Our Honour and Authority

Romans 13:1-7  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  (2)  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  (3)  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:  (4)  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  (5)  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.  (6)  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.  (7)  Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

INTRODUCTION:  The foremost thought in these verses is our relationship to the church and state, (State being any Government above Family and the Church.)  This is not intended as a political message, yet it is a message defining our position on earth as temporary residents, awaiting our call home.

              We all know that the Supreme leader is God in Heaven.  Our focus in this message is our relationship to the state.

              We as Christians ought to know what God expects from Him.  We as temporal citizens of this world are abiding and consequently we are to first look like, live like we know Him in a world who does not know Him.  As we abide we are not do disobey the laws the world, unless they conflict with the Family or the Church.  We must consider worldly laws as if they are Laws of God.

I.            GOVERNMENT IS ORDAINED BY GOD                       (vv 1-2)

              A.           The Believer

                             1.           Is not to resist the government by

                                           i.            Being identified with

                                                          a.           Civil disobedience

                                                          b.           Rebellion, Murder

                                                          c.            Terrorism

                             2.           When civil law affects

                                           i.            The Family

                                           ii.           The Church

a.               We are obey God

B.              The Believer Who Resists Government

1.               Will be condemned by God

i.           Damnation = Judgment

Ezra 7:26  And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

                             2.           That judgment will be in our reward

Romans 14:12  So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

II.           THE GOVERNMENT IS ORDAINED TO PROMOTE GOOD        

              AND RESTRAIN EVIL                                                        (vv 3-5)

A.              Rulers Are Ordained To:

Matthew 22:21  They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

1.               Restrain evil

2.               Promote good

              i.            If we break the law

                             a.           The state punishes us

3.           As a believer we should

                                                                       

1 Peter 2:13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

i.                Obey the laws of the land

ii.               Do what is good and lawful

B.              Our Rulers Are Ministers Of God

1.               Ordained by God for good

i.           For our protection

           a.           Not the Mexican border

ii.        For our good

Psalms 2:10-11  Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  (11)  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

2.               We must fear breaking civil laws

i.           It exists

a.               To maintain order

C.              Obey For Our Consciences Sake

1.               Because of the fear of punishment

2.               Knowing your conscience is clear

III.         THE GOVERNMENT IS ORDAINED TO PROVIDE

              BENEFITS FROM TAXATION    (Tribute)                      (vv 6-7)

              A.           Rulers Provide Benefits of

                             1.           Justice

                                           i.            Protection

                                                          a.           What about Arizona

                                           ii.           Services to citizens

3.               Keeping order

              i.            Restraining chaos

B.              The Believer Must Pay Taxes

1.               Every citizen is obligated

Matthew 22:21  They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

              C.           We Must Fulfill Our Commitment

                             1.           We as believers must live to

                                           i.            Honour God

                                           ii.           Honor our country

iii.             Honor state, county, city

CONCLUSION:               We as Christians may complain, we may work peaceably to make changes to our government, however, regardless of the outcome we must obey the ruler.

God created three institutions:

1.               The Family

2.               The Church

3.               The Government

All exist because it is God’s Will.  He wanted you and I to have a civil relationship with one anther.  A civil relationship between man and man.