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What is government?
What is government?
What do you normally think of when you think of the word government?
How would you define the word government?
Traditionally the word government required a qualifier
Self Government
Family Government
Church Government
Civil Government
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary - The definition of government starts with a definition of self government, it also includes a definition of family government before he goes on to define a state or national government.
American Dictionary of the English Language (1828) Government -
Direction; regulation. ‘These precepts will serve for the government of our conduct.’
Control; restraint. ‘Men are apt to neglect the government of their temper and passions.’
In modern definitions of government descriptions of civil or state government are always listed first and most don’t even have a description for self- or family governments.
Webster’s New World Dictionary (1972) Government - “The exercise of authority over a state, district, organization, institution, etc.”
As we lose the older definition of the word government which includes personal, family, church, and local governing duties we will become more and more dependant on the “benevolent” State to take care of us and provide us with a sense of security.
Government as it was traditionally defined in American society was formulated on a basis of biblical principles. It began with personal or self government and extends outward to other larger institutions.
“The central focus of all realms of government is the regenerating work of Jesus Christ. Institutions and civil governments are made up of people who are governed by the condition of their hearts. If the heart is in rebellion against God, we can expect undisciplined and ungovernable people. If the heart has been made new in Christ, we can expect a people who will govern their lives according to the governing principles of Scripture.” - Demar
Jesus Christ - Lord of All
Jesus Christ - Lord of All
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
No human government or institution can claim to be independent of God’s government since Jesus is their “Lord” and “King”. Neither can any government claim to be the sole government denying all other governments.
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”
Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
All the governments of man are dependent upon the one government of God. God is the sole governor, and he delegates authority to earthly “kings” and “lords.”
“If we as individuals neglect our personal governing duties, then we can expect the State to assume the role of all other legitimate governments and claim to be the sole government, while labeling all others as counterfeits.” - Demar
