Should a Christian Obey Their Government?

The Current State of Our Government

Our leaders don’t know the difference between a man and woman. A distinction that God made perfectly clear in creation.

Our leaders don’t see anything wrong with killing a baby as long as it is still in the womb.

Our leaders believer that it is moral and right for a doctor who has sworn to do no harm to mutilate the body in the name of gender identity; even going so far as to perform these heinous acts on children.

Our leaders lie to us and contently try to divert our attention from what is actually taking place.

I believe that the church in the US is closer to open persecution than it has ever been. I believe that we can see those in authority testing the waters of persecution by arresting those who protest abortion but letting rioters go free. I believe we can see the seeds of persecution being planted in the civil action taken against Christians in the small business industries.

I believe that the principle motivator behind much that takes place within our government is Satan himself. The influence of Satan is the only logical explanation of the willful blindness of those in charge.

The Relationship between the believer and government.

Submission

Romans 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”

A picture of the government at the time that Paul wrote this:

Slavery flourished

Absolute rulers - Caesars

Heavy Taxation - Jesus paid His taxes and told His disciples to do the same.

Oppression of minorities

They did have freedom of religion

Paul gives two requirements for the believers and their relationship with government.

Submit

Render

1 Peter 2:13-17 “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

According to Peter which laws of the land should we obey? - “every ordinance of man.”

Remember that God created government.

Government was created by God to restrain evil.

Those who do good should have no fear of government.

What do we do when the government cease to function as God intended?

There is no room for vengeance

Romans 12:14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Romans 12:17 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”

Exceptions

1 Peter 2:18-19 “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully.”

There have always been those who accuse the Bible of endorsing slavery. That has never been the reality. The Bible does guide those who find themselves in that circumstance.

A harsh master or government is not biblical mandate for rebellion.

Why? Because we have a higher calling than freedom.

Freedom is a high calling. There have been thousands who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and we thank God for them immensely.

However, as believer we have a higher cause than freedom, our cause is the gospel.

Acts 5:28-29 “saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

When the government requires something that God forbids.

When the government forbids something that God requires.

Biblical Example: Daniel & His Friends

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Daniel 3:12-15

When they had their moment to speak what did they say?

What they didn’t say: “We have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!”

Acceptance - “we have no need to answer you in this matter” They did not feel the need to defend themselves.

Faith

Nebuchadnezzar questions their faith in v. 15

Faith in God’s power: “If we are right then our God is able to save us from the furnace.”

Faith in God’s Sovereignty: “God may choose not to save us, and if He doesn’t save us we will still serve Him over you.”

Nebuchadnezzar for all his power could not change the hearts of these three men. Only God can change hearts.

Daniel

Daniel 6

What was Daniel’s tipping point?

How Do We Respond?

1 Timothy 2:1-2 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

Prayer

Gratitude

Peaceably

Titus 3:1-2 “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”