Preview: A straightforward look at politics through biblical eyes.
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:1-10.
Memory Verse: Romans 13:2.
1. To whom should we be subject? Romans 13:1.
2. What part does God have in selecting rulers over earthly kingdoms? Daniel 4:25.
3. Does the Lord have any part in removing and setting up kings? Explain. Daniel 2:21.
4. Does the Lord know the future? What does He know? Daniel 2:22.
5. Why did Christ come to this earth? Luke 9:56.
6. What is the Gospel of Christ to believers? Romans 1:16.
7. What does one resist when he resists civil authority? Romans 13:2.
Note: Politicians, and many religious cults, refuse to obey the civil laws through their ignorance. They will gladly receive, and welcome, government protection for themselves, but refuse to respect and honor civil government.
8. What is the mission of our civil rulers? Romans 13:3.
9. Is he a minister of God? Should he bear the sword or gun in vain? Romans 13:4.
10. Should we be subject to them? Why or why not? Romans 13:5.
11. Should we pay taxes to support them? Why? Romans 13:6.
Note: It is argued by many that our civil government is in pagan hands, and therefore they rebel against it. Let us consider the other side of the question. How could we enjoy our homes, and live peaceably within a country without a government, without civil officers? They are appointed to care for the evil doers, which protects us that are living an honest life. God has always had an interest in civil government. He allows no man to become king or president that He knows nothing about. Nebuchadnezzar learned his lesson in a hard way. He refused to rule as God commanded him and the Lord took his throne away from him, as well as his mind, and made him go out and eat grass like an ox. Civil government is limited by the law of God; and if it oversteps the law of God, it oversteps the boundary line of its authority and ceases to be a government. Caesar then is no longer Caesar. If the President of the United States orders his general to overthrow the Constitution, he acts outside his office; and is not a President. If the religious professors of this day would abide by the Word of God and cooperate together, we would have a better government than we have today. But we must admit that when we are in trouble, we call for civil officers to protect our religious rights, and our personal belongings.
12. In which other manner should we be subject to our government? Romans 13:7.
13. What are the great sins that endanger a nation? Romans 13:9.
14. What will love do for our fellowman? Romans 13:10.
15. Why does the Lord not approve of taking a life? Revelation 13:10.
Note: This is no contradiction of Romans 13. It is a direct reference to citizens or civilians as the Lord has placed the prosecution of the guilty ones in the hands of the civil government. The Lord endued Moses and Aaron with both civil and religious authority. The Church had the authority to stone criminals and offenders, but the Church of today should support their civil government in their rights and help select honest men in the trust of our government. If they are overstepping the boundary, they should be impeached.
16. How great a power does the Church of Christ have? Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:17-18.
Note: If religious leaders of this day would help their members to see their duty towards the civil government and their duty of obeying, and respecting the Church power, we would not have the political strife and bloodshed that we have today. The pastors are afraid of losing their bread and butter and the political rulers are afraid they will lose their office. When they try to please everybody then the Church, and the world, go down together.
17. Why should we be subject to civil government? Titus 3:1.