8/25/24 “Dual Citizenship”

“Dual Citizenship” 

Romans 13:1-7 

Back in the early 80’s, every Friday night at 7:00 I could be found doing the exact same thing….  

School was done for the week; supper had just wrapped up – and little 12-year-old Andy was settling in to watch his favorite tv show… 

…Any guesses as to the name of that tv show? 

It was called “The Dukes of Hazzard.” 

The Dukes of Hazzard ran for 7 seasons from 1979 to 1985.  

The show was about two cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, who lived in rural Georgia and...well...they are on probation for running moonshine. 

…a real wholesome show for a kid to be watching, right? 

Probation, of course, prevents Bo & Luke from owning any firearms, so they were forced to arm themselves with bows & arrows (And a host of clever plans) in order to outwit the local bumbling team of law enforcement officers led by Sheriff Roscoe P Coltrane…along with his Deputies, Enos & Cletus. 

Bo & Luke lived with their other cousin, Daisy Duke, as well as family patriarch – and chief moonshine producer - Uncle Jesse. 

The evil villain of the show was none other than the county commissioner….anyone remember his name?  (Boss Hogg) 

Without fail, every episode involved a couple of car chases where Roscoe – or one of the other police officers – would try to catch Bo & Luke 

…but they could never keep up with the General Lee, a customized 1969 Dodge Charger that could easily outrun any other car in Hazzard County. 

Even though the actor who played Luke Duke was from Lodi, Wisconsin (Tom Wopat)….My hero was Bo Duke. 

Bo was the guy who always drove the General Lee and who most often would perform the dangerous – but totally awesome – “roof slide” across the hood before jumping into the car through the window…the doors were welded shut. 

Even though I didn’t realize it at the time – ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ was really a show about rebellion, insurrection, and disobedience to the law. 

...and yes, I understand that Boss Hogg – who represents Government in the show – was completely corrupt... 

But Hogg’s corruption does not excuse the Duke Boys from involving themselves in illegal activity. 

That spirit of rebellion is summed up in the lyrics of the theme song of the show when it says: “Makin’ their way the only way they know how, that’s just a little bit more than the law will allow.”....and a few lines later: “Someday the mountain might get’em but the law never will.” 

To some degree – There’s a little bit of Bo & Luke Duke in all of us... 

Our human instinct is toward that of rebellion. 

Our natural response to authority is to disobey it...rather than submit to it. 

Adam & Eve chose to disobey authority rather than to live in obedience to it – and that mindset has been the theme song of mankind ever since. 

We simply don’t like to be told what to do...Especially here in America where our personal freedom is cherished above everything else. 

This is why our passage for today from Romans chapter 13 that deals with submission to authority is so difficult for us to accept. 

We read these words from today’s passage, and we immediately begin to make excuses in an attempt to justify disobedience to authority. 

How many times have you heard comments such as these: 

“The Government has enough money....they don’t need to know how much money I’m making with my side job” 

“The speed limit sign is really more of a suggestion than a law” 

“I’m not applying for some stupid permit – it's my property and I’ll do what I darn well please on it.” 

“The city can’t tell me how many pets I can have in my house – if they try to take Mr. Whiskers, they’re gonna deal with the law firm of Smith & Wesson” 

“No one can tell me I can’t blow grass clippings on the road in front of my house” (Full disclosure – I have struggled with this one in the past) 

“I am NOT paying for a sidewalk that’s legally on the government’s property”. 

...just a word of advice...don’t fight city hall over that one....I may or may not have personal experience with this... 

Do you remember the old song: “I fought the law and the law won”?...yeah, that’s exactly what happens when it comes to sidewalks! 😊  

But...Have you ever heard people say things like these...? 

Maybe YOU have made comments like what you’ve just heard. 

It can be very difficult for a free people, to submit to a governing authority – especially when an individual disagrees with a particular law or ordinance. 

That’s why these 7 verses are so difficult for us as Americans to stomach...we naturally recoil at the level of submission required of us in this passage. 

In all honesty, it's a difficult passage to preach on as well. 

For a pastor, It’s almost easier to convey the ugly truth that we are all sinners  

than to espouse the importance of submitting in obedience to a governing authority – especially if that governing authority is from ‘the other side of the aisle’. 

So...what you will hear from the pulpit today will probably make you a bit uncomfortable...it may even make you mad. 

You may want to grab some of those cucumbers in the foyer and throw them at the pastor before this sermon is over... 😊 

Keep in mind, I’m just the messenger of God’s word today. 

folks – I cherish my freedoms and liberties as much as anybody. 

For me, this was a very difficult sermon to prepare – but it’s a subject that we need to cover... 

God talks about it in His word – so that means we need to talk about it as well. 

So...Let’s get started. 

Look with me at verse 1 (Romans 13:1)  

The first word I see is “Everyone” 

Some of your translations may say “Every Person” or “Every Soul” 

That means ALL of us must submit to the governing authorities... 

Well, that’s a bummer, isn’t it. 

I was kind of hoping Paul would have said “Most people” or “The majority of citizens”.....but he didn’t. 

He said ‘Everybody’...and that does mean ‘Everybody.’ 

Paul goes on to inform us in verse 1 (Romans 13:1) that “...There is no authority except that which God has established.”  

...And then he immediately repeats that sentence (Just in case we didn’t get the message the first time) “...The authorities that exist have been established by God.” 

Established by God? ... Really? 

What about all of the brutal, evil, tyrannical rulers throughout history that have done horrible things to their own people?... 

Are you telling me that God intentionally allowed for them to be in power? 

Pastor Andy - Is God’s Word telling us that Hitler’s Germany was no accident? 

Questions like this are difficult because they involve God’s sovereignty and His will – they involve the mind of God and His ways which scripture says are beyond our understanding. 

Remember Pharoah? He mistreated the Israelites, sent people to their deaths for the most insignificant of things....demanded that all the Jewish baby boys be murdered.. not a nice guy. 

And yet – In Exodus 9:16 - we read these words about how an evil ruler like Pharoah fit into God’s ultimate plan: “But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 

God has His own purposes for allowing evil people to temporarily rule over good people...our job is not to try and figure out God’s thoughts or motives....our job is to be obedient to His Word and will. 

...and His Word instructs us to submit to the ruling authorities....with one exception – stay tuned for that...don’t fall asleep! 

It may help us if we take a step back and look at life through a wide-angle lens...we need to consider the big picture for a moment. 

Can you all see what I have here in my hand? ( A Passport) 

This passport informs people that I am a citizen of the United States of America...it’s where my home is...it’s where I’m from. 

Have you ever heard of people possessing dual citizenship? 

It means that someone is a citizen of two separate countries at the same time. 

For instance, I once knew a student at UW-Madison who was both a citizen of Israel and a citizen of the US at the same time. 

As Christians – we have dual citizenship. 

We are citizens of the nation in which we physically belong – the United States of America...represented by the flag to my right and our names written in a passport or on a driver’s license. 

But, more importantly, we are also citizens of the nation in which we spiritually belong – the Kingdom of God....represented by the flag on my left and by our names written in the Lamb’s book of life. 

These two flags represent the dual citizenship of born-again believers living in the United States of America. 

In fact, every Christian around the world possesses a dual citizenship... 

They are citizens of their earthly home, and they are citizens of their spiritual home. 

...and the earthly flag varies depending on what part of the world the believer resides. 

But the Christian banner portraying the cross of Jesus remains the same for every follower of Christ around the globe. 

That’s also why we need to be very careful about combining these two symbols of two very different kingdoms. 

One kingdom is temporal – One is eternal. 

One kingdom is temporary – One is permanent. 

One kingdom is faulty – One is perfection. 

One harbors sin within its borders – One harbors righteousness and is completely Holy 

Have you ever seen paintings that show Jesus draped in an American flag...or the cross of Christ with a US flag hanging from its crossmembers...? 

Pictures like these may seem acceptable to some of us born here in the US – 

But imagine if you were a believer from Canada...or Brazil...or The Philippines... and you saw a picture of your perfect savior draped in a flag that represents an imperfect, sin-saturated human government. 

...Or, say you travel up to Canada for a fishing trip and your hotel room has a picture of Jesus draped in a Canadian flag?....how would you interpret that? 

...Would it offend you?...I know it would me. 

So – yeah – we need to remember that...even though we live in the greatest country on earth...we must resist the temptation to “Americanize” our “Nationalize” our Savior. 

Jesus doesn’t belong to a country – He is the head of the world-wide church – he belongs to people of every nationality and tribe who have accepted Him as their Lord & Savior. 

After all, when we get to heaven – our spiritual home – we will no longer have any political or denominational titles attached to our identity. 

Folks, we will not be “Americans” when we are in heaven....we will simply be citizens of the Kingdom of God. 

We will not be “Advent Christians” - or any other ecclesiastical denomination in heaven - we will simply be worshipers of God Almighty! 

We have dual citizenship here on this earth – but someday all believers in Jesus will have a singular citizenship in heaven...let’s remember that important truth. 

Paul understood that his spiritual citizenship was in heaven... 

But while here on this planet, his earthly citizenship was to that of the ancient Roman government... 

A government that was becoming increasingly hostile toward Christians when this letter was written to the church in the city of Rome itself. 

In fact, about 10 years after Paul wrote this letter, he would endure the greatest injustice one could experience from a governing authority... 

He would be unjustly executed by the emperor Nero – the supreme commander of Rome during Paul’s time. 

Nero was famous for falsely blaming Christians for crimes they did not commit – and then conjuring up inventive ways to kill these so-called “perpetrators.” 

For example, Nero fancied himself a chariot racer and historians say that he had his own racetrack to practice on. 

Unfortunately, this was long before a guy by the name of Thomas Edison had invented the light bulb, so when Nero wanted to practice running his chariots at night – it was difficult to see the track in the dark. 

It is well documented that Nero would have Christians covered with flammable pitch, then have them impaled upon spikes surrounding the racetrack. 

He would then have their bodies lit on fire to provide light for his night runs around the track. 

Yeah, this is the kind of person Nero was. 

Brothers and sisters – this is also the leader of the same government that Paul tells his fellow Christians in Rome that they must live in obedience to. 

Was Nero evil? Yes 

Did Nero hate Christians? Yes 

Did Nero blaspheme the one true God by considering himself a god? Yes 

Were Christians to live in obedience to Nero’s government and authority?....If he does not order believers to commit sin....Yes. 

Oh, how I wish that last answer was “No” rather than “Yes” 

How I wish Paul would have provided an exception...a caveat to his categorical statement of submission....but no exception is given. 

If you want a second opinion, look at Peter’s words concerning submission to government, and we receive the same message....”Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the King, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” (1 Peter 2:13-15) 

Peter concludes his teaching in this passage with these words: “...fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) 

In other words, worship God – and have respect for the office of your leaders...even if they are poor leaders. 

Both Paul & Peter arrive at the inspired conclusion that although wicked and sinful earthly rulers are not to be emulated...they are to be obeyed. 

This is the part that really stings, doesn’t it... 

We wish the Bible would say: “Obey your rulers...unless you decide that obedience is not necessary...then begin a revolution. 

The fact that Jesus did not come as a political revolutionary was one of the main reasons why the crowd eventually wanted him put to death. 

The people were thirsty for blood...they wanted to exact vengeance upon their Roman occupiers – and when they realized that Jesus wasn’t going to give them political vengeance – they turned on him. 

They didn’t want to face the truth that Jesus didn’t come to start a social revolution.....but a spiritual revolution. 

He hadn’t come to offer political freedom...he came to offer spiritual freedom. 

How easy it would have been for us - had we lived during the time of Christ - to lend our voices to the frenzied crowd that was calling for a murdering zealot by the name of Barabbas to go free... 

and at the same time – calling for death to an intriguing...but ultimately disappointing...Rabbi  

A Rabbi who performed miracles...but who wasn’t bringing about the change that WE would have wanted. 

Think about it. 

How passionate do you get over political issues today – especially before a presidential election? 

We aren’t so different from the people of Jesus’ day....how easy it would have been for us to join in the chorus of “Give us Barabbas!” 

...we want political victory, not this spiritual victory stuff. 

...we want to see physical swords penetrate the hearts of Roman soldiers – not spiritual swords penetrating our own hearts. 

Jesus knew that the Roman government was evil. 

Jesus knew that the Roman emperor was a ruthless, prideful, arrogant, godless man. 

Jesus knew that certain government officials wanted him dead. 

Yet Jesus had much more important matters to convey to humanity during his first advent than to bother with the political affairs of men. 

...and when he did say something about human government, it was generally not what the people wanted to hear. 

His most famous teaching referring to submission to government came in Matthew chapter 22 when he provides an answer about whether or not a Jewish man under Roman occupation is obligated to pay taxes. 

Jesus has someone in the crowd produce a coin...and then he asks his audience: “...Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription? Ceasar’s, they replied. Then he said to them, give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21-22) 

People of faith have dual citizenship...and we need to understand the proper actions and responsibilities of both. 

Getting back to our text for today, Paul conveys a similar ordinance in verse 7 (Romans 13:7) “Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” 

Well, shoot...this isn’t what you wanted to hear this morning, is it? 

You mean I really have to pay taxes...ALL of them? 

You mean I really have to respect the offices of government officials in power over me? 

You mean I really have to honor those charged with running our city...county...state...country...? 

The question – then – is...why? 

Why does scripture say we need to show respect for all politicians – many of whom are arrogant, corrupt, lost, godless souls? 

Paul alludes to the answer in verse 5 (Romans 13:5) “...Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.” 

...and Peter articulates it even more precisely in his passage on civil submission “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” (1 Peter 2:15) 

In other words, we are to obediently submit to the governing authorities and have respect for their offices so that (1) we sleep well at night  

And (2) we reflect well upon the name of the savior upon whom we follow – and that name is Jesus. 

It brings us back to our dual citizenship again. 

As followers of Christ, we need to do everything in our power in the physical kingdom to draw people into the spiritual kingdom....THIS is our ultimate goal as believers! 

Don’t break the law...don’t cause trouble...live a peace-filled life...don’t give unbelievers an opportunity to speak negatively of you...and reflect the love of the savior to others. 

In 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Paul simply says “Avoid every kind of evil.” 

As a disciple of Jesus Christ, there are plenty of people who are just waiting to pounce on you for behaving or speaking in an un-Christlike manner... 

Don’t provide them with that sort of ammunition!! 

Be a model citizen.  

It doesn’t mean you have to agree (Or even like) your local or national representatives in government, but it does mean that if you want to be an effective witness for Jesus – you need to act in such a way as to reflect the words of our savior. 

And – yes – this means not calling people names and engaging in personal attacks on social media...there is no better way to drive a non-believer away from Jesus than to call them names or belittle them. 

One last thing....and I’ve already alluded to it a couple times this morning. 

Here’s where you need to WAKE UP!....You don’t want to miss this. 

Are there any situations in which submission to governing authorities is uncalled for...in other words, is rebellion ever a scriptural option? 

Well...I’m so glad you asked. 

The answer is....Yes. 

Actually, it's an emphatic Yes-  and it’s illustrated through many instances from scripture. 

Well, we heard about Pharoah a little while ago...he was the ruling authority – but God sent Moses to deliver His people out from under Pharoah’s tyranny. 

Remember Nebuchadnezzar?.....He was the ruling authority – but God praised Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego for disobeying the King’s orders to not bow down to an image. 

Remember King Darius? He was the King who Daniel disobeyed by not praying to him and got thrown into the Lion’s Den....We are told in scripture that Daniel did the right thing by disobeying the governing authority. 

Finally, remember the Sanhedrin (Israel’s ruling council during the time of Christ) They tell Peter and John not to proclaim the name of Jesus, yet Peter and John do it anyway – in fact – they do it very boldly. 

Again, this disobedience to human authority is praised by God. 

The biblical list goes on and on of instances such as this. 

Why? What makes insurrection justified at certain times...but not at others? 

It boils down to one specific truth: 

If the ruling authorities mandate something that goes against God’s Word – or if the ruling authorities restrict you from doing something that God’s Word commands us to do.....then disobedience is not only allowed – it is commanded. 

Peter and the disciples told the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:29 “...We must obey God rather than men!” 

If the government does not permit us to carry out our faith as directed by God’s Word – that, brothers and sisters – is when insurrection and disobedience is warranted. 

I’ve been told that during the Covid lockdown, this church kept its doors open for whoever felt comfortable attending services... 

I know there were differing views on that, but I say....Praise God!....Well done! 

Hebrews 10:25 tells us that we are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves – and for believers who needed to meet with other believers – you gave them the option to do so. 

So, yes, disobedience to governing authorities is mandated if it directly contradicts scripture –  

However.... when God’s Word is not eclipsed by the state – we are to be obedient citizens in good standing, not giving anyone reason to malign our character 

...or more importantly, to malign the character of our savior. 

Remember your dual citizenship...remember that this life is fleeting...this life is short... 

Remember that your citizenship in God’s kingdom is for eternity... 

Live for that Kingdom! 

Let’s Pray.