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He is God’s servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. The ruler has the power to punish; he is God’s servant to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government. You must obey not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is the right thing to do.

And this is also why you pay taxes. Rulers are working for God and give their time to their work.

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For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.(A) Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.(B)

This is also why you pay taxes,(C) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

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