‘For The LORD’S SAKE’—1Peter 2:13—3:12
A. CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Government--IV—1Peter 2:13-17
So far in our study of 1Peter we have examined the fact that
Christians are...CONSIDERED ALIEN(1:1-2)...
We’ve examined...WHAT’s So GREAT About GOD—(1:3-12)
Discovered God’s means of...UNLEASHING Your SPIRITUAL VITALITY/Vigor—(1:13-21)
And we’ve found the importance of LOVING THE BRETHREN(1:22—2:12).
Now we are going to see how those truths play into the scheme of SUBMISSION...the give-&-take of relationships in our world.
And particularly, the role Submission plays in the Christian’s relationship with government.
Attention:
When I was a boy living at home, I was under the governance/tutelage of my parents. I did not ‘rightly’ do anything without their permission. I ‘got away with’ some things without their permission. But they were the governors of my life.
Peter pressed the importance of Christian submission to secular governance.
Peter expected the submission of Christians to secular governance.
What is the relation between Christian obedience to secular governance?
OR
How are Christians to properly relate to secular governance?
6 facets of CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Government.
We’ve found previously that CHRISTIAN GOVERNANCE-&-Government addresses...
1. The SUBMISSION Of GOVERNANCE(:13a-c)
2. The REACH Of GOVERNANCE(:13d-14a)
3. The MISSION Of GOVERNANCE(:14b)
4. The SILENCE In GOVERNANCE(:15)
5—Christian Governance-&-Government addresses...
FREEDOM In GOVERNANCE(:16)
Explanation:(:16)
2:16—“as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
In following God thru His government, we act “as free” men do, because we are!
Christians are free from—a.-Condemnation of sin, b.-(blind)Law, c.-Spiritual bondage, d.-Worldly influence, e.-Fear of man, f.-Fear of death, etc.!
And true Christian freedom never uses “liberty” to “cloak” their “vices.” In other words, Christian “liberty” is not God’s liberty when it is used as a forceful wedge into the lives of others & when relied upon as a ‘right’ in order to meet selfish & fleshly ends.
‘Vice-doing’ evinces enslavement to sin & self.
“Genuine freedom liberates believers to do what is good.”—NAC
Christians are instead to use their God-given liberty in the manner of “bondservants of God.”
1Cor. 6:12—“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
1Cor. 10:23-24—“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”...
Similar to our ‘All things in moderation’...In those verses Paul is re-casting ‘secularized freedom’ within the proper bounds of God’s mercy & grace—so that His mercy & grace attain to being very practical as helpful, ministering, missional, building, encouraging, & loving. This same concept is present in Php. 2:1-11(in relation to Jesus’ birth)...
Php. 2:3-8—“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, & coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself & became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. You see, All things are only ‘lawful,’ if those ‘things’ are by ‘the law of God’, i.e. The perfect law of liberty(Js. 1:25; Js. 2:12)
Js. 1:25—“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty & continues in it, & is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
Some see themselves as ‘entitled kings’ with a kingdom that is all about themselves. To be waited upon by the masses thru tax money. These care nothing about the common welfare or well-being of others. But then, what can you expect from those who do not accept Jesus as God’s only-begotten Son! What a pitiful ‘comfort’ to set yourself up for eternal hell-fire!
Js. 2:12—“So speak & so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”
Your obedience to government should be from a position of strength by submission to Christ. “Believers do not enjoy unrestricted freedom,”(NAC) but they exercise freedom under control of the Holy Spirit of God.
Discussions regarding ‘separation of church & state’ ensure that there is indeed an intersection of church with the state...Yet without the state being our ultimate master or supporter/producer of “vice.”
Yet we are “as free.” We have our freedom in Christ. If our government operates from that principle & especially that actuality, then God’s good people & all others prosper. And everybody in their heart-of-hearts wants to prosper.
Governmentally sanctioned freedom is a double-edged sword—in that there is always someone who loses their ‘freedom’ due to the ‘actual freedom’ of another.
Examples:
—When we live in a society that grants abortionists(& all that is tied to abortion’s acceptance) total freedom, Christians naturally lose some degree of their freedom, as abortion is sinful as God has revealed.
—When our society pushes alcohol use & drug use in general(with all that is tied to it’s availability & acceptance)—as an inconsequential means of relaxation—then Christians naturally lose some degree of their freedom, as alcoholism & getting drunk is sinful as God has revealed.
—When our society pushes homosexuality(with all that is tied to it’s availability & acceptance)—as an inconsequential lifestyle choice—then Christians naturally lose some degree of their freedom, as homosexuality is sinful as God has revealed.
“Christians should never respond to the dictates of government slavishly,”(NAC) because they are the “bondservants of God.”
Christians are “free” NOT to do for their own pleasure, but for God’s pleasure.
*Using Christian liberty as a covering for evil wrests/snatches actual freedom from God’s hands & places ‘false freedom’ powerlessly & perilously in your own control, & that within the confines of God’s world!
We have all seen self-styled or so-called ‘Christians’ who have no concept of surrender to Christ in their lifestyles. They have ‘fire insurance’ or ‘jailhouse’ religion. These do what they desire by their own limiting ability. These have little or no contact with the church until they get into trouble.
Example: I see this a great deal with women living with temporary boyfriends(exchanged every 6 months or so). The boyfriend is only after sex, & to alleviate his loneliness. There is no commitment on the part of either, by Christian or secular marriage. They generally have one child by each of the boyfriends.
These women have no qualms about calling the church for help when the boyfriend leaves with his monetary support. His exit has left the girlfriend & her children to fend for themselves.
Thus a vicious cycle is perpetuated/continued. Should the children of God—the church—help such people? Of course we should!
But How can we help these?...The same way we help any who are on a destructive path & are bedfellows with sin.
—With our principled & unprejudiced love for them poured into ministry(ies) designed to help them escape from their worldly shackles! We live, preach, & teach truth!
*It is possible for a true Christian to claim they are free in Christ to the point that they disdain any accountability to the body of Christ.
If your “liberty” in Christ becomes a cover for something secretive/clandestine/sneaky, then you have willingly undone any bond-service to God....You are NOT serving God....He is NOT your Master! You have instead indulged the flesh to the point that your flesh has become the Master!
In such a scenario, you will be unable to answer :15’s charge to “silence the ignorance of foolish men.” In fact, you will be a fool yourself!
“Free”-(See “Liberty” below)-—eleuyerov—Adj.—1) Freeborn—1a) in a civil sense--One who is not a slave, 1b) Of one who ceases to be a slave, freed, manumitted; 2) Free, exempt, unrestrained, not bound by an obligation; 3) in an ethical sense--Free from the yoke of the Mosaic Law. Strong—Unrestrained(to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen)--Not a slave(whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case)--Exempt(from obligation or liability). Used 23X.
Probably from the alternate kindred[middle voice] of—ercomai--eleuyomai—which does not occur otherwise.
“Using/Holding”—ecw or scew—Verb—1) To have, i.e. To hold—1a) To have(hold) in the hand, in the sense of wearing, to have(hold) possession of the mind (refers to alarm, agitating emotions, etc.), to hold fast keep, to have or comprise or involve, to regard or consider or hold as; 2) To have i.e. Own, possess—2a) External things such as pertain to property or riches or furniture or utensils or goods or food etc., 2b) Used of those joined to any one by the bonds of natural blood or marriage or friendship or duty or law etc, of attendance or companionship; 3) To hold one's self or find one's self so & so, to be in such or such a condition; 4) To hold one's self to a thing, to lay hold of a thing, to adhere or cling to—4a) To be closely joined to a person or a thing. Strong—a primary verb; To hold(used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possessions; ability, continuity, relation, or condition).
“Liberty”[See “Free” above]—eleuyeria—Noun Fem.—1) Liberty to do or to omit things having no relationship to salvation; 2) Fancied liberty—2a) License, the liberty to do as one pleases; 3) True liberty is living as we should not as we please. Strong—Freedom(legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial). Used 11X.
From the alternate of—ercomai—To come or go(in a great variety of applications, literally & figuratively).
“Cloak/Covering”—epikaluma—Noun Neuter—1) A covering, veil; 2) metaph.--A pretext, cloak. Strong—A covering, i.e. figuratively--Pretext. Used 1X.
From—epi—1) Upon, on, at, by, before; 2) of position--On, at, by, over, against; 3) To, over, on, at, across, against. Strong—Over, upon, etc.; of rest(with the det.)--At, on, etc.; of direction(with the accusative case)--Towards, upon, etc.—&—kaluptw—To cover up(literally or figuratively).
“Vice/Maliciousness/Evil”—kakia—Noun Fem.—1) Malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure; 2) Wickedness, depravity—2a) Wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws; 3) Evil, trouble. Kakia denotes a vicious disposition. Strong—Badness, i.e. subjectively--Depravity, or actively--Malignity, or passively--Trouble. Used 11X. Kakia is Everything that is the exact opposite of :12’s “Honorable/Honest/Excellent”—kalov—Beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable. It means beautiful, physically or morally. It is, however, distinctly the beauty which comes from harmony, the beauty which arises from a symmetrical adjustment in right proportion, in other words, from the harmonious completeness of the object concerned.
“Bondservants/Servants”—doulov—Noun Masc.—1) A slave, bondman, man of servile condition—1a) A slave, 1b) metaph.--One who gives himself up to another's will those whose service is used by Christ in extending & advancing his cause among men, 1c) Devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests; 2) A servant, attendant. Doulov is the usual word for slave, one who is permanently in servitude, in subjection to a master. Strong—A slave(literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency).
Argumentation:
Eph. 6:5-8—“Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear & trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, & not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”
Col. 3:22-24—“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord & not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Mk. 10:42-45—“But Jesus called them to Himself & said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, & their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, & to give His life a ransom for many.”
Jn. 8:34-36—“Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Thereby, if you are enslaved to sin, then you are no slave of God!
1Cor. 7:20-24—“Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.”
Rom. 6:5-7—“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.”
Rom. 6:16-18, 20-23—“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”.....“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end[result] of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, & having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, & the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Illustration:
Black market goods(Military/Governmental/Domestic/Stolen goods/Ethnically disadvantage)—Human trafficking(Prostitution/Sex trade(Danny Akin’s Thailand(?) testimony)/Children/Laborers/‘Blood’-Diamonds)—Poaching(Elephant tusks/Rhino horns at the animals expense of life)/Abuse of FREEDOM in GOVERNANCE
*The Christian is the only person who fully sees the crippling effects of such things to societies & nations & the world as a whole!
Because I am not condemned—No matter what I do, I will never be fearful of seeing the gates of hell much less enter them/Because I am not condemned—I have total confidence that is continually confirmed, that I will enter heaven to be with my Lord Jesus!...
...BUT because I am not condemned, I could convince myself that I am immune to the influence of sin & that this ole’ body will be left behind anyway, so that I could indulge it with no consequence.
Indeed some mistakenly say that, “‘Once saved, always saved’ equals license to sin!’”...
...HOWEVER, the freedom in which I live, draws me to God, so much so, that I am ever thankful for that freedom. And besides that, ‘this ole’ body’ is destined for supernatural change fitting it for my eternal habitation(1Jn. 3:2-3).
Possibly the closest picture we have of true Christian thankfulness for freedom, is our American patriotic thankfulness/We are humbled in recognizing those who have served our country in the military at home & abroad/Those soldiers have provided for the common defense of our American freedoms!/Aside from the government, At a grassroots level, there are various groups that seek to provide what is lacking in the care of soldiers & their families.
Our pet dog, Little Bit/Once out of the house, she is at liberty to do as she wishes/Much of the time though, she uses it to search thru the trash at Express Lane & bark at people on the street corner or customers at Dollar General or disturb walkers down Storrs Ave./Little Bit abuses Her FREEDOM in GOVERNANCE
Application:
?Does your governance honor God by addressing the FREEDOM In GOVERNANCE?
?Does your Governance declare God...Is it Righteous/Christian?
6— Christian Governance-&-Government addresses...
REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE(:17)
Explanation:(:17)
2:17—“Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”
“Honor all people.”
We must Honor “all”(everyone) in Christ as bondservants of God would honor others. Regardless of vice or opposition, in the lives of others, we are bound to honor them in the manner that Christ honors them.
We must see “all people” in the same way God sees them...As sinners in need of salvation, & as saved sinners in need of sanctification!
Someone has wisely said “No matter how bad, or atheistic, or how heretical a person’s doctrine(or lack thereof) may be, we are not allowed to hate such people. We hate their sin but never the person!
1Pet. 3:1-2, 7—“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.”.....“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, & as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Jude 1:20-25—“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory & majesty, Dominion & power, Both now & forever. Amen.”
Lk. 2:52—“And Jesus increased in wisdom & stature, & in favor with God & men.”
“Honor”2X—timaw—Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural—1) To estimate, fix the value—1a) For the value of something belonging to one's self; 2) To honor, to have in honor, to revere, venerate. Strong—To prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication--To revere.
From—timiov, timiwterov(comparative), & timiwtatov(superlative)—Valuable, i.e. objectively--Costly, or subjectively--Honored, esteemed, or figuratively--Beloved.
“All”—pav—Adj.—1) individually—1a) Each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everythingStrong—apparently a primary word; All, any, every, the whole.
“Love the brotherhood.”
The “brotherhood” of Christians is vital to the exercise of Christian liberty. Love must be the umbrella which shadows & protects all our relationships to our brothers & sisters in Christ.
Gal. 5:24-6:3—“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions & desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, & so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”
Js. 5:19-20—“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, & someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death & cover a multitude of sins.”
Php. 2:1-5—“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection & mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”
1Pet. 1:22-23—“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives & abides forever,”
Jn. 13:34-35—“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Heb. 13:1—“Let brotherly love continue.”
“Love”—agapaw—Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural—1) of persons—1a) To welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly; 2) of things. Agapaw concerns embracing especially the judgment & the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty & propriety. Strong—perhaps from agan(much) (or compare bge(To breathe after, i.e. To love(sensually)); To love(in a social or moral sense). RWP—“the noble word so common in the Gospels for the highest form of love.”
“Brotherhood”—adelfothv—Noun Fem.—1) Brotherhood, brotherly kindness; 2) A family of brothers, the brotherhood. Strong—Brotherhood(properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e. The (Christian)fraternity. Used 2X.
“Fear God.”
The “fear” of God must take preeminence in our lives. In order for Christian liberty to have its power of influence, the Christian must fear God. Without a holy fear of God, there can be no commitment to Him or to His directives either directly written & verbal or indirectly referential.
God is self-existent, creator, omniscient, omnipotent, sovereign, perfectly & utterly holy, perfectly loving, & perfectly saving.
If you cannot be respectful of & thankful for that, then you see yourself as god!...cf.--Mormonism’s perversion of God’s nature!
Prov. 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom & instruction.”
Prov. 23:17—“Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day;”
2Cor. 7:1—“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh & spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
Eph. 5:21—“submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
1Tim. 1:17—“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor & glory forever & ever. Amen.”
Rev. 14:6-7—“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, & people-- saying with a loud voice, “Fear God & give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; & worship Him who made heaven & earth, the sea & springs of water.”
Rev. 15:1-4—“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great & marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete. And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, & those who have the victory over the beast, over his image & over his mark & over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God. They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, & the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great & marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just & true are Your ways, O King of the saints! Who shall not fear You, O Lord, & glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come & worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
“Fear”—fobew—Present Middle Deponent Imperative 2nd Plural—1) To put to flight by terrifying(to scare away)—1a) To put to flight, to flee, 1b) To fear, be afraid—1b1) To be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm—1b1a) Of those startled by strange sights or occurrences, 1b1b) Of those struck with amazement, 1b2) To fear, be afraid of one, 1b3) To fear(i.e. hesitate) to do something(for fear of harm), 1c) To reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience. Fobew denotes “to fear”, the general term; often used of a protracted state. Strong—To frighten, i.e. passively--To be alarmed; by analogy--To be in awe of, i.e. Revere. “Honor the king.”
As the Christian is compelled to honor all. He/She is thus also compelled to “honor” the one who is head over all people—“the king.”
Particularly as the king & his government is to honor God’s ordinance.
Rom. 13:1-5—“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, & the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, & those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, & you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.”
Eccl. 8:1-5—“Who is like a wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, And the sternness of his face is changed. I say, “Keep the king’s commandment for the sake of your oath to God. Do not be hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him.” Where the word of a king is, there is power; And who may say to him, “What are you doing?” He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time & judgment,”
Mat. 22:18-21—“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, & said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? “Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image & inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, & to God the things that are God’s.”
“Honor”2X—timaw—Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural—1) To estimate, fix the value—1a) For the value of something belonging to one's self; 2) To honor, to have in honor, to revere, venerate. Strong—To prize, i.e. Fix a valuation upon; by implication--To revere.
From—timiov, timiwterov(comparative), & timiwtatov(superlative)—Valuable, i.e. objectively--Costly, or subjectively--Honored, esteemed, or figuratively--Beloved.
“King”—basileuv—Noun Masc.—1) Leader of the people, prince, commander, lord of the land, king. Strong—A sovereign(abstractly, relatively, or figuratively).
Argumentation:
The Purpose in our Reverence?...To model citizenship in Christ Jesus!
Prov. 24:21-22—“My son, fear the LORD & the king; Do not associate with those given to change-(duplicity?/rebellion?/change for change’s sake)-; For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?”
1Pet. 5:1-9—“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder & a witness of the sufferings of Christ, & also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; & when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, & be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”
Rom. 13:7-8—“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.”
Lk. 20:20-26—“So they-(chief priests & scribes)- watched Him-(Jesus)-, & sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power & the authority of the governor. Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say & teach rightly, & You do not show personal favoritism[nepotism/cronyism], but teach the way of God in truth: “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, & said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image & inscription does it have?” They answered & said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, & to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer & kept silent.”
Illustration:
Building a house or making an addition to a preexisting house/Though our patience will be tried during the process—& it is a process—all involved are involved in some necessary way/The plumbing folks do not plumb helter-skelter thru the house on a whim, but rather by the blueprints provided to the contractor/The contractor agrees to plumb the house according to the specifications of the plan/REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE
When the plan & the plumber come together it’s a beautiful thing/When God’s plan & the minister come together it’s a beautiful thing!/REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE
Max L. was working on installing new blinds for the nursery/Specific measurements for specific window size/A specific width blind is determined & bought(standardized widths)/
However the length is another matter!/Each string that rotates the individual vanes-slats must be cut to a precise length & anchored to the bottom rail. Also the strings that lift & lower the blinds as a unit must be cut to a precise length & anchored to the bottom rail/REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE
Application:
?Does your governance honor God by addressing the REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE(:17)?
?Does your Governance declare God...Is it Righteous/Christian?
CONCLUSION:
Visualization:
When I was a boy living at home, I was under the governance/tutelage of my parents.
Action:
Christian Governance-&-Government addresses...
5. The FREEDOM In GOVERNANCE(:16)
6. The REVERENCE In GOVERNANCE(:17)
1. The SUBMISSION To/Of GOVERNANCE(:13a-c)
2. The REACH Of GOVERNANCE(:13d-14a)
3. The MISSION Of GOVERNANCE(:14b)
4. The SILENCE In GOVERNANCE(:15)
Pts. 5-6 Presented 02/12/2017pm to:
FBC Cbelle
206 Storrs Ave. SW
Carrabelle, FL 32322
