honour to whom honour is due.

(b) Three ways in which a Christian can demonstrate the qualities of a good citizen.

1. By obeying the laws of the land and constituted authority.
2. By paying taxes, rates and other lawful dues promptly and honestly.
3. By respecting and honouring leaders and public officials.
4. By living peacefully, doing good and avoiding crime and violence.
5. By praying for the leaders and contributing to the development and welfare of the community.