God’s Gift of Government

Pastor Brian Rice & Pastor Brian Newman
10.23.22


Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.

The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

For rulers hold no terror 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 you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.

But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Romans 13:1-7

ONE: Which Kingdom will we follow?

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance! Acts 28:30-31

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles… 1 Peter 2:11

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. 1 Peter 2:11, MSG

TWO: Who will we submit to?

Submit one to the other out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21

Submit yourselves to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14:

Constitutional – we have a founding document to which we submit.

Democratic – we have the right to participate in choosing those who will govern.

Federal – we are a nation with supreme authority at the national level.

Republic – we are a collage of 50 states, all having authority as well.

THREE: How do we become good citizens?

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God. 1 Peter 2:12

For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.” I Peter 2:15

Do what is right and you will be commended. Romans 13:3b

FOUR: What’s freedom got to do with it?

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. Galatians 5:13, 15

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves (servants). Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. (1 Peter 2:16-17)