Romans 13:1-3 – 1 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. 2 If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. 3 Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, (The Message)

What Is the Biblical Priority for the Christian?

‒ Christians are called to __________________

Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (New Revised Standard Version)

Matthew 5:38-39 – 38 You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (English Standard Version)

Romans 12:18 – If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Christian Standard Bible)

Is It Ever Right to Fight a War?

• The answer is ‘__________’

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 8 – 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 8 . . . A time for war and a time for peace. (New Living Translation)

• We should fight to preserve ______________________

• We should fight to defend _______________________ people

Proverbs 21:15 – When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers. (New Revised Standard Version)

• We should fight to stop the spread of _______________

Romans 13:4 – For government is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. (Holman’s Christian Standard Bible)

What Is the True Remedy for War and Attainment for Lasting Peace?

▸ The Gospel of Jesus is the _____________________ to all the problems of humanity

▸ Only the Gospel of Jesus can bring _______________

Isaiah 2:4 – The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. (New Living Translation)

Hebrews 2:14-15 – 14 We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death.

15 But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying. (Contemporary English Version)

Galatians 1:4 – Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live. (New Living Translation)