Government

Pss.9:[17] The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

Romans 1: [18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

[22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

[23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

[24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

[25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

[26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

[27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

[29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

[30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

[31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

[32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

A society which forgets God is condemned. When a society refuses to acknowledge God and does everything within its power to obliterate God from its society God allows it to destroy itself.

As Christians when we read our Bible we focus on what is expected of us in the eyes of God. We consider and meditate in our role in this lost and dying world. It is also important to take note of what God is saying about the society we live amongst as well. Let us look at Romans chapter thirteen. I would not only call attention to our role in society and submission to authority but to the role of the God ordained office of authority in society. Look in Romans chapter 13:

Rom.13:[1] 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.

[2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

God has ordained the OFFICE of authority NOT the person of authority. The office is prepared by God and given to benefit the society of mankind. God ordained these offices for certain objectives.

[3] For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

[4] For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

The function of government as ordained by God.

  • Not a terror to good works
  • A terror to evil
  • They are to have authority (power)
  • They should praise those who do good
  • They are ordained for the GOOD of those who do good
  • They are to have authority from God to punish
  • They are to use this authority to punish evil doers

[5] Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

We, as Christians, owe them our allegiance to avoid civil punishment and to present a good testimony to the lost when the office is used for the purpose as ordained by God. NOTICE the “wherefore”. If the office is properly exercised for the punishment of evil and support of the good we owe them allegiance and support.

[6] For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

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

[8] Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

“For this cause” In the pursuit of punishing evil and supporting good they have the authority to collect monies to perform these duties. We, as Christians, are duty bound to support such pursuits. We are to love those who are so ordained.

 

 

So what is a Christian to do when the government itself is full of evil doers and rather than protect the good they punish the good and promote evil?

Look at First Timothy chapter 2:

1Timothy 2:[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

[2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

[4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

[5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

[6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

We as people must PRAY! Sometimes it is one of supplication. One where we ask God to supply those in authority with strength, wisdom and power. Sometimes it is one of interceding where God will work for the benefit of His people who are being oppressed by those who have abused an office. Sometimes it is one of gratefulness for those who have used the office rightly. We pray God will intervene on our behalf so that we may live safely and in the exhibition of things which are right. That we may lead others into the knowledge of the gospel.

Look at Philippians 2:

Phil.2: [14] Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

[15] That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

[16] Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

[17] Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

[18] For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

We as Christians must do everything to hold forth the gospel. It is the only hope for mankind. We are obligated to preach and manifest the gospel. If the government attempts to stifle our preaching we must hark to a higher calling. God expects us to continue holding forth the gospel.

Inclosing let us look at Acts chapter 5:

Acts.5:[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.