Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Introduction:
1. The Christian’s relationship to government has always been a sticky issue.
2. This has been intensified by continual gross mismanagement of government.
3. Yet, Christ’s will in this matter never changes (Matthew 24:35; Hebrews 13:8).
Discussion:
I. Respecting God’s Institution
A. Like it or not, civil government is God’s institution (Daniel 2:21; 4:17; 5:20-21).
B. For this, God demands we submit to authorities (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).
1. Praying for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
2. Not reviling them (Acts 23:5; Titus 3:1-2).
3. Honoring them just like others (1 Peter 2:17).
4. Paying taxes (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:6-7).
5. Obeying laws big and small (1 Peter 2:13-15).
II. God Over Government
A. The lone exception is laws that would force us to sin against God (Acts 4:19-; 5:29).
B. Such instances demand civil disobedience (Exodus 2; Daniel 3; 6; Acts 4-5; Revelation 1-22).
III. Influence Over Domination
A. Sadly, with the extreme toxicity in our politics, many professing faith have become pugnacious.
B. Christ made no exceptions in the sermon on the mount, the fruits of the Spirit, etc. for politics.
C. Peter tethered civic conduct to evangelistic efforts (1 Peter 2:15), which fits the pattern of the NT (Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 4:5-6).
Conclusion:
1. In no way does submission to civil authorities equal endorsement of their immoralities.
2. As long as the institutions do not force us to sin, we must submit for the Lord’s sake, the sake of the lost of this world, and for the sake of our soul’s standing with God.
3. May we conduct ourselves in the public eye in ways that glorify God always.
Further Food for Thought
1. Do you struggle to maintain the proper mindset regarding civic duty?
2. How do we balance standing for truth with avoiding unnecessary divisiveness in public?