Titus 3:1-2

The Christian and Government

God set up three institutions to provide for man's needs. Those are the home, the church and the government. He established governments to keep civil order. For that reason, Paul urged Christians to be subject to governmental authority (Titus 3:1). Their authority comes from God. They are permitted to use the sword to punish evil doers. Only those involved in wicked acts should have reason to fear them (Romans 13:1-7).

When the Pharisees questioned the Lord about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus drew their attention to Caesar's image on the coin. He said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. He even paid the temple tax to avoid giving offense (Matthew 22:15-22; Matthew 17:24-27).

Peter learned well the Lord's teaching on submission to those in authority. He insisted our obedience reflects the thinking of our Lord. Of course, he also knew those in authority had no right to ask anyone to disobey his Lord (1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 4:18-20; Acts 5:29). Civil disobedience becomes necessary when man's law requires one to violate God's law. That may be the reason Paul said "to be ready for every good work." Certainly, we would not, even in obedience to man's law, want to be ready to do any evil work.

Nero was a wicked ruler who did much harm to Christians in his day. Yet, he would be included in the admonition of Titus 3:2. No Christian should allow any evil to come out of his mouth (Ephesians 4:29-32; Colossians 4:5-6). The New King James Version says to be peaceable where the King James puts, "to be no brawlers" and the Revised Standard has, "to avoid quarreling." Christians should also be known for their gentle nature and humble spirit (1 Timothy 3:3; Galatians 6:1). Such attitudes ought to make the Christian stand out and will open doors of opportunity (2 Timothy 2:24).