Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

“Separation of Church and State.” When you hear that phrase, what do you think about? It can be a highly charged phrase in many circles. While I understand all the very difficult experiences throughout history that have led to that phrase becoming such a common part of the American faith-political conversations, I think it is important to acknowledge that it is a very new and very American idea. What I mean by that is that for the authors of Scripture, faith and government did not sit in two different buckets, never overlapping. As a matter of fact, much can be understood about our faith by how believers view and interact with government authorities. Romans 13 is a great example.

This is one of those places where it is really important to understand the context of a particular writing. This is a letter written to a diverse Roman church, a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians, living under the often-oppressive shadow of the Empire. “No taxation without representation” could not have been further from their reality. And yet Paul calls the believers to a lifestyle that would have been surprising to many. A lifestyle characterized by respect and obedience. Respect governing authorities, pay taxes, and show honor where it is due.

I can’t help, especially when I read verses 6-7, to think about the words of Jesus in Matthew 22. Romans 13:7 – “Give to everyone what you owe them… if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Matthew 22:21 – “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Again, context matters. When Jesus was confronted by Pharisees and Herodians in Matthew 22, they weren’t genuinely curious about taxes. They were trying to trap Him. If He said, “Yes, pay taxes to Caesar,” He’d offend the Jewish nationalists. If He said, “No,” He could be accused of rebellion. But Jesus, holding up a denarius, asked: “Whose image is this?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then came His brilliant reply: “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Jesus was doing more than dodging a political trap. He was redefining ownership.

This is the thread that Paul picks up on in Romans 13. This isn’t about blind submission. As we have read through this letter together, it is clear that Romans is a book about the Gospel of grace and God’s righteousness. Paul is urging all believers to live in a way that reflects the rule of a higher king, the One True King.

So yes, pay your taxes. Respect leaders. Give honor where it’s due. Most importantly, give to God what is God’s.

And what bears God’s image? - We do.

Genesis 1:27 says we are made in the image of God. That means our whole lives—our decisions, our worship, our work, our finances—belong to Him. Coins may carry Caesar’s image, but we carry God's.

So give Caesar his coin. But give God your everything.

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
  
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
  
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
  
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
  
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.