Sermon Theme
Once again as a nation we are faced with a government in turmoil
Key players involved playing a ‘high stakes’ game of brinkmanship and we see strategic timing & placement of announcements, ballots, support testimonials & flood of arguments & counter arguments.
What we are watching is messy, often undignified, definitely destructive for all involved and a poor model for our children and youth as to conflict resolution and mutual respect in spite of differences.
Concerning political governments the Belgic Confession has something to say
We believe that because of the depravity of the human race our good God has ordained kings, princes, and civil officers. He wants the world to be governed by laws and policies so that human lawlessness may be restrained and that everything may be conducted in good order among human beings. (Belgic Confession article 36)
How do Christians respond to this political turmoil as we see human depravity on full display in the actions & words of those supposed to be God’s servant to protect us from such depravity??
How do we avoid being drawn into sinful looseness of lips that tears others apart that leads to our being a bad example before our children?
What does the Bible say about political government and how we should relate to it?
Sermon outline
- MY TRANSFORMED ATTITUDE TOWARD THE GOVERNMENT
- HONOURING GOD IN RESPECTING THE GOVERNMENT
- HONOURING GOD IN SUPPORTING THE GOVERNMENT
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Order of WorshipReadings
Article 36: The Civil Government
We believe that because of the depravity of the human race our good God has ordained kings, princes, and civil officers.
He wants the world to be governed by laws and policies so that human lawlessness may be restrained and that everything may be conducted in good order among human beings.
For that purpose He has placed the sword in the hands of the government, to punish evil people and protect the good.
And being called in this manner to contribute to the advancement of a society that is pleasing to God, the civil rulers have the task, subject to God’s law, of removing every obstacle to the preaching of the gospel and to every aspect of divine worship.
They should do this while completely refraining from every tendency toward exercising absolute authority, and while functioning in the sphere entrusted to them, with the means belonging to them.
They should do it in order that the Word of God may have free course; the kingdom of Jesus Christ may make progress;
and every anti-Christian power may be resisted.79
Moreover everyone, regardless of status, condition, or rank, must be subject to the government, and pay taxes, and hold its representatives in honour and respect, and obey them in all things that are not in conflict with God’s Word, praying for them that the Lord may be willing to lead them in all their ways and that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all piety and decency.80
79. The RCA Synods of 1957 and 1991, in line with the CRC Synod of 1958 (following the GKN Synods of 1910 and 1938) substituted the above statement for the following (which it judged unbiblical):
‘And the government’s task is not limited to caring for and watching over the public domain but extends also to upholding the sacred ministry, with a view to removing and destroying all idolatry and false worship of the Antichrist; to promoting the kingdom of Jesus Christ; and to furthering the preaching of the gospel everywhere; to the end that God may be honoured and served by everyone, as He requires in His Word.’
Text
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.
