The Institutions of God(2) Government: Romans 13:1 I. Introduction. A. Not every person is or will be a Christian. 1. In fact, few will accept and obey the truth: Matthew 7:13-14. 2. Even under the Old Covenant--God's people were always in a minority when compared with the population(explain). 3. Since this is the case, there must be some way by which all men can live together. B. In the absence of some regulation and rules--chaos would be the norm. 1. While some act as it there are no laws to govern the population, such is not true. 2. No country, however primitive, has functioned without a form of civil government. 3. For everyone, the answer: Romans 13:1. II. Body. A. Jesus' disciples lived under a despotic human government even though the conditions were ripe for the spread of the gospel. 1. The history books reveal an utterly depraved and sadistic ruling class at this time. 2. Christians had to live under rules and regulations-- devised and enforced by men who did not respect God. 3. The Lord taught the people of His day: Matthew 22:21b. a. The Pharisees had sought to entrap Christ: Matthew 22:17. b. Jesus reaction: Matthew 22:18-21a 4. For a Christian, there are duties that belong to the family, to the government, and most of all, to God. 5. If every person was a Christian, would you need civil laws? B. The history of human government. 1. In the Garden, there was no need of a mass of human laws and regulations. 2. Jehovah issued the commands: a. Labor and preserve the garden: Genesis 2:15. (1 First civil servant? (2 What a great occupation! b. There was a regulation: Genesis 2:16-17. c. Jehovah paid the workers and eventually punished those who broke the law: Genesis 3:9-12. d. Lost their home for violating the law: Genesis 3:22-23. 3. God continued to rule in civil matters, punishing Cain for slaying Abel. 4. The population increases and a city is built: Genesis 4:17. 5. As mankind increased, there developed an increasing need for laws of regulation. a. Consider what occurred: Genesis 6:5. b. The Lord's remedy: (1 Punish the evil. (2 Reward the righteousness. (3 Should be the aim of every civil government. c. First mention of nations: Genesis 10:5. C. A universal government: Genesis 11:1. 1. Common language unites people. 2. Men seem to need something physical to keep their identity: Genesis 11:4. 3. The various nations, tribes and people come into existence: Genesis 11:9. D. During time of the Patriarchs, government ranged from a small tribe to the early nations(as Canaanites). 1. The first king mentioned: Genesis 14:1. 2. There were times of war and times of peace. E. With the establishment of the nation of Israel, the Law of Moses regulated the spiritual and civil sides of men. 1. Much was intertwined under the Old Covenant. 2. Note: Deuteronomy 5:2. 3. Under the Law of Moses, rewards and punishments were enforced by judges, and--after Samuel--a king. 4. The Gentiles had their own laws: illustrate--Romans 2:14. F. Since the death of Christ, the civil/religious bond of the Old Covenant does not exist. 1. However, Christians are taught to respect and obey civil authorities. a. Even Jesus paid his taxes. b. Hence: Romans 13:1. 2. Further instruction: Romans 13:2-7. 3. Paul respected civil authorities: Acts 23:2-5. a. Power was granted by Roman authority to the Jewish leaders. b. Paul eased his situation by causing a "dissension." c. He was tried, imprisoned, and put to death by civil government--but he still instructed Christians to properly honor and obey. 4. Paul used his rights as a Roman citizen to protect his own rights(appealed to Caesar). 5. Christians respect authority; many despise authority-- II Peter 2:10. 6. Hence: I Peter 2:13-14. III. Conclusion. A. When there is a conflict between civil authority and God's law: Acts 5:29. B. Proper respect is to be paid to government for it is from God. Condemnation is proper when they do wrong because they stray from God's standards for civil authorities. C. When rendering unto Caesar, always keep God in mind(first).-jy