8/9/2019 Issues - Christian Disciples and Government
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Issues - Government
Jesus speaking in Luke 17v26-27Just as it was in the days of
Noah, so also will it be in the daysof the Son of Man. People were
eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to
the
day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them
all.
All people all over the globe are under some from of official
leadership or government. Thatgovernment may be democratically
elected, a monarchy or even a dictatorship. Whatever kind of
government we find ourselves with, we have one! If there was not
a government in place, chaoswould reign even more and people would
just do whatever pleases them regardless ofconsequences and
regardless of other people Therefore, regardless of the government
we areunder, what does the Bible say should be our reaction and
attitude to the government. Bygovernment, I mean all levels of
government and authority from local authority to
federalgovernment.
The Origins of Human GovernmentI have heard it said that the
concept of human government was only established after the Floodof
Genesis 9. However, the words of Jesus I read earlier, seem to
intimate that some form ofgovernment existed prior to the great
Flood. In Jude 14 and 15, we read learn that Enoch hadspoken to
sinners before the Flood had come. In regards to the Flood, we know
that one of theprime motives that bought about the Flood was
humanitys disobedience to Gods revealed law.As regards the
foundation of human government, it is God alone who authors it.
From Daniel
4v25, we read where Daniel reminded King Nebuchadnezzar that the
Most High God is sovereignover the kingdoms of men and gives them
to anyone he wishes.
Therefore, from this origin of human government being resourced
from God, lawless anarchy isnot simply rebellion against human
authority but also a blasphemy against Almighty God. Sohuman
government, of any kind, has to function. But what does the bible
say is the function of a
government?
The Function of Human Government
Paul writing in Romans 13 Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities, for thereis no authority except that which
God has established. The authorities that exist have
beenestablished by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the
authority is rebelling against what
God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on
themselves. For rulers hold noterror for those who do right, but
for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of
the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend
you. For he is God's servant todo you good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is
God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the
wrongdoer. Therefore, it isnecessary to submit to the authorities,
not only because of possible punishment but also becauseof
conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are
God's servants, who givetheir full time to governing. Give everyone
what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; ifrevenue, then
revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.
Here Paul indicates that there are at least three functions of a
human government: protection,punishment and promotion.
Protection: From the moment Adam sinned, it was plainly obvious
that human civilizationswould need some form of restraint and law
in order to protect their citizens form themselves
and others. We see this clear in Acts 21, where the Roman
soldiers step in to save Paul frombeing killed by other people in
Jerusalem.
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Punishment: Paul stipulates that duly appointed government
officials and servants are to beconsidered as servants of God (even
if they dont believe in God!)
Promotion: Human government, as thought by Paul, was to promote
the broad-spectrumwelfare of all the community and not just select
groups, where its laws are in effect.
Response to Human Government
Paul in 1 Timothy 2v1-2 writes: I urge, then, first of all, that
requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in
authority, that we may livepeaceful and quiet lives in all
godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our
Saviour,
The Apostle Peter goes further in 1 Peter 2v13-17 Submit
yourselves for the Lord's sake toevery authority instituted among
men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or
togovernors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and
to commend those who doright. 15For it is God's will that by doing
good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.16Live as
free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live
as servants of God.17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the
brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour theking.
I dont know if you know that, but it is clearly impossible from
these passages for a Christian tobe a solid Christian and a poor
citizen simultaneously. As Christians we have responsibilities
toour government.
Firstly we have a responsibility to recognize and acknowledge
that the powers of the Governmentare ordained by God. We see that
from Pauls writing in Romans 13 and Paul was writing whenthe
Emperor Nero was in power and systematically persecuting and
torturing Christians! We alsosee this thinking in the passage from
1 Peter. There is no authority except as given by God.Even to the
most sadistic, dictatorial or atheist governments they have power
only becauseGod has allowed them. So we are to obey our government!
But it is not to be slavish obedienceregardless of what laws are
decreed! No! The exception to this is where obedience to the
Government would require the Christian to actively or passively
disobey God. For we read in Acts
4v18-20 that the believer is to live in obedience to God rather
than man.
Secondly, as much as we probably hate to, we are commanded to
pay taxes to the government!For by doing so, the government can set
about ensuring, for example, that the weaker and morevulnerable
sections of the community are cared for and protected!
Thirdly, and quite possibly, most importantly, Christians are to
pray for their leaders,
governments and those in authority! Both Peter and Paul command
and recommend it! To prayfor them is to love them and it is also a
way for God to shine into the lives of people. One of the
things we are to pray for them, is that the government governs
righteously, honourably, honestlyand with integrity.
Action Stations!The Christian, as a citizen, are free to be
law-abiding, conscious that they are under submissionto Almighty
God. It also means giving respect to all members of society from
the lowest to the
highest! As Christians, we are to submit ourselves to our
Government and by living lives worthyof the Gospel of Christ, may
indeed win some for God, win the recognition of their government
as
well as influencing Government policy and law. Whatever
government you find yourself under,pray for your leaders even if
you thoroughly disagree with some of their actions. They are
inpower, only because our God has allowed them. They will answer to
Him one day for what theyhave done with the power given to them by
God alone. God is in control, and He is on theultimate throne and
is the definitive power!
For more to think about please do ask your self the following
questions, and see how yourespond or react to them.
Q1. In what way can I influence and encourage my government
