Craig Smith • Government • February 14, 2021

All temporary

authority is under and established by

Reveal Answer

ultimate authority…

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God…he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Rom. 13:1-2)

Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” (John 19:11a)

• To restrain

and promote

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– “For he is God’s servant to do you good…He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.” (Rom. 13:4)

In Titus 3, Paul reminds the church of it’s relationship to government and civil authority…

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities… (Titus 3:1a)

•

and

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civil authority – “…to be obedient…” (Titus 3:1a)

When the government commands what God

or forbids what God

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, the church is obligated to obey God rather than men – “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)

• Prepare and promote the

– “…to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.” (Titus 3:1b-2)

The government has been given some authority “around” sacred matters (ius circa sacra), but never “in” sacred matters (ius in sacris) – “‘Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s’, they replied. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’” (Mark 12:16b-17)

Tim Keller’s political advice to Christians per Jesus’ response…
• Avoid political

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• Avoid political

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• Avoid political

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We can never make the

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who occupy our

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more important than the

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who occupies our

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…

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… (1 Pet. 3:15)