sf186 - A Taxing Question (Matthew 17 24-27)
Matthew 17:24-27
Introduction
In the last several decades many religious political action groups have arisen, including a number that claim to speak for evangelical Christianity. Some of the groups are highly critical of certain laws, policies, and court decisions. Some even specifically endorse and campaign for candidates they think would support Christian values in government.
Other evangelicals believe that, beyond voting, Christians should shy away from political and government involvement as much as possible, leaving the running of secular government to the secular world. The only legitimate work of the church, they believe, is to preach the gospel and faithfully live by its standards.
What is does the Bible have to say about a believer as a citizen?
Ø Christians are primarily citizens for heaven (Philippians 3:17-21)
Ø Christians are to be separate from the world.
2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore ‘Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’”
James 4:4 “…Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
The question remains how can we follow the mandate to live separated lives and still be good citizens of this world?
1A. Government has the right to collect taxes and to enforce laws
1B. This tax was for the support of the Temple (17:24; Exodus 30:11-16)
Ø It was levied on every Jewish male 20 years old or above. It was supposed to be a one time tax but they had expanded it to an annual tax.
Ø The tax was collected the month before Passover.
Ø Although this tax was for the support of the Temple services, it is certain that the hypocritical and corrupt Jewish leaders misappropriated a large part of what was collected.
Ø It is even more certain that the taxes Jesus paid to Rome were used for many ungodly and immoral purposes.
2B. The right to tax is given to all government. (17:25)
Ø The two basic types of taxes were customs (levied on goods) and the poll-tax (levied on individuals).
Ø Government has the right to tax its citizens (strangers).
2A. Christians have a responsibility to pay taxes and obey the law (1:27a)
1B. We are to pay our taxes willing. (17:27)
Ø If the Son of God claimed no exemption for Himself in paying taxes to the “den of thieves” run by the wicked, false teachers and leaders of Israel, how much less can His followers claim exemption for themselves?
Ø If He was concerned about not giving offense to unbelievers over that issue, how much more should His followers have such concern?
2B. We are to pay our taxes promptly
Ø The command and provision to pay came together.
3B. We are to pay our taxes completely (Matthew 22:17-21)
4B. We are to submit to government
Because the Lord ordains all government (Romans 13:1-7)
Because our testimony demands it (1 Peter 2:13-15; 21-23)
5B. We are to obey God supremely
We must never compromise the gospel. (Acts 4:19-20)
We must never break God’s law in order to obey man’s law.
Ø The Christian, has no right to lie, steal, commit murder, or worship a false god, no matter what the dictates of a human government might.
We must work to change society, one heart at a time.
Ø Even the most godly and moral leaders cannot infuse morality into an immoral society
Application
By being a good citizen the believer shows love for his fellow men, even those who are lost and unjust.
By being a good citizen he shows respect for God-ordained human government, even when its leaders are ungodly, corrupt, and oppressive.
By being a good citizen he shows that he loves God as well as his country and his fellow citizens.
In the light of such testimony the on looking world is compelled to consider the power that makes such love possible.
Matthew 17:24-27
1A. Government has the _________________________ to collect taxes and to enforce laws
1B. This tax was for the support of the ____________________ (17:24; Exodus 30:11-16)
Ø It was levied on every Jewish male over the age of 19. It was supposed to be a one time tax but they had expanded it to an annual tax.
Ø The tax was collected the month before Passover.
Ø Although this tax was for the support of the Temple services, it is certain that the hypocritical and corrupt Jewish leaders misappropriated a large part of what was collected.
Ø It is even more certain that the taxes Jesus paid to Rome were used for many ungodly and immoral purposes.
2B. The right to tax is given to all government. (17:25)
Ø The two basic types of taxes were customs (levied on goods) and the poll-tax (levied on individuals).
Ø Government has the right to tax its citizens (strangers).
2A. Christians have a ____________________________ to pay taxes and obey the law (1:27a)
1B. We are to pay our taxes ______________. (17:27)
2B. We are to pay our taxes _____________________
3B. We are to pay our taxes _____________________ (Matthew 22:17-21)
4B. We are to ____________________ to government
Because the Lord ordains ____________ government (Romans 13:1-7)
Because our testimony demands it (1 Peter 2:13-15; 21-23)
5B. We are to obey God _________________________
We must never compromise the gospel. (Acts 4:19-20)
We must never break God’s law in order to obey man’s law.
We must work to change society, one heart at a time.