Christians And The Wicked World

by Dave Hart

God’s people live by a different standard than sinners of the world. We meet and solve our problems in a different way. Scripture provides guidance in every area of life, including how to get along with hostile people. In Romans 12:17-13:14, Paul discusses this very problem. In our text we see:

I. The Divine Plea: “If it be possible, as much as in your lieth, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18). We must love all men with agape love that wishes them only good and treats them as we would be treated. Jesus taught, “Love your enemies and pray for them that persecute you …” (Matthew 5:44). We must be willing to go the second mile with those who are difficult to deal with (Matthew 5:41-42). We must learn to respond to their hatefulness by turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-39). The love of Christ within us will cover a multitude of sins and aggravations that others might feel constrained to retaliate for (I Peter 4:8). In all things we must show ourselves an example “of good works … that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed” (Titus 2:7-8). If our enemy is hungry, we feed him; if he thirsts we give him drink … “for in so doing (we) shall heap coals of fire upon his head.” Rather than be overcome with evil, we “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

II. The Divine Prohibition: “Render to no man evil for evil” (Romans 12:17). We are not allowed to avenge ourselves, rather we allow God to take care of rewarding our adversaries, for it is written “vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord” (Romans 13:19). We may pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44); we must do them good (Romans 12:20-21). While unbelievers scoff at this code, seasoned Christians know it works. An old brother told of a debate he attended many years ago between A.G. Freed and a Methodist minister named Pigg. Seeing Freed obviously winning the contest and stinging from his polemical blows, Mr. Pigg challenged Freed to step outside the tent and fight him. Freed, distinguished for his genteel manners and pious spirit responded, “no elder Pigg I will not fight you, but I will pray for you.” The audience was repulsed at Pigg’s boorish attitude and applauded Freed. Most of us have had or seen similar demonstrations of this principle.

III. The Divine Promise: “I will recompense saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). Moses taught Israel, “For he (God) will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries …” (Deuteronomy 32:43). The Hebrews writer reminds us of God’s promise, “I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.” He then exults, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; What shall man do unto me?” (Hebrews 13:5b-6). He gives us grace and strength to endure every hardship. When this is understood we can say with Paul, “Wherefore I take pleasure in weakness, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). We see this great lesson set forth and amplified in the Revelation where martyred saints are asking God, “How long O Master … dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10). In Chapters 19 and 20 we see all those persecuting enemies destroyed and those martyrs reigning with Christ a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-5). Their question reminds us of the lines of the poet, “Though the wheels of God’s justice turn exceedingly slow, they grind exceedingly small.”

IV. The Divine Procedure: “Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers; for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God … For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil … for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do which is evil, be afraid … for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil” (Romans 13:1-4). Thus the Christian allows God to avenge his enemies, which is done by means of civil government with its law enforcement and courts. God ordained civil government for the stability of society and the protection of His people.

It is a religious duty of Christians to be respectful, law-abiding citizens. We do so for practical reasons. Rulers have the right and power to punish the lawless and rebellious (Romans 13:3-4). But beyond that, we submit “for conscience sake” (Romans 13:5). To refuse to do so would be sin against God! Scripture charges us to “be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake” (I Peter 2:13-14). Such silences the criticism raised against us by our enemies. We gladly pay our taxes for the support of God’s “avenger” and give “honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:6-7).

We are not however, obligated to obey government without reservation. With the apostles we affirm that “we must obey God rather than man” whenever their laws conflict (Acts 5:29).

Christians should not hesitate to call upon the law-enforcement arm of government when evil people become a serious problem to us. Paul did this when the Roman Captain would have scourged him (Acts 22:25-29). He did the same when governor Festus would have turned him over to the Jews for certain death (Acts 25:10-11).

We should daily offer “supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings … for kings and all that are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity” (I Timothy 2:1-2). With Divine help we can live at peace in a wicked world. Through Christ we will more than conquer every hostile foe (Romans 8:37).