The Christian and Civil Government www.westsidecoc.org The Christian and Civil Government Romans 13:1-7

INTRODUCTION Civil govt ordained by God: Rom. 13:4 God requires civil govt to rule righteously: Prov. 14:34; 16:12 God punishes and overthrows disobedient civil govts: Dan. 4:17; 1 Sam. 15:23

INTRODUCTION The requirements civil govt places on its citizens is not the Christians first concern: Rom. 8:29; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; 1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:17 God “ordained” civil govt to rule the fleshly, secular affairs of man, not the spiritual. Civil govt’s role in the affairs of men clearly defined in the Bible. Even though role of civil govt clear; there are many “thorny” issues and difficult questions (e.g., military service, police, capital punishment, public office).

INTRODUCTION Christian’s life to be spent leading a life that leads to “eternal life” beyond: Matt. 6:33; Rom. 2:7 Life spent helping others find “eternal life”: 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Cor. 5:10-11 Our priority is not on the “here and now”; not on trying to alter nature and character of civil govt: Lk.19:10; Jn. 18:36; Phil. 3:20; Heb. 13:14 Christians are to be model citizens, even if we live under the most wicked, evil and corrupt of civil govts: Acts 25:11

Civil govt is “God-ordained” Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17 Civil govt is “appointed by God”; “no authority except from God”: Rom. 13:1; Jn. 19:11 Thus, everyone is to be in subjection to the civil govt: Rom. 13:1: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities…” To resist the civil govt is to resist God! Rom. 13:2: “Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God.” Acts 5:29 Our respect/obedience for civil govt applies to ALL “governing authorities”; despite type or character. No caveats! “Be subject to the king unless he is oppressive.” “You must submit to the civil government unless it does things with which you disagree.” “You must obey all rulers except the evil ones or the usurpers.” Dan. 2:21; 4:17 The Christian and Civil Government

Why be in subjection to civil government? Civil govt derives it’s authority from God! Dan. 4:32; Jn. 19:10-11 Those not submitting to civil govt “…will bring judgment on themselves”: Rom. 13:2; 1 Pet. 2:13, 15 Keep a clean conscience: Rom. 13:5: “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” Must give civil government its due (taxes, respect, honor): Rom. 13:6-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2; Matt. 22:21; 2 Pet. 2:10; Matt. 14:4; Lk. 13:32 Must pray for civil government: 1 Tim. 2:1-4 The Christian and Civil Government

Purpose of civil government Law and order: Rom. 13:3-5; Gen. 6:11; 9:1; 10:10; 11:4; Prov. 14:34; Psa. 107:34; Prov. 11:11; 16:12 Avenger of evil: Rom. 13:4; 12:17-21; Gen. 9:6 Striking a parent: Ex. 21:15 Blasphemy: Lev. 24:14 Sabbath breaking: Ex. 31:14 Witchcraft: Ex. 22:18 Adultery: Lev. 20:10 Rape: Deut. 22:25 Kidnapping: Ex. 21:16 Incest: Lev. 20:11 Homosexuality: Lev. 20:13 Bestiality: Lev. 20:15 The Christian and Civil Government

The Christian and Civil Government Thorny issues Can a Christian ever disobey civil government? Does God permit civil government to execute law-breakers? Can a Christian serve as an executioner on behalf of civil government? Can a Christian serve in the military or police? Can a Christian protect himself, his family, etc. even to the point of using “deadly force”? Can a Christian vote, hold office or be involved in politics? Can a Christian refuse to pay his/her taxes because of government misuse of tax dollars? The Christian and Civil Government

The Christian and Civil Government Thorny issues Basic principles to keep in mind: God’s laws same for non-Christians as Christians: 1 Jn. 3:4 God does not tempt any man to sin: Jas. 1:13; Col. 3:25 All “killing” is not murder: Ex. 20:13; Deut. 17:6; Gen. 9:6 Not all “killing” violates “love thy neighbor”: Lev. 10:1-3; Acts 5:1-11; 12:23 NT expands teaching on murder, but does not change definition of the overt act: Matt. 5:21-22, 43-48 Christians have dual citizenship: Phil. 3:20; Acts 22:25 The Christian and Civil Government

The Christian and Civil Government Thorny issues Can a Christian criticize/disobey civil government? Acts 5:29 Does God permit civil government to use capital punishment? Rom. 13:1-7; Eccl. 8:11; Gen. 9:6; Rom. 12:19 Can a Christian serve as an executioner? Rom. 13:1-7; Jas. 1:13 Can a Christian serve in the police or military? Rom. 13:4-5; Jas. 1:13; Acts 23:12-31 Can a Christian employ deadly force for self-protection? Rom. 12 vs. Rom. 13; Lk. 22:36-38; 1 Tim. 5:8; Gen. 14:14-20; 15:1 Can a Christian vote or serve in elected office? Titus 3:1 Can a Christian refuse to pay his/her taxes? Rom. 13:7; Matt. 22:15-22; Lk. 2:4-5 The Christian and Civil Government

The Christian and Civil Government CONCLUSION Many of our questions are matters of conscience and we should not judge one another concerning them: Rom. 14 If you have questions or disagree with anything I’ve said, please feel free to bring it to my attention. As Christians we should: 1) obey civil government, 2) pay our taxes, and 3) respect/honor civil government. Never forget, the two most important things we can do for our civil government are: 1) to pray for it (1 Tim. 2:1-2; Gen. 18:16-33), and 2) to be a good citizen (Matt. 15:13; Titus 3:1; 1 Pet. 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7). The Christian and Civil Government