Public Living Sacrifice

Rev. Kent Compton's sermon on Romans 13:1-7 addresses the Christian's responsibility to governing authorities. He frames this discussion within the broader context of Romans 12, emphasizing that subjection to civil authority is part of the transformed life of a believer, a life offered as a "living sacrifice" to God. The sermon highlights that all authority, whether local, provincial, or federal, is instituted by God, making resistance to authority a resistance to God's appointment.

Rev. Compton stresses that government functions to promote good and punish evil, serving as "ministers of God" for our good. He acknowledges that while governments can sometimes oppress the good, Paul's general principle holds that having a government, even an imperfect one, is better than no government at all. Christians are called to recognize the numerous blessings provided by civil authority, such as law enforcement and infrastructure, rather than focusing solely on the negative aspects.

Finally, the sermon details the Christian's response to government, emphasizing submission "for the sake of conscience." This includes paying taxes honestly, showing respect, and giving honor to whom it is due, regardless of personal political preferences. Rev. Compton asserts that this posture flows directly from the gospel and a transformed life, enabling believers to be model citizens who also exercise their voice when government actions contradict God's Word.