137: Government as Servant

Romans 13:3-4

In Episode 137, Mac and Theo discuss Romans 13:3–4, focusing on government’s role as God’s servant for justice. They explain that believers should recognize the purpose of governing authorities: to praise good conduct and punish wrongdoing. The episode encourages listeners not to fear authority when doing right, but to understand both government’s divine mandate and its limits in maintaining justice and order within society.

Key Passage

Romans 13:3–4 (NIV)

“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

Big Idea

God establishes government as His servant to promote justice—rewarding what is good and restraining evil. Believers honor God by respecting this authority, living rightly without fear, and recognizing that government serves a divine purpose in maintaining order.