Learn to Reach Your World - S2 Episode 10

In this episode of Learning to Reach Your World (Season 2), Patrick Bicknell and Josh Combs continue exploring the Christian biblical worldview, focusing specifically on the topic of government and how Christians are called to relate to governing authorities. The goal of the discussion is not political persuasion, but gospel faithfulness—helping believers think biblically so they can better reach their world with the gospel.

Patrick opens by grounding the episode in the gospel message: Jesus Christ lived a perfect, sinless life, died in the place of sinners, was buried, and rose again so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life. This gospel remains the foundation and priority for every worldview issue addressed in the podcast.

Josh begins the discussion by pointing to Romans 13 as the central biblical passage regarding government. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context in which Paul wrote. Roman Christians were living under a brutal, immoral, and oppressive government—one that promoted idolatry, imposed heavy taxation, persecuted believers, and even executed Christians publicly. Despite this, Paul commands believers to submit to governing authorities because they are instituted by God.

This command, Josh explains, is radical when understood correctly. Government exists by God’s design and is accountable to Him—not ultimately to its citizens. While governments often fail to punish evil and reward good as they should, their failures do not remove God’s authority over them. Christians are therefore called to obey the law, pay taxes, and give honor where honor is due.
The conversation connects Romans 13 with Romans 12, explaining that submission to government is part of what it means to have a transformed mind. A life of worship includes living as a peaceful, obedient witness in the world. Josh highlights 1 Timothy 2, where believers are commanded to pray for kings and those in authority so they may live peaceful, quiet, godly, and dignified lives. This, he argues, should be a defining goal for Christians—especially in a culture marked by anger, outrage, and political hostility.

The hosts also reference 1 Peter 2, which calls believers to honor the emperor, even when that ruler is deeply immoral or unjust. This challenges modern Christian attitudes, particularly when political disagreement leads to dishonor, disrespect, or hateful rhetoric. Patrick and Josh stress that while Christians may disagree strongly with government decisions, dishonoring leaders contradicts Scripture and damages Christian witness.

They clarify that there is an exception to submission: when the government commands what God forbids or forbids what God commands. Drawing from Acts and the example of Daniel and his friends, they explain that obedience to God must always come first. However, they emphasize that most modern political frustrations do not fall into this category and do not justify disobedience or sinful behavior.

The discussion then turns to Christian civic engagement. Referencing Jeremiah 29:7, Josh explains that believers should seek the welfare of the places where God has placed them, including participating in lawful civic processes like voting. At the same time, he cautions against elevating politics above the kingdom of God. No political party or platform fully represents biblical truth, and Christians must remember that their ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

Patrick and Josh repeatedly return to the idea that political leaders are souls who need the gospel. They challenge believers to see politicians not merely as opponents or allies, but as image bearers who will answer to God. Prayer, honor, and evangelistic concern should shape Christian attitudes more than fear, outrage, or obsession with personal rights.

Josh shares a personal story about meeting a U.S. president to illustrate how Christians can model honor while still disagreeing. He explains how demonstrating respect—especially in front of children—creates a powerful witness and opens doors for gospel conversations. This kind of conduct reflects Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 to be salt and light in the world.

The episode closes with a strong reminder that temporal politics must never eclipse eternal priorities. While Christians can and should care about laws, freedoms, and justice, the mission of making disciples must remain central. Jesus—not any political leader—is the Savior, and God remains sovereign over all nations and rulers.