- From Sunday’s Message, “The Christian Citizen,” Romans 13:1-7
On Sunday we learned that Christ wants and commands His followers to be model, law-abiding citizens. This is the basis for His command, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities.” (see Romans 13:1,5; Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13)
In his commentary on Romans 13, Albert Barns points out the following principles:
(1) Government is essential. God establishes governments to protect us from anarchy so we may live in peace.
(2) Civil rulers are dependent on God. He has full control over them, and can set them up or take them down when he pleases.
(3) God’s authority is superior to the authority of civil rulers. They do not have the right to make laws contrary to His commands.
(4) The government must preserve the rights of individuals to worship God according to their conscience as long as the peace and order of the community is not violated.
Here is the challenge to the faithful follower of Christ. Since Americans live in one of the few nations that have true religious freedom, we must take advantage of our freedom and do the tasks Jesus has given us. Galatians 5:13 says it well, But don’t use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Have we got the purpose of our lives wrong? Do we think we are here to live for our own enjoyment, leisure, pleasure and/or fun? Did Jesus put each of us in America to pursue the American dream or for His greater purpose? How can I live out His purpose for me?
Let the Holy Spirit help you ponder and answer these questions.
In His Service,
- Pastor Tim
----------------
P.S. Here is a great truth I learned from my wife, Lisa, “If it’s not worth praying about, it’s not worth worrying about.”
---------------
P.P.S. Our Wesleyan Food Pantry was blessed to serve a family of four on Sunday evening. Keep up the shopping and keep your ears open for those in need in your neighborhoods and workplaces.
On Sunday we learned that Christ wants and commands His followers to be model, law-abiding citizens. This is the basis for His command, “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities.” (see Romans 13:1,5; Titus 3:1, 1 Peter 2:13)
In his commentary on Romans 13, Albert Barns points out the following principles:
(1) Government is essential. God establishes governments to protect us from anarchy so we may live in peace.
(2) Civil rulers are dependent on God. He has full control over them, and can set them up or take them down when he pleases.
(3) God’s authority is superior to the authority of civil rulers. They do not have the right to make laws contrary to His commands.
(4) The government must preserve the rights of individuals to worship God according to their conscience as long as the peace and order of the community is not violated.
Here is the challenge to the faithful follower of Christ. Since Americans live in one of the few nations that have true religious freedom, we must take advantage of our freedom and do the tasks Jesus has given us. Galatians 5:13 says it well, But don’t use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Have we got the purpose of our lives wrong? Do we think we are here to live for our own enjoyment, leisure, pleasure and/or fun? Did Jesus put each of us in America to pursue the American dream or for His greater purpose? How can I live out His purpose for me?
Let the Holy Spirit help you ponder and answer these questions.
In His Service,
- Pastor Tim
----------------
P.S. Here is a great truth I learned from my wife, Lisa, “If it’s not worth praying about, it’s not worth worrying about.”
---------------
P.P.S. Our Wesleyan Food Pantry was blessed to serve a family of four on Sunday evening. Keep up the shopping and keep your ears open for those in need in your neighborhoods and workplaces.
No comments:
Post a Comment