The Believer And The State

Most often believers in the Bible were under ungodly rule.

* When the Book of Romans and the Prison epistles were written, Believers were under intense persecution.

---Caligula, Claudius, Domitian ruled in those times.

1. Pharoah was dealt with by God

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, not wishing that any should perish, but all come to repentance.

2. Israelites were in captivity of Babylon when God said, I have a hope, future, and expected end for you.

3. Daniel had to navigate under leadership of three pagan kings

4. Joseph’s pagan pharoah recognized God as he navigated through that pagan culture.

Nehemiah, Esther, David,

What should Christians do when government is moving in the wrong direction?

Pray for them. 1 Tim. 2:2

1. The Bible commands us to submit to governing authorities.

As long as we can do so without denying Christ or compromising our faith, we must always strive to cooperate with ruling powers.

2. World leaders are in the hands of God. Our faith must be in His sovereign will.

3. We don’t have to endorse all their policies or approve of their actions, but it’s clear we are to do our utmost to cooperate.

Romans 13:1 AV

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:7 AV

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Bring Glory To God

1 Peter 2:18–20 AV

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

*It brings honor to God when we do good and endure suffering unjustly out of conscience toward God.

As long as we can do so without denying Christ or compromising our faith, we must always strive to cooperate with ruling powers.

There Is a time we must obey a higher authority.

Acts 5:28–29 AV

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

What should Christians do?

As long as we can do so without denying Christ or compromising our faith, we must always strive to cooperate with ruling powers

We Must Be An Example

1 Timothy 4:12 AV

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

In Word - teaching sound doctrine. All Scripture is profitable for instruction and reproof. 2 Tim 3:16 ; Romans 1:16

In Conversation - Conduct of life; behavior, of good reputation

In Love - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

In Spirit - yielded to the Spirit; operating in gifts and fruit (character)

In Faith - Faithfulness; over and over doing the right thing

In Purity - refraining from fornication and extramarital affairs