All smuggling, dealing in contraband goods, withholding or evading duties, is rebellion against the express command of God. Christians must not use any trick or fraud. This directs private persons to behave quietly and peaceably where God has set them, #1Ti 2:1,2|. Thou hast the benefit of the government, therefore do what thou canst to preserve it, and nothing to disturb it. Such is the power of sin and corruption, that many will be kept back from crimes only by the fear of punishment. In the general course of human affairs, rulers are not a terror to honest, quiet, and good subjects, but to evil-doers. Whatever the persons in authority over us themselves may be, yet the just power they have, must be submitted to and obeyed. (11-14)1-7 The grace of the gospel teaches us submission and quiet, where pride and the carnal mind only see causes for murmuring and discontent.

But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.ĥ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.Ħ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.ħ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due custom to whom custom fear to whom fear honour to whom honour.Ĩ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.ĩ For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.ġ0 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.ġ1 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.ġ2 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.ġ3 Let us walk honestly, as in the day not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.ġ4 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:Ĥ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Ģ Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.ģ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. 1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

Romans 15 13 kjv