Of Christians and the Government - Christian Lifestyle

Thesis: Paul commandment to civil obedience

a)V13:1 THE OVERARCHING EXHORTATION IS:
1 Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities.
a.1. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF ALL HUMAN AUTHORITY - Daniel 2:21

b)V13:2-4a A LOGICAL CONCLUSION:
2 Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;Encouragement to civil obedience
a.2. Encouragement to civil obedience - FEAR OF PUNISHMENT
a.3. The benefits of having authorities - THE PEACE OF REWARD

c)V13:5-6 A PRACTICAL NECESSITY.
3. Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection - the alternative of anarchy is intolerably worse.
a.4. appeals to our conscience v13:5
a.5. pay taxes V13:6

d)V13:7 CLOSING THE LOOP
A The Christian must exemplify Christlikeness, as a citizen.
1.Submission is not synonym of Strict Obedience
2.Submission to Civil Authority is based on God being the Ultimate Authority
3.God establishing authorities DOES NOT MEAN He approves of wicked authority.
4.What about the Sword of the Magistrate? Does the NT endorse the death penalty?
5.Taxes are not illegal or immoral, but a necessity.
6.Are there legitimate revolts?

Conclusion: OUR REAL PROBLEM AND ITS SOLUTION IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT.