God, The Christian And Government

Gods Expectations for Government
God Expectations for Government Part 2
God's Expectation for the Christian
Christian's Duty To Government Part 2

Adapted form the God and Government Bible Study by PA State Representative Sam Rohrer

1.    Government The Purpose

“ Direction: regulation” The exercise of authority over the actions of men in communities, societies, states, parents or householders.  In the broadest sense, government encompasses anyone or any entity that exercises control or jurisdiction over another.

 

References in the Bible to civil government include the Greek exousia which is the word used in such verses as “…all rule, …all authority and power’, 1 Corinthians 15:54; “principalities, power, high places”, Ephesians 6:12 and about 200 other similar entries. 

 

 

2.    Government: The Purpose

1.       All government is ordained and instituted by God. (Romans 13:1)  The four basic institutions are 1. Self, 2. Family, 3. Civil and 4. Church.

Good government generally begins in the family because once the family    degenerates, their political character will soon follow.

 

2.       Since God is the Author of all government, He alone is Sovereign and the source of all power and authority.  See verse such as (1Peter 3:22; Colossians 1:15-17; 1Timothy 6:15 and Revelation 17:14, 19:160

The laws of nature are the laws of God. Whose authority can be superseded by no power on earth (George Mason)

 

3.       God reigns by virtue of His own authority and right as our Creator.  All others reign by deviation.  Gods has a jurisdiction proper. Kings are his delegates. Romans 13:1 says; “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God”

4.       The jurisdiction and authority of God knows no limits.  He is Sovereign.  But, every delegated authority has certain limits.  Proverbs 8:15 says “ By me kings reign and princes declare justice”

5.       God has not resigned His throne.  He has not abdicated His throne even for a while. Daniel 4:17 says “that the living may know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men”.   God is still in charge.

6.       God has instituted and ordained authorities and by the very nature of delegated authority, every authority that exists is accountable and answerable to God. clear that God, in fact, appoints the individuals who bear authority. This is directly stated in Daniel 4:17, wherein God himself told Nebuchadnezzar, the greatest king of Babylon, in a dream that it is God who bestows ruler ship over the realm of mankind on whom he wishes "and sets over it the lowliest of men."  

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