may26-02

While leaders of Governments do not have “Divine” rights, we as believers have a “Divine obligation” to respect our civil government and its leaders. Remember that all authority comes from God and those in authority have been put there by God.

Paul was reflecting the traditional and widely held ancient view of the authority of governments. To Paul, if any change were needed, God could be counted on to initiate that change.[1]

May 26, 2002

“Doing Church As A Team!” #3

Introduction: Sometimes Government produces more harm to its citizens based upon the method it embraces when viewing culture. A conservative view may not be inclusive of the liberals. Cornel West says, “life without meaning, hope, and love breeds a coldhearted, mean-spirited outlook that destroys both the individual and others.”[2]

In order to be an effective member of God’s team we must remember that we have been charged to always be rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and continuing in prayer (Romans 12:12).

A. Christians have been called out of this world (John 15:18, 17:14), but they still have responsibilities to the state.

Rage comes out of confusion and Christians who live a consistent godly life style need not worry about government rage. “We must realize the fact that even an un-saved government official is a minister of God. Even if we cannot respect the person, we must respect the God ordained office. Rulers are a terror to bad people, not good people.”[3]

A. (1Timothy 1:5) The obedient Christian should have a Good conscience (I Timothy 1:5)…

B. To disobey constantly and refuse the witness of the Spirit in the conscience leads to:

(v.8) Owe no man anything, keep a clean slate, make sure that your earthly activity reconciles with your heavenly statement. Remember that you are living on earth today but your citizenship is in heaven. Paul extends the next line to include more than government: (8b) except to love one another.

The lawyer asked Jesus this very question and Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan… (Luke 10:30-36) and a new question:

The question is not, Who is my neighbor, but to whom can I be a neighbor for the glory of Christ?[4]

C. Solomon, in the Song of Solomon, recorded the words of the Shulamite to him; “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame."

C. The Christian who is walking in love is the best citizen and the best witness.

We must realize that we are near the end of the “age” and Governments will become more opposed to the Bible and to Christ. What does God want us to do?

A. (v.12a) Understand that “the day is at hand”; perfect tense, meaning the present state is the result of something that happen in the past. In other words, “Cast off the works of darkness” because of something that happen in the past. What happen in the past? (Romans 12:1-2) Because you presented your body as a living sacrifice in the past, now in this present time you can “Cast Off the works of darkness”. Paul list these works for us: (v.13) Riotous lifestyle; Drunkenness; Lewdness and lust; and strife and envying.

B. If God wants us to “Cast off” these things He must want us to replace them with some things that are better for us. (v.12b) “Put on the armor of light”. Paul says put on something that will protect you. (Ephesians 6:10ff).

C. After suited up in the armor we can (Rom. 13:13) Walk honestly; (v.14) “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ”.

[1] Eugene Ehrlich, David Scott, Mene, Mene, Tekel,, New York, (1990 Harper) , P.193.

[2] Cornel West, Race Matters, Boston (1963, Beacon Press), Pp. 14, 15.

[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament, USA, Canada, England (1992, Victor Books), P. 402.

[4] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament, USA, Canada, England (1992, Victor Books), P. 403.

Welcome to Acts

May 26, 2002

“Doing Church As A Team!” #3