Due to illness I have been very behind in getting to this so apologize. I have been writing a series on the role of believers and their government. In mind I have the United States (as this is where I live) but this applies to all governments and all people around the world. Our third passage for today is 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
1 Tim. 2:1-2:
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
Paul contextually has just instructed Timothy (a leader in the Ephesian church) to keep leading keep holding to sound doctrine while there are some who have fallen away: Alexander and Hymenaues.
He shifts his thoughts to focus on a topic all too familiar:
"
I urge".........To urge means to push, or drive; press or insist. Paul here is setting what his mood is toward the subject...He insists on what he is about to ask of Timothy and the congregation and us.
What does Paul insist or push?
"that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone... [specifically] for kings, and those in authority..."
requests-The requests are interesting as Paul indicates linguistically and contextually that requests, prayers and intercession is made with thanksgiving. We don't make requests to God to destroy this administration or government. We do these 4 things out of a thanksgiving for Christ for what HE has established.
prayers-We are called to pray. Prayer was important aspect to Paul. Constantly he prayed and gave thanks for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:3:10;2:13-17), the Colossians (1:3-12) and Philppians (1:3-12). And the list goes on. We know that prayer is effective, we know that it is necessary so then why do we spend more energy complaining than praying?
intercession-we intercede (meaning we do something on behalf of someone) here Paul could be referring back to prayer---we pray on behalf of those in authority
thanksgiving-not be cynical, not grumbling and complaining, not wishing that Bush was back in office, not saying that Obama is Hitler, or hating the police in your county, or the judge that gave you probabtion for YOUR 3rd speeding ticket. Rather being thankful, that should be your attitude, action and mindset toward the governing authority. No if, and or but.
Paul stipulates that this is for everyone ( or all kinds of people--including all kinds of civil authority)
Paul illustrates that we are required to do these things for the "king, and those in authority..." He may be referring with king to the highest possessor of power, whomever that may be. But makes clear "those (any of those) who are in authority". This falls back on what Paul and Peter said about created order (divinely instituted)...which bears itself from a God who enjoys created order not blind chaos.
*George Knight (in his excellent exegetical Greek commentary) says that "the authorities are singled out because of Paul's concern for God' ordained order in society." (He cites Romans 13:1-7).
How then should we live under the governing authority?
"that WE may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior..."
We must live lives: peacefully and quietly. This doesn't mean a sheltered---Paul didnt live a sheltered life but respected all civil authority. What Paul is saying (Knight introduces beautifully) is our ultimate goal is to live lives of godliness (reverence/respect) and holiness (to live set apart). That our lives would reflect Christ, so that maybe even the civil authorities would take notice. To pray with thanksgiving for those in authority, while our role is to live live for Christ and respect their authority and submit to it, that is our ultimate goal.
This is NOT the mindset that the news media portrays. This is not what "Christian" senators, governors, and those you elected because they are more Christian than someone else are doing. Its fight, pressure, take down, eliminate, slander, gossip....is this the message that we want to send to the world as believers?
We will continue with another passage in Part 4 of this series...
Be Blessed
Wedding Day
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A biblical view on Christians and Government: part 2
Previously I wrote about the role of people (specifically believers) and how we should respond to the government. I wanted to not just give my personal opinion on what I think of the current administration (as this is NOT a political blog) but rather see what Scripture says our response should be to all forms of government and leadership in the United States. I began with one of the most well known verses of the Bible: Romans 13:1-7, there we are reminded that our role is to submit to the governing authorities (no matter what form of government: democracy, totalitarian, etc...) as it was instituted by God. Now we will look at another passage in the book of 1 Peter:
1 Peter 2:13-17:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."
Vs. 13-14:
The context of this passage is that Peter just finishing giving a wonderful illustration to this community that they are the people of God, "a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." Then they are given an exhortation to live their lives for Christ so much the pagans have to stop and give thanks to God. Finally he switches topics to secular or civil authorities:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Submit yourselves....
There is the command not option (for lingustic meaning read previous blog) just like Paul's opening in Romans 13:1, we are called by both apostles to be subject to the ruling authority. Notice it doesn't say what KIND of authority, just whatever authority you are being ruled under. Remember that Peter was under the reign of Nero (an oppressive and not very democratic!!). Also notice that Peter says that we should submit to every authority that is "instituted among men" making the Roman government a legitimate authority. Some would say this doesnt line up with what Paul is saying in Romans 13. I beg to differ. Paul says that every authority is instituted by God, it is divine ordered by Him. Peter is saying that the authority that is instituted among men must be submitted to---Paul addresses where the authority derives from: God, while Peter reinforces our submission to the law regardless of who makes it: among men.
Now we get to the part that Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are very similar: First Peter recognizes like Paul that no matter who is in power they are sent by God (God's servants in Romans 13): they are divinely sent. Second that they are sent to create order not chaos by enacting laws, and punishing those who break them (Romans 13:6-7).
(vs. 14) --For whose sake should we submit to these authorities..."for the Lord's sake [submit yourselves] to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."
Notice that Peter covers that no matter what kind, and no matter WHO is in power you are called to respect, and be subject to. But Peter also states the exact same thought as Paul in regards to the purpose--who are sent by Him. We do for Christ, to obey Him, and recognize that no matter who is in power we submit willingly.
Vs. 15-17:
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
FInally Peter instructs his people that it is God's desire, His will, that they must act in accordance to the laws--that by doing good", that by living this gospel life out, obeying the law, and government no one should be able to call them out. Then he exhorts not to abuse their freedoms but live as servants of Christ. Notice the final line: I want you to: show respect to everyone---the brotherhood of believers (church), fear God (our Shepherd) and HONOR the king. Honor means to hold in high respect. Peter says hold in high respect the king.
So what?
Yes I resurrected my old religion professors saying of why did we go through all this information:
1 Peter 2:13-16 illustrates for us:
1. We must submit to any secular or civil authority instituted over us for Christ' sake.
(This is not an option--those hate government groups, or people who do not want to follow the authority must examine their hearts and read God's Word to evaluate as this position is a clear violation of His Word.)
2. All rulers and forms of government must be submitted to.
(It never indicates in Scripture that we should follow only democratic governments--in fact all the writers wrote under an oppressive Roman government)
3. All civil authorities are sent by God.
(Again like Paul Peter recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control of all things---it is a divine decreed institution)
4. Your role should be to obey, follow and HONOR the governing authority no matter who they are.
(Here is our role and response to the government: to obey (submit) and to honor and respect them. Their job is punish evil)
**I am doing this to illustrate that how we have acted towards our leaders, and governments are wrong. The way Fox News, and other tv news stations have slandered and abuse the right of freedom of speaking is not in line with Scripture. Our opinions are important but they must flow from an out growth of our relationship with Christ and His Word.
Tomorrow I will examine a passage that focuses purely on our role in regards to our government: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Be Blessed
1 Peter 2:13-17:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."
Vs. 13-14:
The context of this passage is that Peter just finishing giving a wonderful illustration to this community that they are the people of God, "a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." Then they are given an exhortation to live their lives for Christ so much the pagans have to stop and give thanks to God. Finally he switches topics to secular or civil authorities:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Submit yourselves....
There is the command not option (for lingustic meaning read previous blog) just like Paul's opening in Romans 13:1, we are called by both apostles to be subject to the ruling authority. Notice it doesn't say what KIND of authority, just whatever authority you are being ruled under. Remember that Peter was under the reign of Nero (an oppressive and not very democratic!!). Also notice that Peter says that we should submit to every authority that is "instituted among men" making the Roman government a legitimate authority. Some would say this doesnt line up with what Paul is saying in Romans 13. I beg to differ. Paul says that every authority is instituted by God, it is divine ordered by Him. Peter is saying that the authority that is instituted among men must be submitted to---Paul addresses where the authority derives from: God, while Peter reinforces our submission to the law regardless of who makes it: among men.
Now we get to the part that Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are very similar: First Peter recognizes like Paul that no matter who is in power they are sent by God (God's servants in Romans 13): they are divinely sent. Second that they are sent to create order not chaos by enacting laws, and punishing those who break them (Romans 13:6-7).
(vs. 14) --For whose sake should we submit to these authorities..."for the Lord's sake [submit yourselves] to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."
Notice that Peter covers that no matter what kind, and no matter WHO is in power you are called to respect, and be subject to. But Peter also states the exact same thought as Paul in regards to the purpose--who are sent by Him. We do for Christ, to obey Him, and recognize that no matter who is in power we submit willingly.
Vs. 15-17:
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
FInally Peter instructs his people that it is God's desire, His will, that they must act in accordance to the laws--that by doing good", that by living this gospel life out, obeying the law, and government no one should be able to call them out. Then he exhorts not to abuse their freedoms but live as servants of Christ. Notice the final line: I want you to: show respect to everyone---the brotherhood of believers (church), fear God (our Shepherd) and HONOR the king. Honor means to hold in high respect. Peter says hold in high respect the king.
So what?
Yes I resurrected my old religion professors saying of why did we go through all this information:
1 Peter 2:13-16 illustrates for us:
1. We must submit to any secular or civil authority instituted over us for Christ' sake.
(This is not an option--those hate government groups, or people who do not want to follow the authority must examine their hearts and read God's Word to evaluate as this position is a clear violation of His Word.)
2. All rulers and forms of government must be submitted to.
(It never indicates in Scripture that we should follow only democratic governments--in fact all the writers wrote under an oppressive Roman government)
3. All civil authorities are sent by God.
(Again like Paul Peter recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control of all things---it is a divine decreed institution)
4. Your role should be to obey, follow and HONOR the governing authority no matter who they are.
(Here is our role and response to the government: to obey (submit) and to honor and respect them. Their job is punish evil)
**I am doing this to illustrate that how we have acted towards our leaders, and governments are wrong. The way Fox News, and other tv news stations have slandered and abuse the right of freedom of speaking is not in line with Scripture. Our opinions are important but they must flow from an out growth of our relationship with Christ and His Word.
Tomorrow I will examine a passage that focuses purely on our role in regards to our government: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Be Blessed
Monday, April 19, 2010
A Biblical View of Christians and Government
Ever since I could vote and became a Christian, politics and how I vote has been such a hot topic. Growing up I did not live in a political household. The extent of politics was my dad (an Army sargent at the time) was to nuke anyone that really bothered us or that he hated all the red tape surrounding missions he would go on. Other than that my parents never told me who to vote for, nor said I must be a republican or democrat. My first "real" exposure was when in 8th greade our school had a mock school election for the president (then Clinton, Bush, Perot). I seemed to have been attached to Perot maybe cause he was funny, slightly crazy but very intriguing. So I went to the headquarters and got a t-shirt (which I still have) saying Perot for President '94. Other than that it all the hype left and it never returned until I became a Christian and people then began asking me who I was voting for.
This tension rose with my first election voting (Bush V. Gore) with the demand as Christians to vote for Bush. Okay I understood their positions and such but there was always alot of tension and even argument. THis tension only increased with the election of Barak Obama. There was so much tension within the Christian community that there was debate, argument, slander, gossip and even a question of people salvation being thrown around BY CHRISTIANS! It saddend me greatly. Even my salvation was questioned (rather it was said that I wasnt really a believer) because I dared to say that there were more issues in this election than just abortion and homosexuality. Even as Obama has been in office, the majority of conversations and discussions with Christians has been hateful, that Obama is destroying this country, he is destroying the moral fabric of this nation, he had been called a socialist, a communist, Hitler, and people wish that Bush was back in office. Al this was disappointing to me. What really fires me up is when people try to use the Bible to advocate saying these kinds of things. Its sad.
***So I decided instead of making up my own theology, I wanted to see what SCRIPTURE says in regards how we as believers and the government interact. I will cover as many passages as possible dealing with this very issue:
1. Romans 13:1-7:
"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.
Paul from the very beginning makes clear that everyone, not some people, not some believers, but everyone must what....submit. The Greek word for this is hupotasso, which meant to put under subjection or arrange under. It was a military term for being obedient to those in authority. So who is in authority? Scripture says that everyone is to be subjects of the governing authorities.(or civil authorities). Now why would Paul say that we should be subjects of the government----check out verse 2---because God is sovereign over every government established and infact He is the one who established it. Did you read that?? No matter WHO is in office, God has put them there. Lets keep reading:
"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what GOd has instituted, and those who who do so will bring judgment upon themselves"
If God has established something, and we rebel against it, we are rebelling against God not man. (refer to 1 Thess. 4:7-8) The government comes frpom GOd, He instituted it, He established it---to reject it is to reject His sovereignty and His established government. Keep that in mind. The judgment that is spoken here is not end times judgment but rather judgment from the civil authorities. Rebellion will have consequences therefore the authority will keep you in line.
Look at verse 4-6:
"For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not hear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary (some translations say what Paul said earlier you must submit) to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible judgment but to keep a clear conscience."
Notice what the authorities are: God's servant. It didnt say they had to be republican or democrat--note: these verses also apply to all civil authorities (police, court law, traffic laws etc). Since they are God's servants if you break their laws you will be punished by them. Paul says this is good for you! It creates order, not chaos (as God is order and not chaos--refer to 1 Corinthians 14:33-context is disorganization of speaking in tongues-the use is to illustrate the fact that God is a God of order not chaos).
Therfore it is a must or necessary to be subjects under this authority, not just because you will be punished but also to have a clean heart.
Final part: (vs. 6-7)
"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are GOd's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes: if revenue, pay revenue; if respect then pay respect..."
Paul is now saying that since we are submitting to these authorities established by God, that they serve as God's servants, and that we should obey the law---this why we also pay taxes. So what does he say? If you owe taxes PAY THEM! He didnt complain about how high they were, or the fact that he had to pay them, but said PAY THEM. Jesus says the exact same thing in Matthjew 22:21-"Render to Cesar what is Cesar's and give to GOd what is God's" Now understanding the context here Jesus asked who image was on it? Therefore give to whomever's image is on there....but give me you who are the image of God! Jesus states give your money to the state but GOd wants His image (you) to give all of yourself to Him. There is a clear delination between giving God His due and giving to the secular or civil authority.
Some try to distort the context of this passage by saying
"we believe...Paul is speaking of the spiritual leaders of the Body of Christ, not the civil authorities of this world. (embassyofheaven.com)
Based on what evidence? If Paul was writing to spiritual leaders, he would have indicated so. Anyone who has read a Pauline letter would know this. Paul when speaking to leaders makes it specific: (example 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Romans 16,) He tends to use the word, elders, deacons and does nothing of the sort here. Second it then would conflict with several other passages that clearly state submitting to a civil authority (we will do these passages later). This cannot be the proper interpretation of this passage.
Are there exceptions?
Absolutely! I agree with John Macarthur when he says there are 2 exceptions to obeying the authorities:
1. When the government commands (forces or imposes) something that God forbids.
For Example: When the governemnt commanded Peter NOT to preach the gospel. (Acts 4:17-19)
So as believers we must recognize that the secular government is:
1. a divinly instituted (vs. 2, 4-5)-They are God's servants
2. Must be submitted to (vs. 1,5)
3. Pay your obligations (vs. 6-7)
Do not:
1. rebel--beause God placed them there and you will be punished for (rebelling) and breaking the laws set by them.
In the end who you are voting for is a personal freedom, something we often take for granted. We should never seperate ourselves from who God has made us, what His word says when we do vote. But no where in this passage does it support a slandering, or hatefulness of the government, those elected in it and appointed to it. You may have a personal opinion, but that opinion must be rooted in Scripture------so whether it is Obama, Bush, or a pile of dirt, GOd has instituted it to govern over us.
**I will continue with an exegesis of the next passage: 1 Peter 2:13-17 tomorrow**
Be Blessed
This tension rose with my first election voting (Bush V. Gore) with the demand as Christians to vote for Bush. Okay I understood their positions and such but there was always alot of tension and even argument. THis tension only increased with the election of Barak Obama. There was so much tension within the Christian community that there was debate, argument, slander, gossip and even a question of people salvation being thrown around BY CHRISTIANS! It saddend me greatly. Even my salvation was questioned (rather it was said that I wasnt really a believer) because I dared to say that there were more issues in this election than just abortion and homosexuality. Even as Obama has been in office, the majority of conversations and discussions with Christians has been hateful, that Obama is destroying this country, he is destroying the moral fabric of this nation, he had been called a socialist, a communist, Hitler, and people wish that Bush was back in office. Al this was disappointing to me. What really fires me up is when people try to use the Bible to advocate saying these kinds of things. Its sad.
***So I decided instead of making up my own theology, I wanted to see what SCRIPTURE says in regards how we as believers and the government interact. I will cover as many passages as possible dealing with this very issue:
1. Romans 13:1-7:
"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.
Paul from the very beginning makes clear that everyone, not some people, not some believers, but everyone must what....submit. The Greek word for this is hupotasso, which meant to put under subjection or arrange under. It was a military term for being obedient to those in authority. So who is in authority? Scripture says that everyone is to be subjects of the governing authorities.(or civil authorities). Now why would Paul say that we should be subjects of the government----check out verse 2---because God is sovereign over every government established and infact He is the one who established it. Did you read that?? No matter WHO is in office, God has put them there. Lets keep reading:
"Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what GOd has instituted, and those who who do so will bring judgment upon themselves"
If God has established something, and we rebel against it, we are rebelling against God not man. (refer to 1 Thess. 4:7-8) The government comes frpom GOd, He instituted it, He established it---to reject it is to reject His sovereignty and His established government. Keep that in mind. The judgment that is spoken here is not end times judgment but rather judgment from the civil authorities. Rebellion will have consequences therefore the authority will keep you in line.
Look at verse 4-6:
"For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not hear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary (some translations say what Paul said earlier you must submit) to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible judgment but to keep a clear conscience."
Notice what the authorities are: God's servant. It didnt say they had to be republican or democrat--note: these verses also apply to all civil authorities (police, court law, traffic laws etc). Since they are God's servants if you break their laws you will be punished by them. Paul says this is good for you! It creates order, not chaos (as God is order and not chaos--refer to 1 Corinthians 14:33-context is disorganization of speaking in tongues-the use is to illustrate the fact that God is a God of order not chaos).
Therfore it is a must or necessary to be subjects under this authority, not just because you will be punished but also to have a clean heart.
Final part: (vs. 6-7)
"This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are GOd's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes: if revenue, pay revenue; if respect then pay respect..."
Paul is now saying that since we are submitting to these authorities established by God, that they serve as God's servants, and that we should obey the law---this why we also pay taxes. So what does he say? If you owe taxes PAY THEM! He didnt complain about how high they were, or the fact that he had to pay them, but said PAY THEM. Jesus says the exact same thing in Matthjew 22:21-"Render to Cesar what is Cesar's and give to GOd what is God's" Now understanding the context here Jesus asked who image was on it? Therefore give to whomever's image is on there....but give me you who are the image of God! Jesus states give your money to the state but GOd wants His image (you) to give all of yourself to Him. There is a clear delination between giving God His due and giving to the secular or civil authority.
Some try to distort the context of this passage by saying
"we believe...Paul is speaking of the spiritual leaders of the Body of Christ, not the civil authorities of this world. (embassyofheaven.com)
Based on what evidence? If Paul was writing to spiritual leaders, he would have indicated so. Anyone who has read a Pauline letter would know this. Paul when speaking to leaders makes it specific: (example 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Romans 16,) He tends to use the word, elders, deacons and does nothing of the sort here. Second it then would conflict with several other passages that clearly state submitting to a civil authority (we will do these passages later). This cannot be the proper interpretation of this passage.
Are there exceptions?
Absolutely! I agree with John Macarthur when he says there are 2 exceptions to obeying the authorities:
1. When the government commands (forces or imposes) something that God forbids.
For Example: When the governemnt commanded Peter NOT to preach the gospel. (Acts 4:17-19)
So as believers we must recognize that the secular government is:
1. a divinly instituted (vs. 2, 4-5)-They are God's servants
2. Must be submitted to (vs. 1,5)
3. Pay your obligations (vs. 6-7)
Do not:
1. rebel--beause God placed them there and you will be punished for (rebelling) and breaking the laws set by them.
In the end who you are voting for is a personal freedom, something we often take for granted. We should never seperate ourselves from who God has made us, what His word says when we do vote. But no where in this passage does it support a slandering, or hatefulness of the government, those elected in it and appointed to it. You may have a personal opinion, but that opinion must be rooted in Scripture------so whether it is Obama, Bush, or a pile of dirt, GOd has instituted it to govern over us.
**I will continue with an exegesis of the next passage: 1 Peter 2:13-17 tomorrow**
Be Blessed
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