Sermon Theme
What to make of it all?
It leaves us with many questions as to what the country is ‘coming to’ and if things could get any worse.
Once again citizens of this country are tempted to scorn its political leaders in Canberra
With the former ‘stabbed in the back’ prime minister restored to office after his replacement was herself summarily deposed by her own party, we stood amazed at the consequences….
We watched the largest exodus of the most experienced members of the government who refused to served with recycled prime minister and almost a dozen have indicated they will either not serve on the front bench or will not now even context the next election just months away.
To be sure governments can be their own worst enemies, playing fast and loose with the truth
Yet the question we face today is NOT what ought the government to be doing in such uncertain times BUT what ought we the church to be doing!.
Sermon outline
- THE BIG QUESTION FOR THE CHURCH
- THE CHURCH ON ITS KNEES
- GOD’S EVANGELISTIC PURPOSE
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
Romans 13:1–7 (NIV84)
1Everyone 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.
2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3For 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.
4For 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.
5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.
6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.
7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Text
1 Timothy 2:1–8 (NIV84)
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—
2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.
7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
