"Evangelistic Citizenship"
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Peter: The Transforming Epistle
Pastor Charles Specht
Welcome to Campus Bible Church
Dear Campus Bible Church,
We hope this will be a helpful guide for you this morning as we sing, pray and look at God’s Word together. Things are going to look a little different for us as we cannot currently meet together in person, but our desire is that we can still support each other and point each other to Jesus during this time. The current situation is unfortunate, but we think it’s a great opportunity to support, encourage and serve one another in different ways.
So as long as these circumstances persist, we hope you’ll use these Sunday morning times to gather with your family or a small friend group and worship God together. Of course our plans may change Sunday to Sunday at this point, so please keep checking your emails and the church website for more information.
This is a great opportunity to love one another and to praise the Lord regardless of our circumstances. Please reach out to to our pastoral staff and the rest of the Elders if you need anything, and we look forward to gathering once again soon.
We hope this will be a helpful guide for you this morning as we sing, pray and look at God’s Word together. Things are going to look a little different for us as we cannot currently meet together in person, but our desire is that we can still support each other and point each other to Jesus during this time. The current situation is unfortunate, but we think it’s a great opportunity to support, encourage and serve one another in different ways.
So as long as these circumstances persist, we hope you’ll use these Sunday morning times to gather with your family or a small friend group and worship God together. Of course our plans may change Sunday to Sunday at this point, so please keep checking your emails and the church website for more information.
This is a great opportunity to love one another and to praise the Lord regardless of our circumstances. Please reach out to to our pastoral staff and the rest of the Elders if you need anything, and we look forward to gathering once again soon.
Connection Card
Thanks for joining us online! Let us know that you joined us this week. We’d
appreciate it if you would flll out an Online Connection Card for your family. If
you are new to Campus, thanks for being with us! Take a look around the
website to discover what Campus is all about and join us again next week!
Prayer Request
We would love to pray for you this week. If you have a prayer or praise item
that you would like to share with our prayer chain or with just the Staff/Elders,
please flll out the Prayer Request Form.
God Sightings
We are expecting to see God move in some incredible ways as we reach out with
the love of Christ to those around us. Be the look out for how God is working
and take note. If you would like to share a God Sighting, please flll out the God
Sighting Form.
Giving
There are lots of different ways to give your offering. You could...
1. Mail a check to the church office: 4710 N. Maple Ave., Fresno, CA 93726
2. Send your gift through your bank's Bill Pay feature
3. Give your gift online through the church website
1. Mail a check to the church office: 4710 N. Maple Ave., Fresno, CA 93726
2. Send your gift through your bank's Bill Pay feature
3. Give your gift online through the church website
Order of Service
Welcome/Call to Worship
Pastor Jim
“The Lion and the Lamb”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
“Agnus Dei”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
“Take My Life and Let It Be”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
God Sighting
Pastor Kenton Rahn
Welcome/Offering Prayer
Ben Dhillon
Offertory - “Hidden Friend”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Message
Pastor Charles
Communion
Pastor Jim
“All Hail King Jesus”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
"Nothing but the Blood"
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Global Missions Offering
Pastor Jim
"Mighty to Save"
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Closing & Prayer
Pastor Jim
Pastor Jim
“The Lion and the Lamb”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
“Agnus Dei”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
“Take My Life and Let It Be”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
God Sighting
Pastor Kenton Rahn
Welcome/Offering Prayer
Ben Dhillon
Offertory - “Hidden Friend”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Message
Pastor Charles
Communion
Pastor Jim
“All Hail King Jesus”
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
"Nothing but the Blood"
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Global Missions Offering
Pastor Jim
"Mighty to Save"
Pastor Jon & Worship Team
Closing & Prayer
Pastor Jim
The Lion and the Lamb
[Big Daddy Weave (Beautiful Offerings)] by Brenton Brown, Brian Johnson, and Leeland Mooring
Verse 1
He's coming on the clouds
Kings and kingdoms will bow down
And every chain will break
As broken hearts declare His praise
For who can stop the Lord almighty
Chorus 1
Our God is the Lion
The Lion of Judah
He's roaring with power
And fighting our battles
And every knee will bow before Him
Our God is the Lamb
The Lamb that was slain
For the sin of the world
His blood breaks the chains
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Verse 2
So open up the gates
Make way before the King of kings
Our God who comes to save
Is here to set the captives free
For who can stop the Lord almighty
Misc 1 (Bridge)
Who can stop the Lord almighty
Who can stop the Lord (almighty)
© © Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), and Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI Song # 7038281 -- CCLI License # 144020
Verse 1
He's coming on the clouds
Kings and kingdoms will bow down
And every chain will break
As broken hearts declare His praise
For who can stop the Lord almighty
Chorus 1
Our God is the Lion
The Lion of Judah
He's roaring with power
And fighting our battles
And every knee will bow before Him
Our God is the Lamb
The Lamb that was slain
For the sin of the world
His blood breaks the chains
And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb
Verse 2
So open up the gates
Make way before the King of kings
Our God who comes to save
Is here to set the captives free
For who can stop the Lord almighty
Misc 1 (Bridge)
Who can stop the Lord almighty
Who can stop the Lord (almighty)
© © Meaux Mercy (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), and Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI Song # 7038281 -- CCLI License # 144020
Agnus Dei
[Default Arrangement] by Michael W. Smith
Verse 1
Alleluia alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Chorus 1
(You are) Holy holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
© 1990 Sony/ATV Milene Music
CCLI Song # 626713 -- CCLI License # 144020
Verse 1
Alleluia alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Chorus 1
(You are) Holy holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
© 1990 Sony/ATV Milene Music
CCLI Song # 626713 -- CCLI License # 144020
Take My Life
[Default Arrangement] by Louie Giglio, Frances Ridley Havergal,
Henri Abraham Cesar Malan
Verse 1
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee
Verse 2
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Ev'ry power as You choose
Chorus 1Here am I all of me
Take my life it's all for Thee
Verse 3
Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee
© 2003 sixsteps Music | worshiptogether.com songs For use solely with the SongSelect. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4162843 CCLI License # 144020
Henri Abraham Cesar Malan
Verse 1
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee
Verse 2
Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee
Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Ev'ry power as You choose
Chorus 1Here am I all of me
Take my life it's all for Thee
Verse 3
Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love my Lord I pour
At Your feet its treasure store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee
© 2003 sixsteps Music | worshiptogether.com songs For use solely with the SongSelect. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4162843 CCLI License # 144020
Hidden Friend
Verse 1
I’ve heard true friends don’t leave
Yet it seems my prayers hit the ceiling
Have you seen these tears
My Hidden Friend
I'm asking for a view
Just a glimpse would be so healing
In this valley I walk through
My Hidden Friend
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
You bore my shame
And my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
You Hidden friend
Verse 2
I’m not the only one
This whole world groans with suffering
We need your presence now
My Hidden friend
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
You bore my shame
And my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
You Hidden friend
Bridge
Deep down I know you’re preparing a place
In my heart I know I’m held by your grace
Deep down Lord
I need you now
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
Cause You bore my shame
And now my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there’s nothing that lies between us
Cause You bore my shame
And now my soul bares your Name
And all that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
No place I’d rather be
Than with You
Hidden friend
(C) 2020 Aromaphone Recording Company I Psalmist Mission
Written by: Jon Shabaglian, Sam Hart, Andre Hudson
I’ve heard true friends don’t leave
Yet it seems my prayers hit the ceiling
Have you seen these tears
My Hidden Friend
I'm asking for a view
Just a glimpse would be so healing
In this valley I walk through
My Hidden Friend
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
You bore my shame
And my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
You Hidden friend
Verse 2
I’m not the only one
This whole world groans with suffering
We need your presence now
My Hidden friend
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
You bore my shame
And my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
You Hidden friend
Bridge
Deep down I know you’re preparing a place
In my heart I know I’m held by your grace
Deep down Lord
I need you now
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there is nothing that lies between us
Cause You bore my shame
And now my soul bares your Name
All that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Chorus
Oh for the day
When the veil's ripped away
And there’s nothing that lies between us
Cause You bore my shame
And now my soul bares your Name
And all that’s left to address
Is this barrier..
Give me the eyes to see
No place I’d rather be
Than with You
Hidden friend
(C) 2020 Aromaphone Recording Company I Psalmist Mission
Written by: Jon Shabaglian, Sam Hart, Andre Hudson
All Hail King Jesus
[Default Arrangement] by Jeremy Riddle, Peter Mattis, Ran Jackson, and Steffany Gretzinger
Verse 1
There was a moment when the lights went out
When death had claimed its victory
The King of Love had given up His life
The darkest day in history
Verse 2
There on a cross they made for sinners
For every curse His blood atoned
One final breath and it was finished
But not the end we could have known
(Pre-Chorus)
For the earth began to shake
And the veil was torn
What sacrifice was made
As the heavens roared
Chorus 1
All hail King Jesus
All hail the Lord of Heaven and earth
All hail King Jesus
All hail the Savior of the world
Verse 3
There was a moment when the sky lit up
A flash of light breaking through
When all was lost He crossed eternity
The King of life was on the move
(Pre-Chorus)
For in a dark cold tomb
Where our Lord was laid
One miraculous breath
And we're forever changed
(Bridge)
Let every knee come bow before the King of Kings
Let every tongue confess that He is Lord
Lift up your shout let us join with all of Heaven
Singing Holy
Singing Holy
Cry out Holy
Singing Holy
Chorus 2
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All Hail King Jesus
© 2017 Bethel Music Publishing and Remaining portion is unaffiliated
CCLI Song # 7097216 -- CCLI License # 144020
Verse 1
There was a moment when the lights went out
When death had claimed its victory
The King of Love had given up His life
The darkest day in history
Verse 2
There on a cross they made for sinners
For every curse His blood atoned
One final breath and it was finished
But not the end we could have known
(Pre-Chorus)
For the earth began to shake
And the veil was torn
What sacrifice was made
As the heavens roared
Chorus 1
All hail King Jesus
All hail the Lord of Heaven and earth
All hail King Jesus
All hail the Savior of the world
Verse 3
There was a moment when the sky lit up
A flash of light breaking through
When all was lost He crossed eternity
The King of life was on the move
(Pre-Chorus)
For in a dark cold tomb
Where our Lord was laid
One miraculous breath
And we're forever changed
(Bridge)
Let every knee come bow before the King of Kings
Let every tongue confess that He is Lord
Lift up your shout let us join with all of Heaven
Singing Holy
Singing Holy
Cry out Holy
Singing Holy
Chorus 2
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All hail King Jesus
All Hail King Jesus
© 2017 Bethel Music Publishing and Remaining portion is unaffiliated
CCLI Song # 7097216 -- CCLI License # 144020
Nothing but the Blood
[Default Arrangement] by Robert Lowry
Chorus 1
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 1
What can wash away my sin
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 2
For my pardon this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 3
Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 4
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
© Public Domain
CCLI Song # 21332 -- CCLI License # 144020
Chorus 1
O precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 1
What can wash away my sin
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 2
For my pardon this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 3
Nothing can for sin atone
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Verse 4
This is all my hope and peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
© Public Domain
CCLI Song # 21332 -- CCLI License # 144020
Mighty to Save
[Default Arrangement] by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
Verse 1
Ev’ryone needs compassion
Love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Ev’ryone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Chorus 1
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Verse 2
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Ev’rything I believe in
Now I surrender
(Bridge)
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King Jesus
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King
© 2006 Hillsong Publishing
CCLI Song # 4591782 -- CCLI License # 144020
Verse 1
Ev’ryone needs compassion
Love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Ev’ryone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations
Chorus 1
Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
Verse 2
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Ev’rything I believe in
Now I surrender
(Bridge)
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King Jesus
Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King
© 2006 Hillsong Publishing
CCLI Song # 4591782 -- CCLI License # 144020
Sermon Notes
“Evangelistic Citizenship”
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Peter: The Transforming Epistle
Pastor Charles Specht
1 PETER 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
THEME: Godly Citizens Submit to God’s Governing Authorities
I. Godly Citizens “SUBMIT” (vs. 13)
A. “Submit” - “to arrange in formation under the commander”
B. “the Lord’s sake” - our holy reason for submitting to authority
C. “every human institution” - means “foundation” … as in “creating” or “creation”
1. “a king” - Nero was the Roman emperor
2. “governors” - refers to other “ranks” under the head authority
D. “the will of God” - the primary purpose for what God wants out of it
ROMANS 13:1-7 (c.f. Titus 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:2, 7)
1 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 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; 4 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 is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
II. Godly Citizens “ACT” (vs. 16)
A. “Act” - refers to lifestyle; words, thoughts, and deeds
B. “as free men” - to submit ourselves is an act of spiritual freedom
C. “bondslaves of God” - submission is an act of service to God. (1 Corinthians 7:22)
QUESTION: Is it ever appropriate to be disobedient to the governing authorities?
• What if the governing leader is a non-Christian, or even a Muslim?
• What if the governing leader is rude, mean, unethical, or a tyrant?
• What if the government will use my money (taxes) to support sinful things, like abortion?
• What if the governing leader is physically persecuting Christians?
1. We are to ALWAYS submit to the governing authorities, even when it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, painful, or even costs us our lives (crucified). (c.f. Acts 5:18, 26, 34, 40-41)
18 “They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.” - (no arguing)
26 “Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).” - (they went without complaint)
34 “But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.” - (They did not object)
40 “They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” -
(never once did they complain)
2. We can be disobedient to governing authorities ONLY when it (they) tells us to do something God forbids or to not do something that God commands. (Acts 5:27-32, 42)
27 “When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
42 “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
III. Godly Citizens “HONOR” (vs. 17)
A. “Honor” - means to show respectful preference
B. “all people” - not some, but all
C. “the king” - the one in authority making the rules; Nero
IV. Godly Citizens “LOVE" (vs. 17)
A. “love” - ‘agapate’: means covenant love; the kind of love God has
B. “the brotherhood” - refers to the professing church (c.f. John 13:34-35)
V. Godly Citizens “FEAR” (vs. 17)
A. “fear” - from the word: phobia
B. “God” - your Maker, Creator, Designer, Judge, and Redeemer (c.f. Proverbs 1:7, 28-29; 10:27; 22:4; Psalm 19:9; 34:11; Ephesians 5:15-21)
CONCLUSION:
2 Kings 6:8-17 - fearing man vs. trusting God
********************************
Discussion Questions:
1. Discuss a time when you struggled to submit to a governing authority (or a decision of an authority.
2. How was God honored when Christians honored some of the worst dictators throughout history?
3. Discuss a time either in your life or history when Christians were being told to disobey God and they chose to obey God rather than men.
4. Discuss a time in your (or someone you know) life when you were able to share the gospel with someone and they were open to listening to you because you’d been honoring to them previously.
5. ACTION ITEM: Be praying for the First Responders (sheriff, police, fire fighters, doctors, and nurses) and reach out to one of them, telling them you’re praying for them and ask if they need anything
********************************
© 2020 | Campus Bible Church, Fresno, CA 93726 | www.campusbiblechurch.com
1 Peter 2:13-17
1 Peter: The Transforming Epistle
Pastor Charles Specht
1 PETER 2:13-17
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
THEME: Godly Citizens Submit to God’s Governing Authorities
I. Godly Citizens “SUBMIT” (vs. 13)
A. “Submit” - “to arrange in formation under the commander”
B. “the Lord’s sake” - our holy reason for submitting to authority
C. “every human institution” - means “foundation” … as in “creating” or “creation”
1. “a king” - Nero was the Roman emperor
2. “governors” - refers to other “ranks” under the head authority
D. “the will of God” - the primary purpose for what God wants out of it
ROMANS 13:1-7 (c.f. Titus 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:2, 7)
1 “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 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; 4 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 is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
II. Godly Citizens “ACT” (vs. 16)
A. “Act” - refers to lifestyle; words, thoughts, and deeds
B. “as free men” - to submit ourselves is an act of spiritual freedom
C. “bondslaves of God” - submission is an act of service to God. (1 Corinthians 7:22)
QUESTION: Is it ever appropriate to be disobedient to the governing authorities?
• What if the governing leader is a non-Christian, or even a Muslim?
• What if the governing leader is rude, mean, unethical, or a tyrant?
• What if the government will use my money (taxes) to support sinful things, like abortion?
• What if the governing leader is physically persecuting Christians?
1. We are to ALWAYS submit to the governing authorities, even when it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, painful, or even costs us our lives (crucified). (c.f. Acts 5:18, 26, 34, 40-41)
18 “They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.” - (no arguing)
26 “Then the captain went along with the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).” - (they went without complaint)
34 “But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.” - (They did not object)
40 “They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” -
(never once did they complain)
2. We can be disobedient to governing authorities ONLY when it (they) tells us to do something God forbids or to not do something that God commands. (Acts 5:27-32, 42)
27 “When they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”
42 “And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
III. Godly Citizens “HONOR” (vs. 17)
A. “Honor” - means to show respectful preference
B. “all people” - not some, but all
C. “the king” - the one in authority making the rules; Nero
IV. Godly Citizens “LOVE" (vs. 17)
A. “love” - ‘agapate’: means covenant love; the kind of love God has
B. “the brotherhood” - refers to the professing church (c.f. John 13:34-35)
V. Godly Citizens “FEAR” (vs. 17)
A. “fear” - from the word: phobia
B. “God” - your Maker, Creator, Designer, Judge, and Redeemer (c.f. Proverbs 1:7, 28-29; 10:27; 22:4; Psalm 19:9; 34:11; Ephesians 5:15-21)
CONCLUSION:
2 Kings 6:8-17 - fearing man vs. trusting God
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Discussion Questions:
1. Discuss a time when you struggled to submit to a governing authority (or a decision of an authority.
2. How was God honored when Christians honored some of the worst dictators throughout history?
3. Discuss a time either in your life or history when Christians were being told to disobey God and they chose to obey God rather than men.
4. Discuss a time in your (or someone you know) life when you were able to share the gospel with someone and they were open to listening to you because you’d been honoring to them previously.
5. ACTION ITEM: Be praying for the First Responders (sheriff, police, fire fighters, doctors, and nurses) and reach out to one of them, telling them you’re praying for them and ask if they need anything
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