Romans 13:1 (all verses are from the New International Version)
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.
SUBJECT
YOURSELF TO GOD'S AGENTS ON EARTH
Christian Political Duty
The
worship God in spirit and truth and our love for one another that promotes
peace is also shown by how we submit
(hupotasso: obey, be subdued, be subordinate, yield) to
the governing authorities
(higher powers – KJV; superior
jurisdictions, supreme authorities). A kingdom citizen, being a denizen
on earth in the meantime, shows his heavenly citizenship by remaining obedient
and acquiescent to the local governing authorities, whichever they may be,
since they are established by God. Notice this important statement: there is no authority except
that which God has established! Wow! That means that any body that has some authority God has put
it there to accomplish His purpose, even though we may not agree on what they
are doing, or even if what we think they are doing is evil. Granted, God will
not control any one person or be accountable for any one person’s immoral
actions in abusing the power of his/her public office. Whatever they decide to
do against God's moral law will be on their own conscience – but the authority
they wield is given by God – that much we are told here.
“There
are governments that fail to function properly just as there are homes and
congregations that fail to function properly. Such is not the fault of God;
these exceptions to the rule simply show that human beings are not perfect.” – WVBS
Government is needed. Without it, we would be
constantly fighting someone else to be able to survive and peace would be
fleeting, even more than it is now. There are always some bullies who want to
do things their own way and are willing to stop at nothing to accomplish it. Without
a government in place, most people would be helpless against these bullies,
like in the dark ages of our history. Government is a kind of controlled bully,
in the sense that it keeps the peace for the majority of the people. A well
organized government also makes people prosper and not be in want, creating
peace and harmony on a grand scale and permitting people to be at peace in
their heart. This contributes always to the spreading of the Gospel. As far as
our government in the US, the framers of our constitution understood that
government was indeed needed. What they wanted to do was put controls on the
government in order to make it slow, stupid and unable to easily bully the
individual. Bureaucracy, red tape and the dragging of feet are all part of the
effective governing machine. You wouldn’t want a government to quickly and
haphazardly change policy from one day to the next, would you? It would create
havoc on the economy, not to mention the judiciary process.
It
is not any particular implementation of the state's authority which is
"ordained of God," but the existence of such an authority. Without
such constituted authority, the whole world would sink in me chaos and ruin.
Unbridled human nature is a savage beast that lies restless; and uneasy under
the restraint imposed by the state, being ever ready, at the slightest
opportunity, to break its chains and ravage the world with blood and terror. – Coffman
Understand
that when Paul wrote this letter to the Romans the authorities in power at the
time were not Christian-friendly and certainly did not acknowledge God's ways in
Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, they fiercely persecuted the Christians and
put them to death in the most immoral ways.
“Many
Jews during Paul’s day advocated Jewish independence from Rome. They desired to
remove the yoke of Roman bondage and were eager to declare political freedom by
naming a king of their own (John 6:15). Civil disturbances occurred
frequently, and on one occasion Claudius demanded that all the Jews leave Rome
(Acts
18:2). Two insurrectionists mentioned specifically are Barabbas
(Luke
23:18-19) and Theudas (Acts 5:36).” – WVBS
Remember
in the previous chapter Paul had finished telling the Christians to let love be
their main motivation – any form of vengeance belonged to God. Within these
next verses we are going to discover God's machinery on earth to carry out
retribution on behalf of the innocent. The idea that government is God's
establishment was not a new teaching given to the first century Christians as a
way to comfort them during the persecutions. Paul had simply learned this from
Jesus Himself:
John
19:10-11
NIV "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you
realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered, "You would have no
power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a
greater sin."
Daniel
2:20-22
NIV "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom
and power are his. 21 He changes times
and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. 22 He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
1.
Obey
the speed limit and traffic laws.
2.
Do
not hunt out of season.
3.
Pay
your income tax or any other taxes or tributes.
4.
Obtain
a marriage license if you are to be married.
5.
Drive
with a valid driver’s license and registration.
6.
Show
respect to those who have authority (Rom 13:7):
a.
Police
officers
b.
Judges
c.
Chiefs,
bosses, supervisors
We
do not submit to these authorities’ commands or instructions when they conflict
with God's teachings in the Bible. For example, if you are commanded not to
spread the Gospel, that is something directly contrary to what Jesus
instructed. The apostles were told not to do this many times. Did they submit
to that?
Acts
4:16-21
NIV “What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody
living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot
deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any
further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone
in this name." 18 Then they called them in again
and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves
whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we
have seen and heard." 21 After
further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them,
because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
Acts
5:28-32, 40-42
NIV "We gave you
strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have
filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of
this man's blood." 29 Peter
and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from
the dead--whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as
Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to
Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these
things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey
him." 40 …They called the apostles in and had them flogged.
Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been
counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and
from house to house, they
never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.
What
do you think you ought to do if you are commanded by any authority not to teach
or preach the Gospel? Notice they didn’t defy or spoke against the people in
authority or complained. They submitted to them, presented themselves to them
or went with them before the courts without hesitation. However, once let go,
they continued to preach the Gospel. I
was told by a former employer not to teach the Gospel to my students. I only
replied: “I hear you”, but continued to do what I always did, sharing Jesus
with the students, particularly with those who inquired about my faith. My
bosses continued to warn me and even read all my e-mails and spoke with some
students about “keeping their eye on me” to see if I continued to teach the
Gospel. Of course I continued as if nothing had happened. Eventually I was
asked to resign from my job. They couldn’t fire me, so they asked me to resign.
Believe me they tried tripping me in all kinds of ways to find an excuse to
fire me but they couldn’t.
·
I
always showed up early for work
·
I
always obeyed all instructions
·
I
always fulfilled all the requirements
·
I
carried out my duties beyond reproach and above expectations
·
I
had many witnesses in my favor because of these things
I
eventually acquiesced and left peacefully to go to another job, despite those
who encouraged me to fight. I figured my time was up there and I didn’t believe
that fighting for my tenure was in order. I took my peace with me to grace some
other place of employment with the Gospel of Jesus.
Romans 13:2
Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against
what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Rebellion,
subversion and revolution are unchristian actions – even when they are
so-called peaceful subversions or civil
disobedience, the greatest oxymoronic of our day. You are rebelling against
what God has instituted! Any rebellion or revolution that has succeeded in
tearing down the state has brought undue suffering unto the people and worse
conditions in the immediacy of the revolution, sometimes never recovering to
what they had before. Rebellion brings terror,
death and plenty of suffering sometimes for generations unto the people. Rebellion
brings judgement (damnation, condemnation,
vengeance), whether from God or from the powers themselves, upon those
who incite and oppose.
Jesus
Himself taught us to always uphold the law:
Matthew
22:17-21
NIV Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or
not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their
evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you
trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They
brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked
them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose
inscription?" 21 "Caesar's,"
they replied. Then he said to them,
"Give to
Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
Often
people who call themselves “Christians” try to dress up their rebellion (resistance, opposition) against
government with so-called righteous motives. Yet they are the greatest
hypocrites in not honoring God by giving Him their due worship in spirit and in
truth which includes not rebelling against what God has instituted.
Christ
never led a riot, organized an underground, criticized the government, or took
the part of the Jews against Rome. He did not offer himself as an advocate
against society on behalf of any so-called victim of social injustice; and,
once, he even refused to aid a man who claimed that he had been robbed of his
inheritance (Luke
12:13). Jesus Christ was not a revolutionary in any sense of
that word today. Although it is true that his holy teachings had the
profoundest influence upon the course of history, it was always as leaven and
not as dynamite that his influence worked. – Coffman
Rather
than being critical or disrespectful of those in power, you should be praying
for them:
1
Timothy 2:1-4
NIV I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in
authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases
God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of
the truth.
Pray
to become a constructive solution to the problem you see as opposed to a static,
critical discouragement. Just by living as a Christian and spreading the Gospel
of Jesus you are already doing more than anyone else could do. You are a force
of good and a demolisher of evil. Let your light so shine!
Christians
especially have an obligation to respect civil powers and submit to their
authority. – WVBS
·
Can
a woman who will not submit to her husband be pleasing to God? (Eph 5:22;
Col 3:18; 1Pe 3:1)
·
Can
a child who will not submit to its parents be pleasing to God? (Eph 6:1)
·
Can
a member of the Lord’s church who will not submit to a scriptural eldership be
pleasing to the Lord? (Heb 13:17)
·
Can
a Christian who will not submit to the government under which he lives be
pleasing to the Lord?
o
By
not paying taxes
o
By
refusing to obey the law
o
By
disrespecting government authority
Romans 13:3
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 he will commend you.
Those
who constantly reject the meek and submissive attitude Jesus taught us to have
towards government and law abiding; preferring belligerence, aggressive and
sometime violent means to accomplish their own wills will rightly be punished since
they are showing disrespect and disregard for God's agents of vengeance.
We
are not just talking about the common law breakers (petty thieves or criminals)
but about those who plan evil things against others:
Psalm
14:6
NIV You evildoers
frustrate the plans of the poor, but the LORD is their refuge
Psalm
64
NIV Hear me, O God, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of
the enemy. 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from
that noisy crowd of evildoers. 3
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly
arrows. 4 They shoot from ambush at the
innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear. 5 They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their
snares; they say, "Who will see them?" 6 They plot injustice and say,
"We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of
man are cunning. 7 But God will shoot
them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down. 8 He will turn their own tongues against them
and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads in scorn. 9 All mankind will fear; they will proclaim the works of God and ponder
what he has done.
Psalm
140
NIV Rescue me, O LORD,
from evil men; protect me from men of violence, 2 who devise evil plans in
their hearts and stir up war every day.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent's; the poison of vipers
is on their lips. Selah 4 Keep me, O
LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. 5 Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they
have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my
path. Selah 6 O LORD, I say to you,
"You are my God." Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. 7 O Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, who
shields my head in the day of battle- 8 do not grant the wicked their desires, O LORD; do not let
their plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah 9 Let the heads of those who surround
me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. 10 Let burning coals fall upon them; may they
be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise. 11 Let slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down
men of violence. 12 I know that the LORD
secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. 13 Surely the righteous will praise your name
and the upright will live before you.
Proverbs
14:22
NIV Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find
love and faithfulness.
All
these accomplish the same evil purpose:
1.
Terrorists
2.
Hypocritical
politicians
3.
Revolutionaries
4.
Political
assassins
5.
Radical
political activists
It
is better to plan for kingdom things – serving God and the church so that many
souls will join us on that day. When you plan to do good you may even find help
from the governing authorities to further along your godly plans. Only those
who have done evil have something to fear from the governing authorities.
Many
today cry “big brother is watching”! They complain about how their “privacy” is
being violated. First of all, God sees all things – you cannot hide from Him
who is the supreme authority (Hebrews 4:13)! Secondly, if you’ve got
something to hide you should repent before God! I have nothing to hide; as a
matter of fact, I am willing to let the governing authorities install all
manner of technology to monitor me. Perhaps they will see the glory of God in
my household and become Christians.
One
of the ways God exacts vengeance on the evildoer is through the governing
authorities. As much as criminals may try to hide, God will bring what they do
to light and they will suffer judgement at the hands of men and God. This is
why criminals fear the government or anyone in authority for that matter. Do
you fear the government? What kind of evil are you doing?
“Rulers
should be a terror to law breakers. There can be no government without laws.
There can be no law without penalty. There can be no terror of law without the
enforcement of the penalty.” – WVBS
Titus
3:1-2
NIV Remind the people to be
subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever
is good, 2 to slander no one, to
be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
Romans 13:4
For he is God's servant to do 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.
In
this passage the government is described as God's servant (diakonos:
minister, one who runs
errands, waiter). Generally speaking, governments do good on a grand
scale. There are those that would object, but when asked to show evidence of
goodness in the presence of anarchy, they shrink back. Governments, like
churches, are imperfect. However, both are established by God to carry out
their purpose. The purpose of the government is to keep the peace and to do
good for the law-keeping populace. If you do wrong, however, you will be afraid
of government for it has the authority from God to use the sword (machaira: large knife, small sword).
The government’s main purpose seems to be as an agent disseminating God's
wrath, albeit temporarily. They are sanction by God to punish the wrongdoer.
1
Timothy 2:1-4
NIV I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for
kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and
holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases
God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of
the truth.
What
is a sword used for? Why do police bear guns? Weapons are used as a sign of
authority, judgement and punishment. Sometimes the punishment requires the use
of the weapon, as indicated in this passage. Some anti-gun advocates forget
that “God sanctioned government” can include the use of weapons for policing.
When a police use their guns, they do so under the authority not only of the
state, but also of God. Does this mean officers never make mistakes? Of course
not. Officers, like preachers, are men and make mistakes and need to repent
from them to continue to please God. However, mistakes that are made do not
invalidate the fact that weapons are to be used for punishment at times. This
is similar to the controversy of using a rod to discipline a child. Should
using a rod be forbidden because a few parents have been found guilty of abusing
their children? What is wrong, the use of the rod or the way a parent misuses
the rod? You can ask the same question here: what is wrong, the use of weapons
by God's agents to punish a wrongdoer or how an officer misused a weapon?
Thankfully, whenever an officer discharges a weapon and someone is killed (notice I did not say murdered), Internal Affairs and an
advisory board gets involved in each and every shooting to examine everything
that happened. They either sanction the shooting as a good one or charge the
officer with murder.
A
gutless namby-pambyism has come to characterize far too many Christians of this
age, who naively and stupidly suppose that police departments are dispensable,
that love can just take everything, and that our own enlightened (?) age does
not need the old fashioned relics of barbarism, such as policemen and jails.
Let all hear it from the word of God, if they are so blind as to be unable to
read it in history, that the policeman also is God's man, and that without him
there is nothing. – Coffman
Genesis
9:6
NIV Whoever sheds the blood of man, by
man shall his blood be shed; for in the
image of God has God made man.
Capital
punishment (the death penalty) is really no different than an individual officer
of the law using a weapon to punish a wrongdoer. Capital punishment just means
your due punishment (judgement) has been delayed or has been arrived at after
an investigation. It has been a legislative and judicial body, sometimes an
executive one, that puts capital punishment in place and these bodies are
established by God to do exactly that. Similarly, the use of a war machine to
punish wrongdoers inside or outside the jurisdiction of a state is at the
states discretion, which is established by God. That doesn’t mean that every
decision the state makes should not be called into question, since the state is
made of people just like the church. If someone strongly disagrees they should
be encouraged to go through the proper channels to voice their displeasure or
take legislative action against that decision. Individual citizens often forget
they hold one of the most powerful means to voice their displeasure of government
decisions: the vote. If you don’t like what someone in office did, vote them
out. That’s that! You need to be patient however, since you may need to suffer
some of the consequences of the decision while the person remains in office.
Just rest assured God is in control and can right any wrong He chooses.
Present-day
Christians are the privileged heirs of the greatest earthly inheritance ever
known in the history of the world, a fact that angers Satan. Don't throw it
away, or allow some revolutionary to rape you intellectually and rob you of it.
And if, through indifference or tacit support, you should ever contribute to
the overthrow of present institutions, and if you should live for a single day
without the legacy you now hold in your hands, an ocean of tears could not ease
your heartbreak or give you another inheritance like the one in which you now
stand secure. Keep it! We currently pass through an era that glorifies the
extremist; the seductive voices of the far left are calling; stop your ears and
bind yourselves to the mast, like the sailors of Ulysses. Death and destruction
shall reward you if you turn your back upon the teachings of the Savior and
cast in your destiny with the seditionists. The Marxists, revolutionaries,
Rousseauists, and screaming agitators are not the friends of the people but
enemies. To trust them is to have your throats cut and to lose your souls also.
– Coffman
Soldiers,
police officers and the like work as God's agents of wrath. We need to honor
and respect them and thank them for their work.
What
are we going to legislate if it is not morality? The fact that government
legislates moral issues points to the truth of God's word. If there is no
truth, or if truth is so hard to find (like Pilate scoffed), then what are the
government officials doing to promote peace? Perhaps this is why government
finds itself being punished by God Himself on many occasions. Sometimes God may
punish individuals within the government, but if the government as a whole
promotes something ungodly or immoral, then that government will find itself
severely punished in time. We have seen it happen again and again throughout
history. Remember what natural (moral, higher) law is? We talked about it in Romans
2:14-15.
This
passage indicates there is a system of natural law that we can discover, put in
place by God: a universal principle that applies to all humans. This also
teaches us how law, in general, is really a science and not a system of human
opinion like it has become in many countries (what we call political law). Natural law can be discovered as the natural laws
of science can. Of course, since we have special revelation from God about
these laws, no one is without excuse at this time (Acts 17:30-31). In all
societies, no matter how primitive or advanced, the rudiments of the
commandment of God are observed. Among these are:
1.
Honor
of God
2.
Honor
of the family
3.
No
Lying
4.
No
Murder
5.
No
Stealing
6.
No
Adultery
The
first three are derived from the first corollary of the natural law: Do
all you have agreed to do (this is the basis of contract law). The last
3 are derived from the second corollary: Do not encroach on other persons or their
property (this is the basis of tort law and some criminal law).
If
morality cannot be legislated who, then, would the government punish? Would
they punish:
a.
Killers,
b.
Thieves,
c.
Rapists,
d.
Child
molesters,
e.
Drug
dealers,
f.
Those
driving under the influence,
g.
Those
who beat their wives, or
h.
Those
who perjure themselves?
All
these are moral issues. What we cannot legislate is a heartfelt compliance to
the enacted laws of any state or country. – WVBS
Romans 13:5
Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only
because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
When
dealing with issues of government authority and the political process it is of
utmost importance to keep our conscience clear in these matters. Ultimately we
are commanded to willingly submit, even if it means our sure death, as it meant
to some Christians in the first century!
Keeping
a clear conscience when involved in judicial or political matters can be extremely
challenging at times for kingdom citizens, but often God may put us in a
position where we can glorify Jesus, just as Paul did in the first century when
he appealed to Caesar and was sent to Rome. Whatever our involvement in the
community is, we are representatives of the Gospel and must show the utmost
moral and civic conviction to glorify the Lord Jesus.
Undoubtedly
most submit to authorities because of fear and possible punishment but we are
called higher here: to do it out of conscience – to keep a clear
conscience. Remember this is what the blood of Jesus did for you – it gave you
a clear conscience! Do not stain yourself with rebellion or vengeance.
1
Peter 3:21
NIV …and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also--not the removal
of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ,
1
Peter 2:13
NIV Submit yourselves for
the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the
king, as the supreme authority…
V
It
should not be the presence of the police that causes you to drive at the speed
limit, but your conscience in the sight of God
V
It
should not be the threat of an audit that prevents you from lying on your tax
returns but keeping a clear conscience before God
V
You
shouldn’t ask: is it legal or permissible? You should ask: would God be
pleased?
Does
this mean, therefore, that we, as Christians, should not touch or consider
getting involved in the political, judicial or legislative process? Of course
not! As a matter of fact, the freedoms we have in the USA are there because people with Christian conviction got
involved from the beginning! In the first century that was probably not
possible, but under our government today in the USA it is very possible. Don’t
you think that a moral man would be the better choice for any government
office? If you are so inclined to get involved in the political machine do so
with a clear conscience, meaning, make sure you are worshipping God in spirit
and truth that you may be able to be an effective agent of wrath. Do you want
to change the political process? Then do it the way our godly instituted
government allows: vote, campaign and meet many, many people. Some of the greatest presidents we’ve had
were great not only because of their great moral conscience, but because they
had a deep spiritual conviction.
1-
It
is not wrong to get involved in the political machine
a.
As
a senator
b.
As
a representative
c.
In
any other politically appointed office
2-
It
is not wrong to be involved in the judicial machine
a.
As
a lawyer
b.
As
a judge
c.
As
a police offer
d.
As
any other law enforcement agent
3-
It
is not wrong to be involved in the war machine
a.
As
a soldier
b.
As
any other military officer
4-
You
are serving God's purpose in all of these to ultimately ensure the free spreading
of the Gospel!
Romans 13:6
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's
servants, who give their full time to governing.
Here's
the God given reason we pay taxes
(phoros: a load, an individual assessment on persons and
property; a tribute: honor, respect, acknowledgement). Some ignorantly
think taxes are mans invention but the fact of the matter is that taxes are
part of the divine institution. Do men abuse the system? Absolutely, but that
doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pay them. When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write
this it was probably abused the most by the tax collectors of Rome since the
accountability was not as advanced as today. We know Jesus did not refuse to
pay taxes but instead gave us the best reason to pay them:
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs
to God” – Matt 22:21
Since
the men who are God's agents (leitourgos: public worker, servant, functionary) of
wrath do their job fulltime, they need to be paid for doing it and we are to
foot the bill as citizens. Notice this is exactly how the priesthood was
maintained by Israel in Old Testament times and how those who give themselves
to serve in the church full time are maintained today. All are God's agents and
God takes care of His agents.
1.
God
took care of the Levites (priests) by giving them all the offerings and tithes
(Numbers
18:1-21).
2.
God
takes care of all the full time workers of the church (1Co 9:3-14; 1Tim 5:17-18).
3.
God
takes care of the agents of wrath (Romans 13:6-7)
Would
you refuse support for a Gospel preacher who is glorifying God? Then on the
same token do not refuse support for God's agents of law, order and justice on
earth. To refuse to pay any tax is to
rebel against what God has instituted.
Romans 13:7
Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if
revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Not
only taxes (phoros) are defined as obligations (opheile: a sum owed; figuratively obligation, that is, (conjugal)
duty: - debt, dues) we must render
(apodidomi: give away, give up, restore, deliver) to
God’s public servants; but revenue
(telos: toll, levy, indirect tax on goods; custom, limit),
respect (phobos: fear,
alarm, terror, reverence) and honor
(time: deference, reverence, value (as in monies paid),
valuable, importance, esteem, dignity) must be given to everyone (all) as well. It is an
extension of our service (worship) to God to love our fellow man (neighbor) in
this way.
Being
part of the institution “ordained of God,” which is the state, they partake of
the dignity and authority pertaining to it, and are entitled to obedience,
respect, courtesy, honor, and the cooperation of all Christians, who, in the
discharge of such obligations, are doing so “as unto the Lord,” and not “as
unto men,” for such is the commandment of the scriptures (Eph 6:7; Col 3:23). -- Coffman
It
is also helpful to look at what Peter said about his topic:
1
Peter 2:13-17
NIV Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority
instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are
sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do
right. 15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should
silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16 Live as free men, but do not use your
freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of
believers, fear God, honor the king.
Our
fear and love of the Lord is shown not only by the respect and honor we give to
those in authority, whether they are God’s spiritual agents in the church or God’s
public agents working in the government of the country, but also by the respect
and honor we are to give to everyone. Whatever it is you owe them, give it to
them upon demand – don’t fight!
We’ve
seen how the Christian is to love his brother, his neighbor and his community –
which is also his government. Some may say that you should only obey a good government, not a bad one. That distinction is not made
here. As a matter of fact, remember that the government in charge at the time
would be considered very bad by many – they persecuted and tortured Christians.
Revolt and resistance is never to be the mark of the Christian, not even the
honored passive resistance shown by Gandhi. God will install or topple any
government as He chooses. We show our commitment to our community not by
leading them in a revolt, but by honoring God's instituted government.
Like
I said before, if you are commanded not to preach the gospel, whether by the government
or by any other authority, you defer to them in that instance and then continue
doing what you know you should do without fear of what the government may do
since you are overall serving God and not men. Do you understand? The
government should not be used as an excuse for not carrying out the will of
God, nor the Bible or God should be used as an excuse for not honoring or
submitting to the government authorities. People who do such things are not
serving God but themselves. They are hypocrites and will find themselves
fighting God.
The
great apostle Paul was proud of his Roman citizenship, invoked its protection,
and refused to pay a bribe to Felix, despite the fact that a bribe was
solicited and would have procured his release from prison. As just noted, Paul
commanded Christians to obey civil laws, honor policemen as ministers of God,
pray for the establishment, and insisted that the total arm of human government
be respected, honored, and obeyed.
Paul
spent many years in prison, being hailed before many judges; but there is no
record that he was ever required to be bound and gagged to preserve order in
the courtroom. No Christian, much less an apostle, ever organized an
underground for runaway slaves, edited a radical newspaper, bombed the baths of
the emperor, scrawled obscene slogans on the walls of the palace (even though
it was Nero's palace), nor disturbed the public peace. Was it because they did
not care for injustices under such evil rulers as Nero? No indeed. None ever
cared as much as they; but, inspired men of God, they KNEW that extremist methods
would have done no good, but would have, on the other hand, done much harm in
the multiplication of human misery and sorrow. – Coffman
Read
about the wisdom expressed by Gamaliel, and see why he was respected and
honored by the people:
Act
5:34-39
NIV But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a
teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the
Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. (35)
Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you
intend to do to these men. (36) Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to
be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his
followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. (37)
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led
a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were
scattered. (38) Therefore, in the present case I advise you:
Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. (39)
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will
only find yourselves fighting against God."
1-
Government
is an agency instituted by God
2-
Government
serves the public interest
3-
Government
curtails evil in the world
4-
Government:
a.
Punishes
those who do evil
b.
Rewards
those who do good
5-
Christian
obligation to government
a.
Support
by subjection
i.
To
avoid punishment
ii.
To
keep a clear conscience
b.
Support
by taxation
i.
To
continue to receive public service
ii.
To
continue supporting God's servants
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one
another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
When
love is our motivation we will want to owe none of the obligations mentioned in
the previous verse, but love to everyone around us. True
love frees us to continue to love one another. When we owe things to others
because of bad decisions or irresponsibility or a bad attitude, we are not free
to continue to love. This verse is clarifying the obligations mentioned in
verse 7 which speak of the duties and responsibilities we owe to those in
authority and in no way speak against responsible debt. In other words, having
a mortgage or having a car payment is not something evil, but you should always
be responsible for the debt you create and aware of the liability you incur on
yourself. Let’s discuss that some more:
What
is the debt (opheileo: the accruing of obligations, to be under obligation, to
fail in duty, to be bound) being spoken of here? The definition can
certainly be applied to financial obligations but not in a limiting sense of
never having any. Creating debt responsibly and managing debt responsibly would
not fall under this definition since you are not failing to meet an obligation
you have created. Because so many quote this verse as a reason not to owe
anyone anything when it comes to money or credit or favors it warrants speaking
on the topic a bit. Let’s bring up some concepts of security, liability and debt
from the scriptures to get a sense of what God thinks about all this:
Deut
24:6
NIV Do not take a pair of millstones--not even the upper one--as security for a debt,
because that would be taking a man's livelihood as security.
Deut
24:17
NIV Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of
the widow as a pledge.
You
should never take someone else’s livelihood as a security for a debt that is owed
to you. Don’t take advantage of the person’s distress or need to profit
yourself. Be more concerned for their security than for your own interest.
Pro
6:1-8
NIV Warning
Against Folly My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if
you have struck hands in pledge for another, (2) if you have been trapped by
what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth, (3) then do this, my son,
to free yourself, since you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! (4)
Allow no sleep to your eyes, no
slumber to your eyelids. (5) Free
yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
(6) Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider
its ways and be wise! (7) It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, (8) yet it
stores its provisions in summer and
gathers its food at harvest.
Notice
how putting up security for someone else is considered:
1-
A
trap
2-
A
snare
3-
A
falling
4-
Something
you really need to get out of – fast!
5-
Laziness
– you ought to work for yourself and not try to benefit from someone else’s
debt.
a.
Don’t
create any dependency on someone and don’t let anyone create dependencies on
you
b.
Be
free to give to those who are in need
c.
Make
sure you don’t get in over your head in responsibility
Pro
11:15
NIV He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in
pledge is safe.
Pro
17:18
NIV A man lacking in judgment
strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Pro
22:26
NIV Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts;
Deut
24:10-13
ESV When you make your neighbor a loan of any sort, you shall not go into his
house to collect his pledge. (11) You shall stand outside, and the man to whom
you make the loan shall bring the pledge out to you. (12)
And if he is a poor man, you shall not sleep in his pledge. (13)
You shall restore to him the pledge as the sun sets, that he may sleep
in his cloak and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the
LORD your God.
Notice
how concern for your neighbor (brother) must be your first priority if you are
going to help him out by loaning him something.
Eze
18:5-9
NIV Suppose there is a righteous man
who does what is just and right.
(6) He does not eat at the
mountain shrines or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor's wife or
lie with a woman during her period.
(7) He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in
pledge for a loan. He does not
commit robbery but gives his food to
the hungry and provides clothing for
the naked. (8) He does not lend at usury or take excessive interest. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and
judges fairly between man and man.
(9) He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is
righteous; he will surely live, declares
the Sovereign LORD.
Eze
18:10-13
ESV If he fathers a son who is violent, a shedder of blood, who does any of
these things (11) (though he himself did none of these things),
who even eats upon the mountains, defiles his neighbor's wife, (12) oppresses the poor and needy, commits
robbery, does not restore
the pledge, lifts up his eyes to the idols, commits abomination, (13) lends at interest, and takes
profit; shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these
abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon himself.
Certainly
we have made a mess of our credit and debit responsibilities by following the
worldly attitude of making and following after money. The world wants you to
spend, spend, and spend; showing little interest in educating you to manage
your debt responsibly. The world does not care if you can pay off a debt in
full, just that you can pay it for a little while. The world is looking after
its immediate profiting from your situation. This is why we have such things as
bankruptcy and foreclosures and repossessions, etc. These are all somewhat akin
to the Year of Jubilee we will be
looking at (Deut
15:1-11), but they certainly have negative consequences for your
credit. Banks never miss a beat and never cease from profiting, even in these
circumstances. When greed rules the individual who is at a disadvantage will
suffer. God sees all this. Your encouragement here is not to have profit as
your main motivation.
1-
Don’t
seek to gain from people who are disadvantaged
2-
Don’t
seek to gain from your brother’s (neighbor’s) demise
3-
Don’t
seek to be rich off of people’s needs
4-
Love
must be the only thing you owe to them
From
the passages above we can safely conclude:
1.
When
you lend/loan something don’t exact usury:
a fee for lending or excessive interest
a.
Don’t
charge excessive interest when you loan
b.
When
you loan, don’t take up as security what the other person needs for living - in
other words, don’t loan something that you know the other person cannot pay
back or return
2.
"Neither
a borrower nor a lender be" - you will be wise in keeping away from such enterprise.
Quote found in Shakespeare’s Hamlet,
1603.
3.
If
you borrow, do so only for something you can pay back quickly
4.
If
you borrow, do so only to help someone else, but don’t get overcommitted!
5.
It
is better to rent (lease) for the use of something than to borrow to buy, for
to do such a thing you need to put up some security, and putting up security
for yourself or someone else can compromise you.
6.
If
it’s not good to put up security for debts, don’t especially do it for someone
else!
7.
How
you handle your time reflects on how you handle your money and vice-versa.
a.
Time
is the same for everyone, but money is up to you.
b.
Each
commodity teaches you different aspects of responsibility.
Of
course, it is always better to give away what you have than to lend or charge interest.
It is better to invest in your spiritual future than to invest in this
temporary life.
Deut
15:1-11
NIV The
Year (of Jubilee) for Canceling Debts At the end of every seven years
you must cancel debts. (2) This is how it is to be done: Every creditor
shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require
payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for
canceling debts has been proclaimed. (3) You may require payment from a foreigner, but
you must cancel any debt your brother owes you.
(4) However, there should be no
poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as
your inheritance, he will richly bless you, (5) if only you fully obey the LORD
your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you
today. (6) For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will
lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many
nations but none will rule over you.
(7) If there is a poor man among
your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving
you, do not be hardhearted
or tightfisted toward your poor brother.
(8) Rather be openhanded and
freely lend him whatever he needs. (9) Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought:
"The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that
you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may
then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. (10)
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because
of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you
put your hand to. (11) There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you
to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your
land.
Now
that is something we could all use, huh? A year of jubilee! Wow! All your debts
cancelled! Think about how rich and free a society we would be if every seven
years all debts would be cancelled! Perhaps all the economic problems we have
of inflation and poverty and usury would end if this was the way we would
handle things! Of course, this is a way to curtail greed. The world is greedy
and everyone wants to profit from others, often in evil ways and without any
regard for them. Maybe that’s why the year of jubilee seems to not be a good
idea for them!
How
great is it that we do have that cancellation of all debts in Jesus, especially
the most important debt of all which been cancelled – the insurmountable debt
of sin that had us all going to the gloomy dungeons forever! And in heaven we
sure will be in jubilee forever, without ever having the need for credit since
all will be ours in Christ! Amen!
Responsible
Christians avoid becoming so indebted they limit the personal freedom necessary
to serve Christ. In biblical days, anyone failing to pay a debt could become a
slave. Credit abuse is a form of slavery or addiction that threatens many
today. Christian stewards manage their finances and control spending to meet
their obligations. – Disciple’s Study
Bible
The continuing debt of love…
Notice
how our debt of love cannot be entirely fulfilled. It is a continuing debt. No
matter what we do to show our love it doesn’t quench the debt of love. Your
love is only as good as your last deed.
John
13:34-35
ESV A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all
people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Jesus’
love toward us did not end on the cross – it just began to be shown to the
world that day. In the same way, the day
we died with Jesus in baptism is the day all our worldly debts were cancelled –
the day we died to the world and its ways. That day we began to owe love to all
– covering up a multitude of sins:
1
Peter 4:7-9
ESV The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and
sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without
grumbling.
He who loves his fellow man has fulfilled
the law…
What
are you full of?
If
you are full of greed (yourself, the world) you will
1-
Always
look for how to profit
2-
Seek
to take advantage of others
3-
Look
to what’s in it for you
4-
Not
be concerned for how someone will pay their debt
5-
Have
dollar signs in your eyes
6-
Tight
fisted toward those in need
7-
Unwilling
to cancel a debt
8-
Unwilling
to freely give
If
you are full of love (Jesus, the Holy Spirit) you will
1-
Always
look to benefit others
2-
Seek
to help other gain an advantage
3-
Protect
others from over-committing in time and debt
4-
Be
patient
5-
Give
freely
6-
Lend
with no interest or at a minimum when necessary
7-
Be
willing to cancel debts
8-
Glorify
God with your time and money – with all your resources
How
you act with your time and your money tells of your worship of God and your
love of man. When it comes to debts and obligations, people always get uptight
and stressed because they think of themselves and all the regrets of bad timing
and decisions. Be different – think of loving! Make sure you only owe people
love and not something else! Be free with your love! Be responsible with your
time and money! Wage war against sin and overcome sins with faith and love!
1
John 5:4
ESV For everyone who has
been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has
overcome the world--our faith.
Romans 13:9
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not
murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be,
are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
LOVING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY OF SAINTS AND THE WORLD
Christian Civic Duty
When
we focus on loving others as we love ourselves the relational circle is
complete and we perfectly obey the commandments. Jesus himself alluded to the
fact that the central theme tying the commandments together is love. His new commandment is just
really the establishment of the greatest commandment:
Matthew
22:36-40
NIV “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your
God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
This
is really a breakdown of the Decalogue (The Ten Commandments – Exodus 20):
1-
Love God
a.
ONE:
‘You shall have no other gods before Me.’ – with
all your heart
b.
TWO:
‘You shall not make for yourself a carved image (idol)’ – with all your soul
c.
THREE:
‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.’ – with all your mind
d.
FOUR:
‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ – with all your strength (Mark 12:30)
2-
Love Your
Neighbor As Yourself
a.
FIVE:
‘Honor your father and your mother.’
b.
SIX:
‘You shall not murder.’
c.
SEVEN:
‘You shall not commit adultery.’
d.
EIGHT:
‘You shall not steal.’
e.
NINE:
‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.’
f.
TEN:
‘You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's
wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey,
nor anything that is your neighbor's.’
g.
You wouldn’t
want anyone breaking these commands against you, would you?
John
13:34
NIV A new command I give you: Love one another. As I
have loved you, so you must love one another.
When
we love God above all and our neighbor as our selves we (1Co 13:4-8):
1-
Are
patient
a.
With
our transformation and thankful for God's patience with us
b.
With
our spouse and children as they grow spiritually and in obedience
c.
With
our brothers and sisters as they too are undergoing a transformation
d.
With
our next door neighbor as God determines the times set for them and the places
where they should be in hopes of them seeking and reaching out to Him and
finding Him (Acts
17:26-27)
e.
With
the bureaucracy of the government, knowing it is God who is ultimately in
control of everything
2-
Are
Kind
a.
And
considerate with our spouse, speaking softly and doing random acts of kindness unto
them; like making them tea, or getting their slippers, or playing with the
children so they can concentrate on doing some work or just relaxing
b.
With
our children – speaking softly with them when they have made a mistake and
correctly them gently, even when using the rod. There is no need for insult or
for yelling.
c.
With
our neighbors by picking up some trash that may be on their property or helping
them with the groceries or other things
d.
To
our government agents who have to process much information and work with people
who give them a bad attitude. Don’t be one of the crowd but be kind and patient
with government agents.
3-
Do
not envy
a.
Our
spouse’s job or situation because we think they are free from struggle or
suffering
b.
Our
children’s innocence and free will before our Father in Heaven.
c.
Our
neighbor’s material goods or gain or spouse or children
d.
Other
governments or political situations or associations or citizenship
4-
Do
not boast
a.
About
how much we work or how much we do or how much we put up with to our spouses or
children
b.
About
being in command or having the upper hand to our spouse and our children
c.
About
our material goods or gain or situation to our neighbors and friends
d.
Our
political gain, associations, status or rights as citizens
5-
Are
not proud
a.
But
humbly serve our spouses with kindness and gentleness, bringing a smile on
their face. We do not complain about what we lack or what is lacking in their
service.
b.
But
we open our heart and speak the truth and apologize for our sin to our spouses
and children. We do not pretend to be perfect or above reproach but willingly
accept correction
c.
But
are willing to associate with people of lower position than us, practicing
hospitality. We do not shun those in need nor are tight-fisted with the poor.
d.
But
humbly thank God for our government, our country and the many material and
spiritual blessings we have in Jesus Christ. We do not complain and insult the
government officials who work on our behalf but we pray for them and their
success in their career and ultimately in the Gospel
6-
Are
not rude
a.
With
our spouses by insulting them or making them the objects of vulgar jokes.
Rather we are gentle, treating them as royalty and always speaking to them with
dignity, as children of God that they are.
b.
With
our children by disciplining them without a proper explanation or punishing
them excessively or brusquely. Rather we are polite with them, explaining what
we do and why and rewarding them at least as often as we need to discipline
them.
c.
With
our neighbors by having a “do-it-yourself” attitude. rather we look to serve
them and show them we think highly of them especially if they are rude to you
d.
With
government agents – knowing that they are serving God's purpose. If we break
the law we know we deserve whatever punishment will come to us. Rather we are
polite with them, showing them the respect they deserve.
7-
Are
not self-seeking
a.
But
we look to the interest of our spouse, seeking to please them above ourselves
b.
But
look to encourage and uplift our children at our expense, whether emotionally
or physically
c.
But
look to do no harm to our neighbor. We seek to protect our neighbors and our
community, especially with the promise of everlasting life from the Gospel of
Jesus
d.
But
we look to be law-abiding and model citizens, upholding the law and respecting
government authority
8-
Are
not easily angered
a.
With
our spouses when they fail to listen or please us. Instead we wait until we are
calm to speak to them with gentle words of instruction and encouragement,
leading them by our own holy example
b.
With
our children when they interrupt us or disobey us. We treat them gently when
they are wrong and we encourage them to be better people. We teach them
self-respect by not yelling at them
c.
With
our neighbors when they are loud, selfish or brash
d.
With
our politicians or law-enforcement agents, especially when we have failed to
keep the law or our civic responsibilities
9-
Keep
no record of wrongs
a.
Against
our spouses by reminding them about their faults or mistakes they have
committed. Instead we forgive and forget and treat them each day as though it
were our first together
b.
Against
our children, punishing them for things they did yesterday or reminding them of
their past failures. Instead we teach them patiently and remind them how to do
good and be obedient, filling them with hope
c.
Against
our neighbor, allowing our anger to build against them and so defiling
ourselves. Instead we speak frankly about things they have done that have
annoyed us and then we forget about the incident, whether they relent or
continue
d.
Against
the civil authorities by spouting hatred, unfounded complaints or harassment.
Instead we leave it up to God to clean house and try not to depend on the
government when it comes to our responsibilities
10- Do not delight
in evil
a.
By
joining, supporting or ignoring our spouses in harmful, illegal or unholy deeds
or words. Rather we expose the evil and build up with truth, patiently showing
them by example what ought to be said and done in gentleness and respect
b.
By
joining, supporting or ignoring our children in harmful, disobedient, illegal
or unholy deeds or words. Rather we expose the evil and build up with truth,
patiently showing them by example what ought to be said and done in gentleness
and respect as we ourselves show obedience to the Lord
c.
By
joining, supporting or ignoring our neighbor in harmful, illegal or unholy
deeds or words. Rather we expose the evil and build up with truth, patiently
showing them by example what ought to be said and done in gentleness and
respect
d.
By
joining, supporting or ignoring our government in harmful, illegal or unholy
deeds or words. Rather we expose evil and build up with truth, patiently
showing them by example what ought to be said and done in gentleness and
respect
11- Rejoice with the
truth
a.
Thanking
God for saving us through Jesus and for the hope we have in Heaven
b.
By
teaching our spouses (washing them with the word of God) and celebrating
(rewarding) their obedience to the Lord as they undergo their spiritual transformation.
c.
By
teaching our children the word of God in
all patience and gentleness and celebrating their obedience to their parents
and to God
d.
By
teaching our neighbor the truth in love and celebrating their repentance to
Jesus Christ
e.
By
teaching our government (society) the word of God in all we do and say and
celebrating their victories over evil, disorder and slavery in all its forms
12- Always protect
a.
The
truth, the word of God, the Gospel, by defending the good name of the Lord, the
church and our own families when we answer questions, insults and attempts to
defame with great patience and careful instruction to those who are willing to
listen
b.
Our
spouses with the word of God, eyes that refuse to wander to alien bosoms, and
physical, emotional and spiritual thirst for them
c.
Our
children with faithfulness to our spouses, a peaceful and happy home, great
involvement in their own individual lives spiritually, educationally,
emotionally and recreationally
d.
Our
neighbor by being law-abiding citizens, being financially responsible and
looking out for their own good
e.
Our
government by pledging allegiance to our laws, national security and economic
welfare
13- Always hope
a.
In
Jesus Christ and in the promise of eternal life, never losing faith, never
allowing discouragement or distress to set in
b.
In
our spouses, no matter how many times we may be discouraged by them or hurt by
them. We keep encouraging them with the word of God and with loving examples of
service and words
c.
In
our children, teaching them and showing them the way they should follow in love
for God and in the joy of having Jesus as Lord!
d.
In
our neighbor, no matter how many times they have failed to show love or concern
for themselves or others. We show this hope by serving them in honesty and
spirit of friendship
e.
In
our government, no matter how misleading, evil, disorganized or irresponsible
it seems to be. We know the Lord is working and it is in Him we ultimately have
our hope!
14- Always persevere
a.
In
the truth, in the battle against the evil powers of evil in this dark world,
never giving up on ourselves and our transformation through the spirit of Jesus
b.
With
our spouses, never giving up and always encouraging them with kindness and
loving concern
c.
With
our children, never losing sight of how we are shaping them to be imitators of
us as we follow Christ
d.
With
our neighbor, never giving up on preaching the Gospel or encouraging them in their transformation unto Jesus as Kingdom
citizens
e.
With
our government, showing community spirit and patriotism to keep the joyous and
prosperous spirit from dwindling away into rebelliousness and anarchy
15- Never fail
a.
In
our repentance, obedience and perseverance in our love for God
b.
With
our spouses in promise, deed or encouraging word
c.
With
our children in discipline, leadership and generosity
d.
With
our neighbor in preaching the Gospel or being a good friend
e.
With
our government in paying our taxes, supporting our leaders and upholding the
law
The
Christian life is realized, not by an item tabulation of commandments kept or
broken, but by a conscious filling of the heart with love toward others, a
fulfillment being made possible only by the sacred enthronement within, of the
Holy Spirit. – Coffman
When
we are these things we worship God in spirit and in truth – giving ourselves up
as a living sacrifice that are pleasing to God (Rom 12:1) individually
and as a church who is ready for her husband to sweep her off her feet unto
glory (Rev
21:2).
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment
of the law.
To
love does not mean we need to have a particular emotion or sentiment towards our
neighbor, but a grateful conviction towards our Savior, giving ourselves up as
a living sacrifice because Jesus loved us first:
1
John 4:19-21
NIV We love because he
first loved us. 20 If anyone
says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone
who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has
not seen. 21 And he has given us this
command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
God
is not looking for shallow emotionalism but for genuine concern that stems out
of a loving heart that does not fear:
1John
4:18
NIV There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear
has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
Love
can never be fulfilled (we will always owe it),
but
love itself is the fulfillment of the Law.
Romans 13:11
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you
to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we
first believed.
BE PREPARED FOR THE FULFILMENT!
Paul
is speaking with a sense of urgency here: The hour has come (hora:
high time); the present time (ton kairon: crticical period; unlike chronos, which is time in general) is in
effect. We must be mindful of our worship of God as it is expressed through our
love and obedience in our homes, in the church, in our workplaces, with our
neighbors and with our attitude towards authority, the law and our government. Do
this, do what? LOVE!!! Do it with understanding, not necessarily
emotion. Do it when you don’t feel like it and when you do. Why? Because you
are no longer part of the world, being ruled by worldly ways, rhymes and reasons.
People will see how you react and what you do as a Christian. Understand
the present time – we are closer to our redemption, to our new bodies, to
meeting the Lord more than before and the time is short – Satan is angrier than
ever before and will try to keep you in slumber, distracted by the world and
its ways.
1-
It
is still night while we are in the world
a.
People
are tied at night
b.
People
are usually asleep at night
i.
When
you sleep you are in a stupor
ii.
When
you sleep you are not aware of what is happening
iii.
When
you sleep you do nothing
c.
People
are more susceptible to becoming unglued and emotionally unstable when they are
tired and it is late
d.
A
lot of evil is usually done at night
2-
We
are to wake up because the Day is coming!
a.
We
are ready for the Day in Jesus Christ
b.
Being
part of Jesus’, body, the church, is about getting ready for the Day!
c.
We
are excited about what that new Day will bring
i.
Our
hope will be realized
ii.
We
will have new bodies
iii.
We
will see the Lord!
d.
Therefore
we behave as people of the Day, as Sons of the Day (1 Thes 5:4-11)
e.
We
live as children of the light! (Eph 5:8-21)
i.
By
being alert and self-controlled
ii.
By
not giving into the fleshly desires
iii.
By
putting on faith, love and hope – the big three (1Co 13:13)
iv.
By
exposing the fruitless deeds of darkness
v.
By
not getting drunk
vi.
By
being filled with the Spirit
1.
Speaking
the word of God to each other
2.
Singing
the word of God to each other
3.
Singing
and making music in our heart to the Lord
4.
Always
giving thanks to God
5.
Submitting
to one another out of reverence for Christ
f.
We
are early risers, preparing the coming Day
i.
Aware
of the times
ii.
Having
nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness
iii.
Being
wise (understand the times)
iv.
Making
the most of every opportunity
v.
Aware
of the devil’s schemes
vi.
Speaking
the truth in love and singing the word of God
vii.
Preaching
the Gospel
1
Thessalonians 5:4-11 NIV 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should
surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light
and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are
asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and
those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on
faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together
with him. 11 Therefore encourage one
another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Ephesians
5:8-21
NIV For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for
the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and
find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have
nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what
the disobedient do in secret. 13 But
everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes
everything visible. This
is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ
will shine on you." 15 Be
very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity,
because the days are evil. 17 Therefore
do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to
debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and
make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father
for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Our salvation is nearer…
Matthew
24:42-44 NIV Therefore keep watch, because you do not
know on what day your Lord will come. 43
But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night
the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house
be broken into. 44 So you also must be
ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
2
Peter 3:9-15
NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a
thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed
by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people
ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward
to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the
destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the
heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise
we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of
righteousness. 14 So then, dear friends,
since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless,
blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord's
patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you
with the wisdom that God gave him.
Jesus
delayed for you and now delays for others… speed His coming by focusing on our
task at hand – preach the Gospel!
1-
This
is the time to get ready
2-
There’s
a train a coming
3-
You
need a ticket to get on board!
4-
Jesus
is your ticket to Heaven
5-
You
need to get into Him
6-
Jesus
is your ticket and your vehicle (His body, the church) that gets us to Heaven
7-
Spread
the news!
Romans 13:12
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside
the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
The night is nearly over…
The time is short
1
Corinthians 7:29-31 NIV What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on
those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those
who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not
theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things
of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Recognize
the time is short – the world in its present form is passing away:
1-
Married life is passing away – make the most
of this personalized God-glorifying transforming workshop now – love your
spouse in the same way Jesus and the church love each other (Ephesians
5:22-33)!
2-
There’s nothing to mourn about since all that
is worth mourning about is fading away! Soon you’ll be in a place where there
is no mourning (Rev 21:4). Keep your emotions and
sentiments in check!
3-
Whatever you are happy about concerning this world
will soon be gone.
Focus on the true joy of Heaven and being with the Lord! Let your joy be the
joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10)!
4-
If you buy stuff, buy it knowing that it is only
useful here on this earth. Don’t get attached to stuff. It is not yours to
keep! It will all soon be gone! It will melt in the intense heat (2Pe 3:12)!
5-
If you use the things of the world use them for the
sake of the Gospel.
If you are engrossed in stuff remember that stuff will melt in the heat! It is not
worth to be engrossed in things that have no everlasting value and that cannot
even be useful in this world to help other get to heaven. Don’t get into cars,
computers, gadgets, music or the like – unless it is to use these things to
help others get into Jesus. Keep yourself engrossed in the Gospel work here and
in the heavenly realms!
Recognize
the time – the season. It is not time to sleep or be into the worldly things and
attitudes and it is certainly not time to rest because the Day is fast
approaching!
The day is almost here…
What
are you working on? While we are in this world we need to stop doing whatever
it is people do – which is usually for the short term, especially the things people
do at night – the deeds of darkness. That is not proper for the people of God (Eph 5:3). We need to work!
John
9:4
NIV As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is
coming, when no one can work.
While
Jesus was doing the redemptive work notice he called it the day. He used a word
play between night and day. It was day because Jesus was here in the world! Night
was coming, which is probably when He was going to be crucified and then leave
us with the Holy Spirit. Now we work fast and awake because the Day is coming
when Jesus will be back again!
1
Corinthians 3:11-14 NIV 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than
the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 If any man
builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or
straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it
to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality
of each man's work. 14 If what he has
built survives, he will receive his reward.
You
should see your work in the kingdom as precious jewels that are being laid down
so that others can be saved by the work Jesus did already on the cross and the
work the Holy Spirit is currently doing in us and for others. It is a most holy
work and we need our full attention! When Jesus is revealed the fire that will
come will test the quality of your work.
Put on the armor of light…
Since
we are involved in a very special and holy mission, we need to be careful of
the deceit the devil sows to distract us from our work:
1
Peter 5:8
NIV Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour.
Revelation
12:12
NIV Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to
you!
He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.
1.
The
devil is prowling like a hungry lion
a.
Lions
are very patient when it comes to prowling
b.
They
approach calmly and silently
c.
At
the end, when they are very close to their prey, they pounce on them and devour
them, suddenly tearing them to pieces
2.
The
devil is filled with fury
a.
He
knows the time is short
b.
He
knows those who are doing the holy work
c.
He
wastes no time with those who are already in line to be devoured
d.
He
has no mercy
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and
drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and
jealousy.
Since
we are kingdom citizens, people of the eternal Day, we need to behave the way
we would in Heaven, in the house of God. Our behavior (outward actions) shows
what’s on the inside. The evil that we do comes out of our hearts but the good
that we can do also proves what kind of tree we are.
Matthew
12:33-37
NIV "Make a
tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a
tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are
evil say anything good? For
out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the
good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil
stored up in him. 36 But I tell
you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every
careless word they have spoken. 37 For
by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Since
we want to walk honestly (walk properly; behave decently),
we have laid these aside:
1-
Orgies – (komos) reveling, carousing, rioting, letting loose –
refers to catapulting yourself into fleshly pleasures, letting loose your
self-control and giving full tilt to your fleshly desires that can result in
things like orgies, carousing (wild partying with drugs) which can even lead to
rioting. All these things end in the destruction of person and property and
even to your own self-destruction.
2-
Drunkenness – (methais) intoxication – basically getting to the point
where you’re stoned, zoned out or high on any drug or substance, not just alcohol. The desire to flee the current situation or
escape by getting intoxicated is not of the Day, but of evil.
3-
Sexual
immorality
– (koite) chambering, cohabitation, coitus –
referring to shaking up, taking someone to bed, or any other illicit means of releasing
your sexual passions with another person.
4-
Debauchery – (aselgeia) wantonness, licentiousness, filth, unbridled lust
– this has to do with anything that is gross, filthy, demoralizing or
insulting. Anything that would cause someone decent to feel revolted, disgusted
or filthy.
5-
Dissension – (eris) strife, contention – has to do with never wanting
to be agreeable and always trying to justify yourself before others causing
arguments, disagreements and fighting. It causes people to not want to be
around you, leaving you always in broken relationships and emotionally
unstable. Basically means you are always in a fighting spirit.
6-
Jealousy – (zelos) envying, zeal, excitement of the mind, rivalry –
means you are always in a sense thinking of yourself and not of others.
Jealousy is the result of an unbalanced dependency, making you to want
something so much (unbalanced zeal) that you stake your happiness or sense of
satisfaction on that person or object or situation rather than on the Lord God.
These
are fruit of a bad tree, raised on the things that excite and tempt the flesh. These
behaviors occur mostly at night since the people themselves recognize they are
shameful things to be done in secret. We, however, have zeal for the spirit and
produce fruit according to the Holy Spirit of God who lives in us. We do not
have to be ashamed and behave as in the day.
All
around us people are into these things but we must call them over to be saved
from the destruction that is coming because of these things – the wrath of God
that is being revealed against all godlessness and wickedness (Rom 1:18).
Romans 13:14
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think
about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Galatians
3:26-29
NIV You are all sons of God through
faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves
with Christ. 28 There is neither
Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ
Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then
you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
To
be immersed and entered into a relationship with Christ, being in Christ, in
His body, is to be clothed with Jesus – covered with Jesus, covered with His
holiness, faith and purity. We no longer think of how to gratify the flesh in
the way the world does. We lived as satisfied and full people – full of the
truth and life and joy in Jesus!
As
disciples of Jesus we have clothed ourselves with Jesus:
1-
We
don’t think about gratifying the flesh
a.
What
to eat
b.
Where
to live
c.
What
to have
d.
Who
to have
2-
We
have the truth – we have Jesus!
a.
We
are filled
b.
We
are satisfied
c.
We
are overflowing!
3-
We
have a new life – a life of worshiping God in spirit and truth
a.
We
have a new focus
b.
We
have a new goal
c.
We
have new works to please God
d.
All
done, thought and said in honesty, truth and with a spiritual focus
4-
We
have a new mindset – conforming unto Jesus
a.
We
no longer look to the world but to Jesus as our standard
b.
We
no longer long for the worldly things but we long for Jesus
5-
We
have a new focus – getting to heaven to be with God
a.
We
are not concerned with staying and building here, unless it is the church
b.
We
are concerned about preparing ourselves and our family for eternity
6-
We
have new work – preparing others for the day Jesus comes (Mat 28:19-20)
a.
This
involves making disciples
i.
Finding
people
ii.
Preaching
the Gospel
iii.
Baptizing
them
b.
This
involves teaching disciples
i.
Teaching
them the whole truth of Jesus
ii.
Preparing
them for the final makeover
If
the Spirit says we can put on Jesus and make no provisions for the flesh (not
focusing on providing or preparing for the flesh) then we not only must do so
but we must want to do that very thing!
Gal
2:20
NIV I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in
me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me.
If
we consider ourselves crucified then our flesh is naught and we live for the
Spirit! This is what makes us worship God in spirit and in truth, able to love
God and our neighbors as we love our souls.