Pastor Glen's Sermon Notes 10/11/20

BELIEVER’S RELATIONSHIP TO GOVERNMENT Romans 13:1-5 I. THE NATURE OF GOVERNMENT A. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE WORLD INCLUDES CIVIL GOVERNMENT Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-2) B. GOVERNMENT LEADERS ARE SERVANTS OF GOD “3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:3-4) C. CIVIL GOVERNMENT IS ONLY TEMPORARY 1 Cor. 15:24 “Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” II. THE PURPOSES OF GOVERNMENT A. PROTECT HUMAN LIFE “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.” (Genesis 9:6) B. PROTECT PERSONAL AND PROPERTY RIGHTS 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:14-17) C. HANDLE DISPUTES BETWEEN PEOPLE " 12 But how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? 13 Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.” (Deuteronomy 1:12-13) D. PUNISH LAWBREAKERS "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Romans 13:4) III. BELIEVER’S RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT A. Submit to governing authorities established by God "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority but that which God has established." (Romans 13:1) B. Obey the law for our own good "Rulers hold no terror for those who do right but those who do wrong." (Romans 13:3) C. Obey the law to maintain clear conscience. "Therefore it is necessary to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience." (Romans 13:5)