History's greatest heroes were often called criminals in their time. From smuggling Bibles behind enemy lines to hiding persecuted families in secret rooms, ordinary believers have faced extraordinary moments requiring courage over compliance. Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindahl reveals the surprising biblical truth when Christians must choose civil disobedience over blind obedience. Drawing from Romans 13 and real-life examples of faith under fire, Today, we'll discover how to navigate the tension between being good citizens and faithful followers of Christ. Chuck titled his message, How to Be a Godly Rebel.
Uh In Romans 13:1, Paul states the believer's duty to government when it functions properly. Within the framework of law. No Christian is to be a law unto himself. or herself. No individual is exempt from the From the duties.
of citizenship. Here we have a section of Scripture where Paul addresses the importance of our being law-abiding citizens. of our being good neighbors. People who stop at red lights. People who don't make their own traffic laws.
People who do not invade the privacy and property of others. People who respect others. who pay their taxes. Every person is to have a spirit of submission to governing authorities.
Now, immediately we have to address the issue of resistance. I call verses 2 through 5 inappropriate resistance. Let's look at those verses. Verse 1 continues, There is no authority. except from God.
and those which exist are established By God. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance. Stop right there. The first reason in Paul's mind is a theological reason. Because God supports law and order.
God has ordained government. It is called one of the divine institutions. Just as marriage, just as home and family.
So government.
So there's a theological reason. To obey authority, and that is because God has ordained the authority. There's an external reason as well. Verses 2 through 4. See the end of verse 2?
They who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. This external reason is because civil disobedience brings consequences. You disobey the government. Long enough and far enough, you will suffer the consequences. Let me read on.
Rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior. But for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Then do what is good, obey the laws, pay your taxes, stop at red lights, don't do what is evil, and you will have praise for the same. There are consequences.
that occur when you ignore law and order.
Now, it may be as mild as the policeman standing by your open window. in the curb lane of traffic. And he says to you, This is a warning. don't keep driving so fast. The ultimate consequence is capital punishment.
You take a life, you deserve to die. There's a third reason, it's an internal reason. See the end of verse five. but also for conscience' sake. The third reason Paul mentions this is Civil obedience relieves our conscience.
My friend and mentor Ray Stedman writes about the time when he had to finally start paying income tax, up until a period of time he had not paid because he had not made enough. And finally, they caught up with him and he said, My first letter that I wrote. I wrote with a bad attitude. I resented having to pay, and I addressed it to the Infernal Revenue Service. Says they never answered, but they did accept the money.
Next year, he had improved his attitude a bit and changed it to the Eternal Revenue Service. He says, I have repented from all those sins, and I now hope to pay my taxes. Cheerfully. There's a reason for paying taxes. and you know them.
You know them. We live in a land that is like no other land on the planet. I know that I'm prejudiced when I say that. And I have been in many other lands. But there's no feeling like the feeling of returning home.
to these great United States. We pay taxes that handle Our roads that keep our parks beautiful. that guard us in the air. and on the ocean, on the coastal side of our Planet. of our continent, our nation.
And we should. It is only right that we do that.
Now, when you read through this section of scripture, you come to the importance of. Of appropriate obedience. He says in verse six, because of this, That is because of conscience, you also pay taxes. And then he says a word to those who work in government, those who are in places of governmental authority. He says to you who are in that category, you are servants.
of God. devoting yourselves to this very thing. Let me say a word to any government official. Never forget that your role is a servant role. When you forget that, you go too far.
Your thinking turns and becomes questionable. and sometimes absolutely wrong. Without for a moment in any way encouraging any kind of tax evasion, for that's sinful. I would say that it is foolish to pay any tax. that isn't appropriate.
That isn't a part of your lifestyle. and is due. Yeah, okay. You as a government official are not there and to be a prima donna. You were there to serve your God and to serve God.
your constituency. We had a judge sitting in our second morning worship service that heard this message earlier. He thanked me afterwards. He didn't stay. He left.
He said, I appreciate your words. I appreciate your warning. I appreciate your stance. And my words had to do with the citizens. We who are not a part of the city or state or national government, we have a responsibility.
And it happens regularly. We are to be informed of those running for office. We are to vote. Don't worry. Stonebriar Community Church is not going to become a local.
precinct headquarters. You'll never be given a flyer, even told who's running. Though we're often encouraged to tell you Of those in our congregation who are running, we've chosen not to mention any of them. Lest it begin a precedent we can't stop or change. I expect you to be informed and I expect you to vote.
Now, admittedly, all of us have failed to do so. I say to my own embarrassment, there are times I simply didn't get to the voting booth. But it always bothers me. Because that is my only way as a citizen to have some say in the ones who will be in places of authority where I will never be. And so we are to be grateful citizens, we are to be discerning, we are to be respectful, we are to be obedient.
And we are to be careful in how we rear our children that they understand this. By the way, you might wonder: what's the big deal of Paul bringing all of this up? Listen to the words of one writer. In Paul's case, there was one immediate cause of his stressing civil obedience. The Jews were notoriously rebellious.
Palestine Especially Galilee was constantly seething with insurrection. Above all, there were the zealots. They were convinced there was no king for the Jews but God. and that no tribute must be paid to anyone except to God. Nor were they content with anything like a passive resistance.
They believed God would not be helping them unless they embarked on violent action to help themselves. Their aim was to make any civil government impossible. They were known as the dagger-bearers. They were fanatical nationalists sworn to terrorist methods. Not only did they use terrorism towards the Roman government, they also wrecked the houses and burned the crops.
and assassinated the families of their own fellow Jews. who paid tribute to the Roman government.
So we're not the first rebels to come along. Paul writes to his kinsmen saying, Uh Because of this, verse 6, you also pay taxes. In fact, look at verse 7. Render to all what is due them. Tax.
Custom Fear An honor. What's the difference? Tax, obviously, would be Property taxes, school taxes, road taxes, taxes that are required of us as citizens, expected of us. for the pleasure of living in this land. Customs would have to do with imports and exports.
We don't work a way around paying that, we pay that. understanding that the custom is it is due. Fear has to do with respect for those who are in authority, and honor has to do with. giving them proper esteem. and worth an allegiance.
The command does not say render to all regardless. See what it says? Render to all what is due. them. You know what we've learned, Cynthia and I have learned in our years on this earth?
We have learned that we need counsel. from individuals who make it there a part of their practice. To give us counsel on how to handle financial matters as it relates to taxes. And we are adamant with those that we hire to help us that they do so. absolutely according to the law.
That gives us a clear conscience. It keeps us from fearing. that we have done wrong and we've hidden it. And those we hire to assist us are are I sometimes call them legalists. But it's a compliment because they're doing what's right, even though I don't necessarily like it.
I haven't said a lot about liking it. I've said we are to do it because it's expected of us. That's what I want to get across. There's an overriding principle. We Christians are not only to obey our God.
We are to be good citizens in our land. models of such. And to teach our children the same. Barnhouse, again, I quote, writes: I buy gasoline and pay its taxes. thankful for the fine roads over which I drive.
I enjoy the beauty of a national park paid for by our taxes. I see lighthouses. or the trail of a jet plane, and I'm grateful for the forces that guard our coasts and defend our skies. And therefore, as good citizens, we are to render what is due. And in the process, we are not to grouse about it.
knowing that the blessings are ours in abundance. Let me put it all together in a personal way, in sort of a short and sweet manner. First of all, obeying God is always right. There's no exception. God says it, we do it.
His word teaches it. We do a careful study so that we are interpreting it correctly. We obey it. Our allegiance to Him is total, not partial. And it is ultimate.
Always right to obey God. Second, obeying government is usually the right thing to do. When it is the wrong thing to do is when government requires of us to go against our conscience. or to go against our God. We are moving rapidly toward that time.
These are treacherous days in which we live. In no way do I mean to sound like an alarmist when I say that in my simple lifetime I have watched the eroding. of many of the things that once made our country great. And it breaks my heart. And I believe, if not my children, I believe my grandchildren will live to see the day.
when active resistance will be essential. For there to be the maintenance of Christian principles. We have now come to a place where it's considered an infringement. if we display a cross. Or, of all things, something not even is not even in scripture, a Christmas tree.
In some places, it's laughable.
Some places you can't speak the name of Christ. Because it isn't It isn't politically correct. We've already had taken away from us public prayer. And the church is one of the few large gatherings for prayer. can be made without any fear of government intervention.
we may be facing A dark future. even in that level. There comes a time in every life when it is right to rebel. That is when government attempts to silence our message. or attempts to force us to be tolerant Of things that we know to be morally wrong, according to the scriptures.
To bow before that is to bow before a tyrannical government that has overstepped its bounds. And I warn all of us against that. I remember growing up. My dad's saying to us kids, I want you to stand alone, children. I want you to stand alone.
He had already done that in a particular thing at his work, and he was exercised over. He said, I don't care if everybody else that's school does so-and-so. I want you to stand for what's right. If you don't, I'll wear you out. I remember that.
It was the wear you out part that concerned me more than the standing alone. I just kind of grew up with that. And here I find myself saying, More often than not, do my grandchildren stand for what's right? Do what's right. I know it isn't popular.
I know you're going to be misunderstood. You'll always be grateful you did what is right. May I name a few godly rebels? Brother Andrew. Who for decades has been smuggling Bibles.
into countries illegally. An attorney friend of ours who's on the board of Brother Andrew's ministry. Called us back, I think it was the late 70s, early 80s, and he said, I'd like you to pray for me. I'm leaving. And I may not be back.
It's a man with four children. He said, We're going to be taking Bibles into China, and he says, We're going across a border. And he said, um They're hidden. If they find them, Who knows what will happen?
Well, they didn't find him. And thousands got a hold of them and have come to Christ. The story is marvelous. Another would be Papa Ten Boom.
Okay. and his daughters Corey and Betsy, remember? who hid the Jews. They were Dutch. But they love the Jews.
And they knew they were being persecuted. And they paid for it with their lives. Corey lived through the horrors of the concentration camp. and told her story till her death, a story of courage. Heroism.
Don't know anything about his spiritual life, but I know what he did was morally right, Oscar Schindler. Remember Schendler's list? Had the guts, the courage to stand alone even in the face of the Nazi government. protecting Jews, giving them work and and watching over their safety. How about Dietrich Bonhoeffer?
The Lutheran pastor, who was told to stay silent, Because Hitler was after him, or his henchmen were, and he didn't stay silent, and he wound up in the concentration camp. And while he was in this camp, he continued to marshal the troops for the glory and the good of Christ. hanged on the 9th of April 1945. shortly before they were liberated. The SS troops wanted for sure to put him to death.
They're heroes today. Maybe you've not heard of Pastor Martin Nemoler. was thrown into a Nazi prison. for preaching the truth of the gospel. Another minister visited him and remarked that if he would keep silent about certain subjects and show respect for the Nazi government, he'd be set free.
And so Continued the visitor, Why are you in jail? To which Nemoler replied, Why aren't? You in jail. Isn't it amazing how uh safe we feel sitting? in this place.
We all are in agreement.
Well, maybe not everybody.
Some of your faces say you don't agree. To which I reply, I don't care. And some of you are saying, in effect, by your silence, I agree. I just don't know that I'm ready to stand up publicly and say it.
Someday you'll have to. Do it. Do it. No matter what it means. Today, there will be people who will call you a fool.
Tomorrow, you'll be known as a hero. Do it. Do what's right. Don't hesitate. Speak the truth.
Let's bow together.
Some of you sit today with your children sitting near you. I always love seeing families together like that. I know your heart beats like mine does for your children. For many of you, your grandchildren. Nothing more precious to us than our families.
We may live to see the day when the family will be separated. along the lines of truth. May God help us all. It may sound awfully strong for you to hear these things, and perhaps it's because you've never known Christ. I wouldn't have the courage to say what I say if it weren't for him.
I would care very much about how you feel or what your opinion is. And that could very easily shape my interpretation of Scripture. then I'd be worthless as a minister of the gospel. Just telling you what you want to hear. But if you've never trusted Jesus and you would like to know that kind of Of ability to discern right from wrong, and it starts with him: today is the day.
Today is the day. to give your life to him. I don't know what the future holds, but I know this. I couldn't possibly face it without Christ, and neither. Dare you.
There are days, our Father, it's almost as if we've seen the glory of the Lord. Tramping out his vengeance where the grapes of wrath are stored. It loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword. This truth is marching on. Thank you for a body of people who will sit through a message like this.
Thank you for the hungry heart. of the believer who longs to do what's right. Thank you for the influence, the impact we can make. in this wayward and eroding Culture. Give us the courage.
to do what is right. Regardless. Give dads the courage to train their children like my dad trained me. And mom's the same. May we remember, Lord, that it is there.
Our deepest roots. for life are formed. And may it impact the schools our children and grandchildren attend. May it make a difference. in the companies where they work.
God bless every strong hearted believer. In this secular world. Doing battle in the sidewalk jungles. of commerce. Keep them strong.
And wise. Courageous. And we're ever possible appropriate. as they minister to those around them.
Now, to Him who is able to guard us from stumbling and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. Great joy to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power now and forever. And ever and ever. In the name of Jesus. Everybody's sick.
Amen. Chuck Swindahl is teaching from Romans chapter 13, and he titled this message, How to Be a Godly Rebel. In this passage God ordains government to maintain order, But believers' ultimate allegiance belongs to Him alone.
So let's be informed, vote faithfully, and teach our children and grandchildren to stand courageously for biblical truth. We'd like to equip you and your family for darker days that may require choosing Christ over comfort, popularity, or safety. We have a brand new 25-day Advent devotional called Everlasting Light: A Journey from Promise to Presence. It's written by our bilingual Spanish pastor, Carlos Sasueta, with his friend and mentor, Chuck Swindall. In addition to the English version, Inside for Living is pleased to offer a Spanish version as well.
It's a wonderful gift to share with friends and family by offering them a guide for celebrating the arrival of our everlasting light. and if you purchase five copies or more, you'll receive a 20% discount. What could be more important this holiday season than sharing the true joy of Christmas with your loved ones? To receive the 25-day Advent devotional called Everlasting Light, please include a generous gift to support the ministry of Insight for Living. When you respond today, you'll receive this devotional in time for the holidays.
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Frisco, Texas 75034. That's Post Office Box 5000. Frisco, Texas 75034. Multiple copies of the Advent devotional Everlasting Light are available for purchase when you call us at 800-772-8888. Or to request one for yourself, visit insight.org/slash offer.
I'm Bill Meyer. Join us on Monday when Chuck Swindahl continues his study in Paul's letter to the Romans right here on Insight for Living. The preceding message, How to Be a Godly Rebel, was copyrighted in 2007, 2010, and 2025, and the sound recording was copyrighted in 2025 by Charles R. Swindahl, Incorporated. All rights are reserved worldwide.
Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
