Basic Christianity: God & Government
Mark Martin
In this message, Basic Christianity: God & Government, Pastor Mark Martin teaches on the first part of Romans 13. He explains that governments are established by God and we are to respect that authority. A Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms. We’re citizens of the Kingdom of God and we’re citizens of some country on earth. And we’re to be good citizens of both. Paul tells us here how to be good earthly citizens. God appointed government because of the depravity of man caused by the fall. Because of the sin and rebellion of mankind, God established government to hold evil in check. It was put in place to protect good people from evil people, so they could live in safety and peace. Pastor Mark will answer the question: “Why are there evil rulers if God has ordained government?”
Romans 13:1-7
J. Mark Martin / Oct 5, 2014
Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore he who resists authority has resisted the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what ids due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Romans 13:1-7