ROMANS 13:5

“Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for the sake of conscience.”

Do you want to have a clear conscience? Then do what is right and good in God’s eyes. It’s really that simple. Does having a clear conscience make things easier for you? Not necessarily. People struggle all the time with their conscience. Most of those struggles are because they are not leaning on the Word of God. We know how it can guide and strengthen us. Let’s see what Paul says about this in today’s verse.

Man, I am sure this statement, “it is necessary to be in subjection,” really didn’t sit well with the readers of this letter to the Romans. What?! We should be in subjection to this tyrannical government that has enslaved us? I cannot imagine what that was like. I have read about the circumstances but that does not do it justice. However, Paul, who lived in that same circumstance, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, writes “it is necessary.” But let’s concentrate on the last phrase of today’s verse, “but also for the sake of conscience.”

APPLICATION

Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible says this “sake of conscience” means “to keep conscience clear, to exercise a good one void of offence towards God and men; for natural reason, conscience itself, dictates that there ought to be such order among men, that civil government should take place, and ought to be submitted to.” Did you catch that? “Void of offence towards God and men.” As followers of Christ, we are to try to avoid conflicts with others and God. That is done best by doing what is good. That’s been Paul’s guidance for the past few verses.

Paul gives a lengthy example of this in 1 Corinthians 10:25-33. You need to read this in context to get what Paul is saying. “25 Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions, for the sake of conscience; 26 FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. 27 If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions, for the sake of conscience. 28 But if anyone says to you, ‘This is meat sacrificed to idols,’ do not eat it, for the sake of that one who informed you and for the sake of conscience; 29 Now by ‘conscience’ I do not mean your own, but the other person’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered about that for which I give thanks? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God. 32 Do not offend Jews or Greeks, or the church of God; 33 just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.”

There it is – “so that they may be saved.” That is why we submit to authority. That is why we avoid conflicts and try our best to not cause an offense. We want all to come to Christ and experience a glorious salvation. Keep your conscience clear by doing what is good and thereby, leading others to Jesus.

O Lord, it is hard sometimes to avoid conflicts, but for the sake of conscience I will strive to do that.

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