1. Caesar’s Things Matthew 22: 15-22

2. Introduction-1 Jesus was teaching in the temple The Pharisees sent their disciples with the Herodians to Him with a question They came with deceit and flattery to try entrap Him- v. 15 They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”- v. 17 It appeared that either way He answered Jesus would arouse opposition He called for a coin and asked whose image was on it

3. Introduction-2 When they answered Caesar’s, He said, “ Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”- v. 21 His answer indicates that there are things that belong to Caesar That, as Jesus’ disciples, we should be giving to him Subject of the question was Tiberius who was the Roman emperor Rome ruled over the Jews in Palestine

4. Introduction-3 Caesar was the highest civil authority of that day Pharisees resented that authority but others such as Pilate and Herod accepted it Our Caesar today is our civil government We are hearing more recently about conflicts between individuals and government based on religious convictions Let us consider the Christian’s relationship to civil government

5. God’s Purpose for Civil Government-1 1. To enable us to live a quiet and peaceable life- I Tim. 2:2-3 Without government confusion, strife and turmoil would prevail 2.It is God’s avenger For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid ; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil- Rom. 13:4

6. God’s Purpose for Civil Government-2 Delayed punishment emboldens some criminals- Eccl. 8:11 One way God takes vengeance for us- Rom. 12:19 3. To reward those that do good- Rom. 13:4A Sometimes selfish and evil men gain control of our government and pervert God’s purpose But this does not remove or change our responsibility to our government

7. We Are to Obey All Its Laws-1 Paul wrote,“let every soul be subject to the governing authorities-.” Rom. 13:1A Christians in the 1 st century were subject to the Caesars who were dictators We should be thankful that we live in a republic where we can elect and change our officials This command includes federal, state and local governments- I Pet. 2:13-14

8. We Are to Obey All Its Laws-2 Whether we like the laws or not Whether we think they are important or not This includes paying our taxes Which was what the Pharisees asked Jesus There is only one exception That is when our law requires us to do something that is a violation of God’s law

9. We Are to Obey All its Laws-3 The apostles were commanded not to preach in Christ’s name anymore When the Jewish authorities asked them why they continued they said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.- Acts 5:29 To violate one’s religious convictions is also a sin But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatsoever is not from faith is sin.- Rom. 14:23

10. Reasons for Obeying Civil Laws-1 1.First, God commands us to do so 2. Because God has ordained civil government- Rom. 13:1B Its existence is according to His plan Not any specific form but that we should be lead and directed by some type of government 3.To avoid punishment prescribed by civil law- v. 4B Which may involve capital punishment

11. Reasons for Obeying Civil Laws- 2 Paul said, “for he does nor bear the sword in vain” 4.All who resist civil authorities disobey God- v. 2 They will bring (God’s) judgment upon themselves Many today, lack respect for any authority 5.To maintain a good conscience- v. 5 & I Jn. 3:20 6.To provide a good example and silence critics For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men- - I Pet. 2:15

12. Other Responsibilities to Civil Government 1.To honor those in positions of authority- v. 7 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.- I Pet. 2:17 Not because of their character but because of their position and the source of their authority 2. To pray for those in authority- I Tim. 2:1-3 That they might fulfill God’s purpose for civil government Are you giving to God and government what is due?