1. Pray for our Government
Romans 13:1-2
1 Peter 2:17
1 Timothy 2:1-2

2. 1 – A history lesson
The work of Paul and the other Apostles was during the reign of Nero.
Nero was Roman emperor from 54 – 68.
He was an open homosexual.
He was married to several men.
He was married to a young boy (about 17-18).
He covered Christians in rags and tar and set them on fire to light his garden at night.

3. 1 – A history lesson
Nero had many Christians arrested and thrown into the arena to be ripped apart by starving lions.
He instituted an official, bloody, empire-wide persecution of Christians that lasted 3.5 years.
Religious people (pagans and Jews) helped him enforce it. Christians were in danger and could trust no one.
Now let's put the Bible in its context.

4. 2 – New Testament
Romans 13: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Written – During the reign of Nero.

5. 2 – New Testament
1 Peter 2: Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- 16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Written – During the reign of Nero.

6. 2 – New Testament
1 Timothy 2: Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Written – During the reign of Nero.

7. 3 – Pray for Whom? All that are in authority
President, Senators, Representatives, military, all in a position of power and decision making, all who work for the federal government
Governor, state legislators, police, all who work for the state
County and city mayors, councils, school boards, police, all who work for any city or county agency

8. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would become Christians. God wants all men to be saved, including Nero.

9. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would become Christians. God wants all men to be saved, including Nero.
Pray that they would realize their need to depend on God for knowledge, wisdom and for the courage to do what is right.

10. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would become Christians. God wants all men to be saved, including Nero.
Pray that they would realize their need to depend on God for knowledge, wisdom and for the courage to do what is right.
Pray that they would reject any counsel that violates righteousness and resist all pressure to violate God's moral code.

11. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would become Christians. God wants all men to be saved, including Nero.
Pray that they would realize their need to depend on God for knowledge, wisdom and for the courage to do what is right.
Pray that they would reject any counsel that violates righteousness and resist all pressure to violate God's moral code.
Pray that they would rely upon prayer and the Word of God.

12. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would bring dignity, honor, trustworthiness and integrity to the office that they hold.

13. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would bring dignity, honor, trustworthiness and integrity to the office that they hold.
Pray that they would remember to be good examples in their conduct to the people that they were elected to serve.

14. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would bring dignity, honor, trustworthiness and integrity to the office that they hold.
Pray that they would remember to be good examples in their conduct to the people that they were elected to serve.
Pray that they would be reminded daily that they are accountable to Almighty God for the decisions that they make.

15. 4 – Pray for What?
Pray that they would bring dignity, honor, trustworthiness and integrity to the office that they hold.
Pray that they would remember to be good examples in their conduct to the people that they were elected to serve.
Pray that they would be reminded daily that they are accountable to Almighty God for the decisions that they make.
Give thanks for all who are in authority.

16. 5 – And we complain?
We have had it good for a long time. Name one Christian in America who has been killed for his faith.
What the Supreme Court did was not good. It is against what the Bible teaches.
Am I supposed to thank God for a corrupt government with immoral leaders? Yes.
Am I supposed to pray for these evil men? Yes.

17. 5 – And we complain?
If you want the direction of this country to change:
We must begin with ourselves.
We must change people, thinking, minds, hearts.
Change of mind and heart comes – one person, one soul at a time.
The power to change is not in the constitution. It is in the power of the gospel. (Romans 1:16)