‘A Nation of Laws, Under God Pt 2

Romans 13:1-10

* Well, sometimes – if I agree with the law.
** Well, that’s your personal view, but please
don’t bring into the public square, official
venues – and especially not the White House!

Permission to Record?

Opening Prayer!

Romans 13:1-3
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. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rules are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt
have praise of the same. [v. 1-3]’

Why We NEED Authority? Consider the events of the last week:
• North Korean ICBM test
• Failure of repeal & replace by 1 vote
• Firing/Departure of Sean Spicer
• Firing/Departure of Reince Priebus
• Expulsion of U.S. diplomats from Russia
• Iranian sanctions
• Russia sanctions law
• The death of little Charlie Gard

We Need Authority ... Because We

Need Order...

Authority-based order is part of God’s plan for our protection and well-being. The alternative is chaos.
“Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.”

Resist?

Anthistemi =
• “Take a stand against, oppose, resist.”
• A “180-degree contrary position.”
Oppositional.
Originally a classical Greek military term meaning “to firmly resist an opponent.” ... In other words, direct warfare!

Are We Under God’s Authority?
• ... Or, are we making WAR on God???
• Whosoever therefore does battle against the power, does battle against the ordinance of God: and they that make war shall receive to themselves damnation. For rules are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. [v. 1-3]

1 Peter 2:13-15
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.”

Is the Law ‘Always Right?’

The Doctrine of Divine Right -- DISCREDITED
• What if a law is itself unlawful?
• What if there is a dispute among lawful authorities?
• What if a law violates religious liberty or conscience?

When Might Disobedience Be OK?
-- When a ruler’s command violates the directives of other branches of government, or the Constitution.
-- When you follow the proper avenue for appeal.
-- When you’ve prayed about it. Remain respectful.
-- When you consult with other saints about it.
-- When to do otherwise would be unloving to your neighbor, or to God.
-- When you have measured the cost, and are willing to pay the price of disobedience.

The Bible Acknowledges Civil

Authority,
BUT...

... Does Civil Authority Recognize the Truths of Scripture?

I Timothy 2:1-2
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that
we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all
godliness and honesty.”

Dr. Alveda King
• Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King
• Abortion survivor
• Born-again Christian
• Minister/Author/Speaker

 

Signs of a Revival in DC?
-- The Bible Museum
-- “The Bible in American History Exhibit”
-- New Smithsonian Curator of the Bible Position
-- Nat Turner Bible at African-American Museum
-- George Washington’s Mount Vernon

 

Why We NEED Authority?
Consider the events of the last week:
• North Korean ICBM test
• Failure of repeal & replace by 1 vote ABORTION!
• Firing/Departure of Sean Spicer
• Firing/Departure of Reince Priebus
• Expulsion of U.S. diplomats from Russia
• Iranian sanctions
• Russia sanctions law
• The death of little Charlie Gard

Action Steps:
1. We must obey the “king,” that is, the law.
2. We must repent of rebellion in our own lives, and corporately repent on behalf of the nation for those who ‘resist’ the leaders God has placed in authority over us.
3. We must pray for:
-- Those who have authority over us.
-- For those in disobedience to God and God’s duly appointed leaders.

4. We must pray for insight into the spiritual
dimension of the war. Ephesians 6:12.
5. We must pray for those who have persecuted
us, or would like to persecute us if given the
chance.
6. We must pray for the persecuted church,
both overseas AND domestically.
7. We must pray for boldness to preach the
gospel of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.