October 22, 2017
Evening Service

This morning we saw that Peter and Paul both wrote to command us to be in subjection to the authorities that are over us.  It is God, who is in total control, that put the government in place and disobedience to the government is disobedience to God.  It doesn’t matter whether we agree with our leaders or not, we are to be in submission and respect their position.  Paul told Timothy that not only are we to be obedient law abiding citizens, but we are also to pray for our leaders making supplications and even interceding for them.  This is as long our government does not ask us to do anything that compromises our faith.  At that point we must choose to follow Christ.  Paul now continues this thought of being a good citizen and expands upon it for us.

Romans 13:3-5  For the rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. And do you desire to be not afraid of the authority? Do the good, and you shall have praise from it.  (4)  For it is a servant of God to you for good. For if you practice evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword in vain; for it is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath on him who does evil.  (5)  Therefore you must be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

·         Governments and authorities have been put in place to keep an order to our society. They are in place to catch and punish the evil doers, not the workers of good.  It is put in place by God for our protection and to help us in living a “quiet peaceable life.”

·         He asks, “Why are you afraid if obeying the law, but if you are disobeying then you need to fear.”  That reminds me of the feeling you have as you are driving on the highway and see a police car checking your speed.  If you are not speeding you have nothing to fear, but if you are prepare to pay the price.

·         Finally Paul tells us the defining factor of being in subjection should not be fear of being caught, but t in order to keep a clear conscience.  A transformed life is one that seeks to walk in perfection.  Our goal is to live a sin free life that would include not breaking any of the laws of the land.  He now touches on another subject that is just as prevalent now as it was then.

 

Romans 13:6-7  For because of this you also pay taxes. For they are God's servants, always giving attention to this very thing.  (7)  Therefore give to all their dues; to the one due tax, the tax; tribute to whom tribute is due, fear to whom fear is due, and honor to whom honor is due.

·         It is our tax dollars that are supposed to be used for that purpose of protecting us and to maintain order.  I know in this country the tax burden has grown well beyond just that purpose, but still we are to pay our due. It is the right thing to do.

·         The Pharisees tried to trip up Jesus one time and ask Him a question about paying taxes, but it was really about whether the Jews should place themselves under subjection to the Roman government or not.

 

 

 

Matthew 22:17-22  Therefore tell us; what do you think? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?  (18)  But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said,” Why do you tempt Me, hypocrites?  (19)  Show Me the tribute money.” And they brought a denarius to Him.  (20)  And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”  (21)  They said to Him, “Caesar's.” Then He said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things which are God's.”  (22)  When they heard these words, they marveled, and they left Him and went away.

·         Jesus’ wisdom certainly quieted them for the moment, but His point has to be well taken by us. We are to pay our taxes, respect our leaders, and honor them appropriately.  The Roman tax dollars went directly to the emperor’s treasury where some of it went to support pagan temples and the decadent life-style of the Roman aristocracy.  Despite that Jesus still commanded us to pay our part.

·         A transformed life pays its taxes and does it fairly and honestly.  Use every deduction that is available to you, but do not do anything your conscience is not comfortable with.  I know the frustration of our tax laws, but they are laws and we are to obey them.

·         Paul now switches gears to look at our responsibilities we should have concerning the community we live in.  These few verses basically explain how we can fulfill the law.

 

Romans 13:8-10  Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law.  (9)  For: "Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not lust;" and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."  (10)  Love works no ill to its neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.

·         Love never fails.  If we want to be a good member of our community you must, “love your neighbors as yourself.”  We are all good at knowing our own needs and seeking to fulfill them.  It is with that mentality that we need to deal with those around us.  Real love is moved to action and by loving someone we will fulfill all the law’s commands.  It is a debt that we will never fully repay as we think of the price of love that was paid for us.

·         Just as Jesus magnified the law, Paul does the same.  There are times that we have no legal obligation to help someone (from government’s view), but there are no such loopholes in the law of love.  Wherever it is possible we are to go beyond human legal requirement and imitate our Heavenly Father, giving others more than they deserve.  Jesus said this.

 

Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also so to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets.

·         Jesus summed up all His teaching from the “Sermon on the Mount” by saying this.  We now call it the “Golden Rule.”  It is a great way in dealing with people in difficult and everyday situations.  We should just ask ourselves, “What would I like them to do if it were me?”  We would not make a choice that hurt us, but one that brings healing and comfort.

·         This is certainly a “transformed” way of thinking from what the world teaches.

 

 

 

In summary of today, our transformed life will cause us to be good citizens that obey the laws our government, pays our taxes, and is a good member of our community by “loving others as yourself.”  It can sometimes be a challenge to do these things, but it is the life-style that pleases and brings glory to our Lord.  That is what living a life as a “living sacrifice” looks like.

 

Heavenly Father thank You for being in control of all things; now please grant us the wisdom, courage and desire to be good citizens to bring You glory.