Introduction: The government has a divine purpose to promote good and to punish evil for the good of society. Continuing in verse 3, we will now see how this should influence our actions. 3b Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4a For he is God’s minister to you for good. • They are God’s minister or to you for good. • If we do good then we should have no of the government. 4b But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. • God sometimes uses government to bring His on the wicked 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. • We should obey to avoid the against the crime. • We should obey because it’s the to do. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. • Conscience should be a motivator for the believer. • Why do we pay taxes? (Please teach your children about this) 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. • What are some practical ways to show reverential fear to those who are in power over us? • How can we show honor to those who serve in all levels and types of government?