The Christian and Government
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Introduction
Introduction
Tonight is not about being Republican or Democrat or Independent or Socialist etc. I will not promote any party tonight or bash any party tonight and I ask for you all to do the same tonight. Tonight is not about political debates, but about our relationship with Christ and how we interact with an institute He allows to exist. How do we navigate politics in a way to honor God is the heart of tonight’s lesson.
What Does Scripture Say About Government
What Does Scripture Say About Government
The first passage we will look a tonight and primarily focus on is Romans 13:1-7
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
There is a lot to break down here, and we will use other scriptures to help us do so. As we are discussing this let us remember this passage was wrote during the reign of Nero. This guy had his mother killed (took two attempts). He divorced his first wife after he had an affair. Than had her banished and then later had her murdered. This was the norm of Roman politics
Every person in a position of authority has been put there by God.
Both parities have their power because God has allowed it.
God allows government officials to be where there are, but many chose to use the power wrongly instead of godly.
These leaders could have had powerful legacies but their sinfulness tainted the legacies they could have had.
Do we have a right to resist a bad government official? Yes and no. Only time we have the right to disobey government is when the law goes contrary to God’s word. Acts 5:29 says:
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
When do we have the right to disobey the government? When they go contrary to God’s law
In many countries it is illegal to evangelize. Do the people have to obey the government in these cases? No, they are to continue to evangelize. Now if the government bans bacon, do I have a right to eat bacon?
Government should be something the good should not have to fear, but is it always so? Nope. In these cases does that give Christians full out right to rebel. Nope. We still have to respect the government and follow it in areas that don’t deny our faith. Nero was not a good guy, but Paul was writing this letter to Romans. Paul encouraged peace. Another passage that we can look at that backs this up is Mark 12:17.
Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
Caesar Augustus was emperor early in Jesus’ life and he declared himself a god. Tiberius would have been emperor later in Jesus’ life. He was known for starting projects and not finishing. Also known for enjoying making people suffer. So even though these guys were immoral and not good managers their was still a responsibility to do what you could to live out peace with the government.
Who is responsible for pouring out judgment? God
Who’s actions are we held accountable for? Ours
God will judge government leaders who do wrong. We won’t be held responsible for their bad choices. We will be held responsible how we mishandle what God gives us. We are to respect government as much as possible. And do what Romans 12:18 commands us.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
We do have a right to speak up against ungodly policies and laws. We are to do it peacefully and respectfully. We never have the right to be disrespectful and bash people, no matter how much we disagree. We can protest, petition write letters, educate, etc. Titus 3 gives us further proof of this
Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
We respect government not because of who they are but because of who God is.
When we act in a respectable manner we help quiet the foolishness of others. We give them less reason to criticize us and we help to some extent to deescalate a situation. 1 Peter 2:13-17 says:
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Character always speaks louder than words. Also remember you ain’t got to give an opinion on everything.
Then lastly we always have a responsibility to pray for our government officials. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says:
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
It says for all. Not just the ones we like or respect. Look at the other stuff. Supplication: pray on their behalf. Intercession: ask for God to show them mercy. Thanksgiving: give thanks for them. Is this easy stuff. Nope. It makes us put our pride to the side. Do I always want to do these things? Nope. But if I want to be all God wants me to be I got to learn how to.