Christian and the Government:

Introduction:

1. Various relationships that Christian involved in -

2. His relationship to God through Christ determines is conduct in each - cannot separate such relationships from our christianity.

a. church (local congregation) -

b. Marriage and Family -

c. Social - neighbor and community.

d. government - -

3. What is our relationship to such?

Rom. 13:1-7

1. Subject to -

a. It is ORDAINED of God - 1

1. cp. - John 19:11 - Jesus to Pilate - 'no power except of God'

2. Psalm 67:4 - "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth.

3. Dan. 4:17 - God rules in the kingdoms of men!

2. Live in conformity to its rules for society - vs. 2

a. Purpose of such government - punish evil doers. (also 1 Peter 2:13-14)

b. Christians not to be EVIL doers! --

c. People NEED common rules to live by - things that make for decency and order in society -- that is the government.

d. YES -- there is the exception of Acts 4:19; Dan. 6; etc.

3. Punishment of evil doers with the SWORD - capital punishment.

a. Before the law -- Gen. 4; Gen. 9:5-6

b. Under the law -- Ex. 20:13; 21:12, 15-17, 23, 29 Eccl. 8:11; etc.

1. Some 15 different sins considered - (notes Rom. 12)

c. NT -

1. John 19:10-11 -

2. Acts 25:10-11

3. SWORD --

4. Taxes --

a. Jesus - Mtt. 17:24-27

5. Honor the office -

a. 1 Pet. 4:17 -- HONOR THE KING

b. Jude 8-10 -- 'speak evil' (blashpeme) dignities -- no railing accusation ..

6. Pray for -- 1 Tim. 2: 1-2