what do we owe the government?

WHAT DO WE OWE THEGOVERNMENT?

SShould we respect leadersand political systems even if we believe they

are godless and corrupt? Is flag-waving patriotism a form ofidolatry? Do we have the right towithhold taxes if we don’t thinkour government is using themoney wisely? Should peoplewho have pledged allegiance to Christ become involved inpolitics, or should we distanceourselves from the process? Howcan we pray for our leaders,even if we don’t like them?

The answers to these andmany other questions will bediscussed in the followingpages. This booklet will explore the biblical teaching on what God says we owe thegovernment—no matter wherewe live in the world.

Kurt E. De Haan

Managing Editor: David Sper Cover Photo: Hilary Wilkes/International StockScripture quotations are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by ThomasNelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.© 1988,1996,2002 RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan Printed in USA

CONTENTS

Opinion Poll. . . . . . . . . . 2

What Do We Owe The Government? . . . . . 4

Respect . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Involvement . . . . . . . . . 14

Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Helping You Help Others. . . . . . . . . 26

High Hopes . . . . . . . . . 28

Voting Time . . . . . . . . . 32

© RBC Ministries. All rights reserved.

OPINION POLL

WWhen you hearthe wordgovernment,

do you have a positive or a negative reaction? Do youlook upon government as:• a friend or an enemy?• a servant or a master?• a teller of truth or

a master of lies?• a fountain of justice or

a sewer of injustice?• a defender of freedom or

a tyrant of slavery?• an advocate of morality

or a voice for sleaze?• an instrument of God or

a tool of the devil?Your response to the

above choices says a lotabout where you live, your political views, yourtheological perspective, yourcurrent involvement withpolitics, and your pastexperiences. You may loveyour government, hate it, orhave an uncomfortable love-hate relationship with it.

If you live under arepressive dictatorship wherecivil rights are withheld,where religious freedom isseverely restricted, or wherethe government is run byself-serving “gangsters,” thenyou’re going to have anegative reaction. Maybethose in leadership ignore oreven ridicule the moralstandards of the Bible. Orperhaps you are in a countrywhere people have beenimprisoned because theydared to talk to anotherperson about Christ.

On the other hand, youmay find it easy to praise thegovernment for its efforts touphold freedom, justice, andgood morals. If you enjoy acomfortable relationship withthe political system andagree with the laws of theland, you may feel that youcan honor and obey thegovernment without havingto be caught between whatGod says is right and whatman says is necessary.

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Perhaps, though, you feelsomewhat ambivalent aboutgovernment. You applaudsome of what you see butyou are disgusted by otheractivities. Your convictionsabout judicial decisionsrelating to unborn infants,pornography, and sexualvalues may cause you to

have some struggles in yourrelationship with the legalauthorities. You may believethat the laws are unjust,taxes are too high, or money

is misused. Although youwouldn’t want to overthrowthe government, maybe youhave written notes of protestto your public leaders, havebeen involved in picketingagainst government policies,or have participated in actsof civil disobedience—andyou may have wondered ifyou were right to do so.

Then there are otherpeople who try to pretendthat government doesn’texist. They have chosen the road of apathy andnoninvolvement. They think that a Christian shouldwipe his hands clean of thepolitical process. They thinkthat our allegiance is toGod, not man. They thinkthat government officialsaren’t worthy of our prayers.

This booklet will outlinewhat the Bible says ourattitude and action shouldbe toward the government—no matter where we live orwhat kind of politicalsystem we have.

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“When therighteous are

in authority, thepeople rejoice;

but when a wicked man

rules, the people groan.”

Proverbs 29:2


WHAT DO WEOWE THEGOVERNMENT?

FFred was disgusted. Hehad just heard on theevening news that

another politician hadresigned after being caughtred-handed and red-facedwhile taking a bribe.“They’re all corrupt,” Fredmuttered. Fred’s wife,Bernice, was in the otherroom talking on the phonewith another member of thePTA. “Did you know that ifthe school board closes theelementary school down thestreet, my first-grader willbe bused across town?”Bernice then exploded,“They make me so mad!”

Earlier in the day thepostman delivered the latestincome tax forms—anunpleasant reminder thattaxes were going up again.And that very day Fred andBernice’s oldest son, Jeff,was on an aircraft carrier

steaming toward a conflict in the Middle East. To Fred and Bernicethe governments of thewarring countries wereacting like little brats whocouldn’t get their way. It wasn’t a good day to ask Fred and Bernice ifgovernment was a blessingor a curse. They wanted topack up and move to anuninhabited tropical island.

Fred and Bernice arefictional characters, but thesituations are all too real.Government can seem likea necessary evil. In fact, itsometimes seems as if wecould do better without it.Why then do we tolerategovernment? What does theBible say about our attitudetoward our political leaders,taxes, becoming involved in the system, and even the value of praying forgovernmental leaders? Let’s examine what theBible has to say about these issues.

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RESPECT

We may find it easy torespect government leaderswho are honest, just, andwho uphold biblicalmorality. But what aboutleaders who lie, who passlaws for personal gain, andwho hold opposite politicalviews from us on just abouteverything? According tothe Bible, all governmentleaders deserve our respect.In the following sectionwe’ll look at the reasonswhy it is so important tohave the right attitudetoward those in leadershipover us. We will also studythe closely related issue ofhow that proper respect isto be displayed in the waywe obey or disobey the

governing authorities.The key Scripture on

this topic is Romans 13:1-7.Take a moment to read thepassage and notice what itsays about why we needgovernment, who givesgovernment its authority,and what is the rightful role of government.

Let every soul be subject to the governingauthorities. For there is no authority except fromGod, and the authoritiesthat exist are appointed byGod. Therefore whoeverresists the authority resiststhe ordinance of God, andthose who resist will bringjudgment on themselves.For rulers are not a terrorto good works, but to evil. Do you want to beunafraid of the authority?Do what is good, and youwill have praise from thesame. For he is God’sminister to you for good.But if you do evil, beafraid; for he does not

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bear the sword in vain; forhe is God's minister, anavenger to execute wrathon him who practices evil.Therefore you must besubject, not only becauseof wrath but also forconscience’ sake. Forbecause of this you alsopay taxes, for they areGod’s ministers attendingcontinually to this verything. Render therefore to all their due: taxes towhom taxes are due,customs to whomcustoms, fear to whomfear, honor to whomhonor.What does it

mean to respectgovernment? Paul used the words be subjectin Romans 13:1,5. He was telling his readers torecognize the authority of thegovernment and to submit toit. This willing subjectioninvolves obedience to thelaws that are established by those in authority.

In verse 7, Paul used thewords fear and honor. Theseterms further explain thekind of respect that weshould show toward thosein authority. To fear involvesnot only the aspect ofrespect but also the properdread of the punishmentthat the government has the power to execute uponwrongdoers. To honor ourleaders means that webehave in a way that showswe recognize their authorityover us. Even when they arefar from perfect, they shouldreceive from us the honorand respect that such God-granted authority deserves.

Why do we need torespect government?Paul told us not only whatto do but also why weshould do it. He explainedthat God establishedgovernment with our bestinterests in mind. Romans13:1 states, “The authoritiesthat exist are appointed byGod.” Although there are

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repressive and God-denyinggovernments that haveperverted their divinelyappointed roles, Godintended government fornoble purposes.

Romans 13:4-5 pointsout that civil authority actson God’s behalf to maintainorder, uphold justice, punish

wrongdoing, and restrict thepractice of evil. Laws againstmurder, rape, robbery,vandalism, bribery, andfraud reflect God’s value on human life and personalproperty rights. Even trafficregulations like speed limits,parking restrictions, andstop signs serve to upholdorder in God’s universe.

The apostle Peter joinedPaul in emphasizing thatgovernments are part ofGod’s plan to keep order on earth (1 Pet. 2:13-17).Peter went on to say that ourobedience to the governmentwill be a positive testimonyto unbelievers. On the otherhand, a rebellious attitudetoward governmentalauthority will cause peopleto look down on our faith in Christ.

Must we respectcorrupt and tyrannicalleaders? Does God reallyexpect us to honor andobey brutal dictators orgrossly immoral electedofficials? The answer is yesif we mean respecting theirposition of authority andbeing willing to obey themwhen their laws are just.But the answer is no if wemean unthinking obediencethat involves us in immoralor unjust actions.

We have to rememberthat when the apostle Paul

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“Whatever makes men goodChristians, makes

them good citizens.”Daniel Webster


wrote his letter to thebelievers in Rome, they were living under thepowerful and often immoralRoman rulers. AlthoughRoman law was admirablein many ways, it was underRoman rule that Christianswere to suffer some of theirmost severe persecution.

The people to whom Paulwrote probably had seen thegood and bad of governmentand were tempted to rebelagainst the Roman rule.Even after Paul himself hadbeen imprisoned for his

faith, he wrote to Titus andtold him to remind believers“to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every goodwork” (3:1).

Paul once had to faceleaders who exercised bothreligious and civil authority(Acts 22:30–23:5). Eventhough he was mistreated,Paul upheld the principlethat leaders should berespected.

Can we disobey and still show respect?Honoring leaders and beingsubject to them does notmean that a believer mustblindly obey everything.There are limits toobedience. But we cannotshow disrespect simplybecause we are not shownthe respect we deserve.

What if the governmenttells us to do somethingimmoral or antibiblical, or ifthe government tells us notto do what God said weshould do? The apostle

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“If the civil powers command

something that Godforbids, or forbidsomething that God commands,

we must disobey.”R. C. Sproul


Peter gave us perhaps thebest statement of a principleto follow when he said, “Weought to obey God ratherthan men” (Acts 5:29). Petermade that comment becausethe religious leaders (whohad a great deal of powerover Jewish life even underthe rule of the occupyingRoman forces) were trying to get Peter to stop speakingpublicly about Christ. Peterand John had previouslytold the authorities that if it came down to whetherthey would obey God orman, they would obey God (Acts 4:19-20).

There are times when we must disobey those inauthority over us. God isthe ultimate authority, theFinal Judge, the HighestKing. All rulers must answerto Him. We must obey Himfirst and last and all thetime in between.

How can wedisobey respectfully?Should we be willing to be

arrested for protests overpublic policy on abortion,nuclear arms, internationalrelationships, judicialdecisions, civil rights, lawsthat encourage immorality,or other such issues?Should we be involved inacts of violence (bombingan abortion clinic, defacingpublic property)? Should wepicket, boycott, participatein a sit-in, trespass ongovernment property, orwithhold taxes to protestgovernment policy? How farcan we go without violatingthe principle of honoringthe government?

Well, the views of Biblebelievers on this topic arewidely varied. But two basic principles should becarefully considered.

1. If you must disobey,do it respectfully. We mustuse every legal channel ofexpressing our protest. If weresort to anarchy to promoteour cause—no matter hownoble—we are violating the

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principle of submission toauthorities.

2. The end does not justify the means.Violence, vandalism, andother destructive acts are to be avoided. Bombings,assassinations, harassment,and deceptive propagandahave no rightful place in pursuing biblicalobjectives.

In the Bible we can find several examples ofpeople who resisted evilgovernment policies. • The midwives in Egypt

refused to murder thenewborn Hebrew boys(Ex. 1:15-21).

• Moses asked Pharaoh for permission to let theIsraelites leave Egypt.Moses wouldn’t take nofor an answer because heknew he was doing God’swill (Ex. 2–7).

• Daniel participated invarious governmentadministrations, but hedrew the line when asked

to violate his religiousconvictions (Dan. 1,6).

• Shadrach, Meshach, andAbed-Nego refused toparticipate when theking ordered all citizensto become idolaters(Dan. 3).

• Rahab refused to be part of the resistance to the invasion of God’speople (Josh. 2). Godwas clearly with theconquering Jews.

• Amos spoke out during atime of judicial corruption(5:7), immorality (2:7),and oppression of thepoor (2:6-8; 4:1; 5:10-12;8:4-6).

• Queen Esther disobeyedofficial protocol in aneffort to save her peoplefrom annihilationdemanded by unjustlaws promoted by evilmen (Est. 5).

• Paul sought to obeythose in authority, evensuffering unjustly, thoughhe refused to keep his

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mouth shut about JesusChrist (Acts 13–28).

• Peter operated within thesystems of authorityexcept when forced tochoose betweenobedience to God or tomen (Acts 4:19-20; 5:29).

• John the Baptist spokeout against the immorallives of king Herod and his wife, eventhough he faced prison (Mt. 14:1-12).We need an attitude

of extreme caution whenconsidering acts of civildisobedience. If we takematters into our own hands,we are in effect saying thatwe don’t think God hasthings under control. Byresorting to unethicalpractices to promote ouridea of a just cause, we mayactually be shortcircuitinghow God wants to use usand others in that situation.

Thinking It Over. Isit a sin to run a stop sign orexceed the speed limit?

What is your attitude towardyour governmental leaders?Do you have to like them toshow them proper respect?Do your discussions athome or at work showrespect for government orpoint out the good that it isdoing? What laws do youhave a hard time obeying?

TAXES

A person who enjoys payingtaxes probably also enjoyshitting himself on the headwith a hammer. Payingtaxes is kind of like going tothe dentist for a root canal.It’s something that has tobe done but it’s oh, sopainful! As the saying goes,two things are certain inhuman existence, death

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and taxes—and people will do anything they can to avoid both.

Taxes have been a part of life as long as there has been any form ofgovernment because it costsmoney to provide protectionand services for a group ofpeople. We have to payincome tax, sales tax,gasoline tax, import tax,property tax, vehicle tax,road tax, social security tax,and on and on it goes. Youjust can’t escape taxes.

Why should we pay taxes? Some peoplequestion whether or not thegovernment has a right tocollect taxes. Other peoplequestion whether or not weshould pay taxes if we don’tlike the way the money isbeing spent. Still others feelthat giving money to agovernment that encouragesungodliness is the same assupporting ungodlinessdirectly.

Jesus addressed the issue

of taxation when He wasquestioned by representativesof two opposing viewpoints,the Pharisees and theHerodians. They asked Him,“Is it lawful to pay taxes toCaesar, or not?” (Mk. 12:14).

The Pharisees werechampions of the Jewishreligious tradition andresented Roman rule with itspaganism and its deifying ofthe emperor. They resentedthe inscriptions on theRoman coins, which on oneside ascribed divinity to theruler and on the other sidecalled the emperor “highestpriest.” They would accuseJesus of supporting theRomans and their blasphemyif He said that Jews shouldpay Roman taxes.

The Herodians, however,were more interested inpolitical issues than religiousmatters. They felt that theJews’ best interests wereaccomplished throughsupporting the Herodiandynasty, which ruled over

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Palestine and derived itsauthority from Rome. TheHerodians, therefore, wouldaccuse Jesus of treason if Hesaid that Jews should notpay taxes.

The answer Jesus gave totheir question about payingtaxes shocked both thePharisees and theHerodians. He said,“Render to Caesar thethings that are Caesar’s,and to God the things thatare God’s” (Mk. 12:17).Jesus’ answer recognizedCaesar’s political authorityand God’s spiritualauthority. So Jesus didacknowledge the right of thegovernment to collect taxes. Paul also left little doubtabout our responsibility topay taxes. After mentioningour obligation to subjectourselves to the rulers, hewrote, “For because of thisyou also pay taxes, for theyare God’s ministers attendingcontinually to this very thing.Render therefore to all their

due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whomcustoms, fear to whom fear,honor to whom honor”(Rom. 13:6-7).

Should I pay taxes even if thegovernment uses themoney for unjust orimmoral causes? In hisbook God & Caesar, lawprofessor John Eidsmorestated:

The Roman governmentof Paul’s day deifiedNero, ran a welfare state,and sponsored manypagan practices. Romecertainly did not use itstax money as Christianswould desire. The tax-collectors of Jesus’ time,who usually were paid nosalary but rather becamerich by overcharging andcheating people, certainlydid not employ fairmethods of taxation. Yet Jesus and Paul bothspoke very clearly on thesubject: the Christian

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ought to pay his taxes (p.37).So from a biblical

standpoint, we can’t use the argument that thegovernment’s misuse offunds is an excuse for notpaying taxes. Some peoplewould disagree by sayingthat we are morallyresponsible for thegovernment’s actions if we help pay for immoralactivity. They’ve becomeimpatient with the politicalprocess. We must becareful, though, that we donot promote anarchy orshort-circuit the politicalsystem. This can only bringdisgrace on Christ’s name.

Christians have nojustifiable excuse forcheating on their taxes, for misrepresenting theirincome, for filing falseclaims, or any other illegalmeans of not paying whatthe government demands. Ifwe feel taxes are unjust ortoo high, we should do all

we can legally to changethe system.

Thinking It Over.What government policiesdo you resent having to paytaxes for? What governmentactivity are you thankful thatyour taxes support? Howcan you influence thoseresponsible for establishinggovernment spending habits?

INVOLVEMENT

As the story goes, a pollsterwalked up to a house, rangthe doorbell, and wasgreeted by a man with adrink in one hand and atelevision blaring in thebackground. Afterintroducing himself, thepollster asked this question:“What is the biggest problem

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in our nation today—ignorance or apathy?” Justbefore he slammed the dooron the pollster, the mananswered, “I don’t know and I don’t care!”

Why should wecare? There is more truthto the preceding story thanwe would like to believe.Most of us are woefullyignorant of political issues, and few are activelyinvolved in influencing thepolitical process. But thereare good reasons we shouldcare enough to be involved.

Jesus said to Hisfollowers, “You are the salt of the earth . . . . You are the light of the world”(Mt. 5:13-14). Salt functionsas a preservative and addsflavoring to foods. Lightdrives away the darkness. At the very least, then, forbelievers in Christ tofunction as salt and lightmeans that by our wordsand actions we are to upholdand promote God’s

standards and help people tosee the truth about life andGod. Our lives are to make adifference in preventing thedecay of our society and topromote true worship.

Should we try tomake our country aChristian nation? Wehave to remember that ourcountry, no matter howmany Christians live here,is not the present-dayequivalent of ancientIsrael—nor should it be. We should not work tolegislate Christianity to bethe official state religion,nor should we seek tooutlaw other religions.

Jesus said, “My kingdomis not of this world” (Jn.18:36). He acknowledgedthat He was a King (v.37),but He also taught that untilHe comes again His kingdomwould not be a visiblebureaucracy but the invisiblerule of God in the hearts ofpeople who willingly submitto Him (Lk. 17:20-21). When

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He comes again, He will set up a visible earthlykingdom (Mt. 24:30-35;25:31-46; 26:29-64), but for now He is preparingpeople to enter that kingdom(Mt. 28:18-20; Jn. 3:3).

We can encourage menand women to submit toChrist’s rule in their lives, butwe cannot force the arrival ofChrist’s coming kingdom. Hiskingdom will come when Hecomes again as King.

How can we make a difference right now?Are we just supposed to sitback and let God’s enemiesdominate the political forcesso that godlessness reigns?Are we to evangelize but notpoliticize? We’ve alreadymentioned that we are saltand light in the world, andthe political world needs ourinfluence. Here are somesuggestions for involvement:• Be informed and think

through the issues. • Speak out for what is

true and just.

• Vote whenever you havethe opportunity.

• Write to or speak withgovernment officials.

• Volunteer your time forgood causes.

• Give money to supportthe causes of justice.

• Seek political office ifyou so desire.

• Live a godly life.• Tell others about Jesus

Christ.• Respect and obey the

government.• Pray for political leaders.

How involved were people in biblicaltimes? Both the Old andNew Testaments containnumerous examples of how believers influencedgovernment. Here is apartial list:• Joseph rose to a position

of great power in Egypt(Gen. 39–50). God usedhim to save many livesduring a severe famine(Gen. 50:20).

• Deborah, Gideon, 16


Samson, and otherjudges were used by God to restore order anddeliver the Jews fromcruel oppressors during a period otherwisecharacterized by anarchy (Jud.).

• Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah,Jeremiah, Amos,Zephaniah, Haggai, andother prophets madesure that political leadersheard clearly what Godhad to say about justice,the right way to rule,caring for the widowed,the orphaned, the poor,and the lame.

• Esther carefully used herposition of influence toprotect exiled Jews inPersia (Est.).

• Nehemiah, who hadbecome cupbearer toKing Artaxerxes of Persia(464–424 BC), gained theking’s help to rebuildJerusalem (Neh. 1–6).

• Daniel, an exiled Jew,gained respect as an

intelligent administratorand as a godly manduring the reigns ofseveral kings. He was notafraid to speak out onGod’s behalf (Dan. 4:27).

• John the Baptist spoke out against theimmorality of king Herodand was imprisoned andbeheaded (Mt. 14:1-12).

• The apostle Paulappealed to Roman lawfor protection when hewas unjustly whippedand imprisoned withouta trial, though he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:22-30).Should a Christian

be a flag-waver? Ispatriotism, saluting the flag,or pledging allegiance aform of idolatry? Can wehonor the government’sauthority and God’s rule atthe same time? I doubt thatanyone would accuseJoseph of being an idolaterbecause he was loyal to thePharaoh and the Egyptian

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government (Gen. 39–50).Daniel certainly was not an idolater even though he faithfully served in theadministrations of thepowerful Babylonian and Persian empires.

It would definitely be a conflict of interest if thegovernment required a formof patriotism that demandedloyalty that only Goddeserves. Few countries,however, demand outrightidolatry or denial of one’sChristian faith—thoughsome are definitely anti-Christian in their policies.

When Jesus answered aquestion about paying taxesto Caesar, He clearly impliedthat we should not givegovernments the worshipand loyalty that only Goddeserves. But that does notmean that we cannot workfor our country’s stabilityand well-being or defend itfrom enemy attack. In fact,working to improve ourgovernment is in our best

interest as believers. We are good citizens when weobey the laws and becomeinvolved.

Should a Christiango to war for hiscountry? Should abeliever be a pacifist or a“conscientious objector”?Are soldiers committingmurder in war? Is theresuch a thing as a “just” war?Whole books have beenwritten on these subjects,and there are theologianson both sides of the issue.So how can we address thisissue briefly and simply? Afew basic principles shouldbe considered.

War is never an idealsituation. If we lived in aperfect world, there wouldnever be a cause worthy ofwar. But we live in a fallenworld in which sin hasdivided man from God and people from people.

War is sometimesnecessary. It is noble andright for a nation to defend

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itself against oppression,injustice, and other advancesof evil in our world. Forexample, Nehemiah waswilling to fight to defend therebuilding of Jerusalem(Neh. 4). The spiritual battleof which we are a part (Eph.6) is seen as well in thephysical realm betweenconflicting nations. The warbetween Satan and God hasspilled over into human timeand space. We are involved,whether we want to be ornot. And God will one dayunleash all His forces in afinal battle to defeat Satan’sarmy (Rev. 19–20).

In war, the state bearsresponsibility for the lossof human life. Soldiers on the battlefield are notcommitting murder. OldTestament law distinguishesbetween murder and killingin war (Dt. 5:17; 20:10-18).Taking human life is atragedy no matter how noblethe cause. But soldiers areacting as representatives of

the state, and the state isultimately responsible.

Pacifism has its limits.When Jesus talked aboutturning the other cheek, He was not encouragingpacifism on the nationallevel (Mt. 5:39-48). Rather,He was discouragingvengeance and retaliationwhen we are personallyinsulted. The Bible does notsupport national pacifism.Instead, it demonstrates theneed, as in Old Testamenttimes, for nations to takemilitary steps as part of ourresponsibility to “bear thesword” (Rom. 13:4) tothwart the spread of evil.

“Blessed are thepeacemakers” (Mt. 5:9).Jesus did not say, “Blessedare those who pick fights orstart wars.” Our goal shouldbe peace, both on a personaland a national level, eventhough there will be timeswhen self-defense is justified.

We should not violateour conscience (Rom.

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14:22-23; 1 Tim. 1:5,19; 1 Pet. 3:16-17). If we areordered to join an army likeHitler’s, do we fight for himor refuse? Do we carry out orders to exterminatethousands—even millions—of innocent men, women,and children? If thegovernment asks us to go towar and we cannot in goodconscience participate, weshould seek exemption fromthe battle. Some countriesallow such exclusion andallow civil service for thegovernment as an alternative.In other nations such aperson would be treated as atraitor. If our convictionsconflict with governmentdemands, we must be willingto take the consequences.

Are humangovernments the toolsof Satan? They can be.Satan is doing everything inhis power to corrupt everyelement of society. In OldTestament times, he workedthrough the wicked nations

that surrounded Israel tomake them a constantsource of irritation to God’speople. In New Testamenttimes, Satan worked throughthe religious and politicalauthorities to crucify Christand persecute Christians.And when Christ comesagain, His forces will battle the nations who have been aligned againstGod (Rev. 19:19).

Thinking It Over.Should Christians demandthat the Bible be used bythose in government toprovide foundationalprinciples for all legislation?Should we seek to achievea Christian nation throughpolitical action or someother means? What actioncan you take to influenceupcoming elections orlegislation? Why wouldholding a political office put a Christian in difficultdilemmas at times? Whenwould you be willing tofight for your country?

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PRAYER

Does the world seem to begetting worse and worse? Aregovernments becoming moreoppressive and more corrupt?Other than complaining,becoming a hermit, orstarting a revolution, what can we do about it?

Paul believed that prayercould change our lives andeven our governments. Hesaid:

I exhort first of all thatsupplications, prayers,intercessions, and givingof thanks be made for allmen, for kings and allwho are in authority, thatwe may lead a quiet andpeaceable life in allgodliness and reverence.For this is good and

acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, whodesires all men to besaved and to come to the knowledge of thetruth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).Why should we pray

for our leaders? Paulsaid that the goal of ourpraying should be that we asbelievers will be able to live“quiet and peaceable” lives(see also Jer. 29:4-7). In sucha peaceful atmosphere wewill be able to live and speakso that others will come to aknowledge of the truth aboutChrist. The ultimate aim ofour prayers, then, is thatmen and women wouldcome to know Jesus Christas their Savior and Lord.

What specific sorts ofthings should we prayabout? Paul mentioned thatwe should pray for kings—those in positions of highestauthority and the mostpower. But his call for prayeralso included all governmentleaders who exercise a

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degree of authority over us. We need to pray in

general terms for matterssuch as the upholding ofjustice, freedom for theoppressed, protection ofcitizens, efforts againstcrime, free exercise ofreligion, economic health and stability, and unhindered ability tocommunicate the gospel tothose who have never heard.

We also need to pray for specific issues such as a particular piece oflegislation, an election issue,candidates, specific courtcases we become aware of, and much more.

In order to remindourselves of thisresponsibility, it might help to keep a list of ourlocal, state, and federalgovernment officials in a place where we will see it during a time of dailyreading and prayer. It maybe a long list, especially if weinclude people’s names like

those on the school board,neighborhood associations,city councils, countycommissions, and state and federal legislatures,judges, governors, cabinetmembers, presidents, andprime ministers.

What kinds ofprayers did Paul havein mind? In 1 Timothy2:1, Paul used four differentwords to describe the kindsof prayers we should offer

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“It is a paradox ofthe Christian lifethat the more

profoundly one isconcerned aboutheaven, the moredeeply one cares

about God’s will being done

on earth.”J. I. Packer


on behalf of ourgovernments: supplications,prayers, intercessions,and the giving of thanks.Although the first three ofthese words are very similarin definition, it is possiblethat Paul intended toemphasize the differentingredients that should bepart of our prayer life.

Supplications are thoserequests that spring from asense of need in a specificsituation. Therefore, whenapplied to our requests forgovernment, supplicationsare those appeals to Godthat a certain law would be passed or that a judgewould make a certaindecision or that theauthorities would take acertain course of action.

Prayers can be any sortof request. In the NewTestament, the term refersin a general sense to allkinds of communion withGod. Bible commentatorWilliam Hendriksen,

however, suggests that inthe context of 1 Timothy 2this term possibly refers tothe ongoing general needsin government—likewisdom and justice.

Intercessions are thoseprayers during which wecome close to God andspeak to Him on behalf ofthe best interests of otherpeople. In regard togovernment, then, thesecould be prayers for specific individuals andtheir situations.

Giving of thanksrefers to our expression of gratitude. In relation togovernment, we are to bethankful for the good that ishappening in our country,in our political system, andin our leadership. Instead ofalways concentrating onwhat is wrong or in need ofimprovement, we need totake more time to thankGod for all the good things that we have in our particular country.

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If the leaders are evil, how am Isupposed to pray forthem? Are we to supportevil, corrupt leaders withour prayers? Yes, we shouldcontinue to pray that Godwould work in their livesand thinking so that theywould govern wisely andpromote truth and justice.But that does not mean that we have to like them or approve of their evil.

Throughout history therehave been leaders whowere enemies of the causeof Christ. Our world todayhas many leaders who areself-serving and who wouldrather “throw their weightaround” and oppress thecitizens than be a servant ofthe people (Lk. 22:25-26).Prayers against suchleaders are appropriate.

The prophet Samuellearned that if he was topray according to God’s will,he could not pray for thesuccess of Saul, the first king

of Israel. Saul’s power hadgone to his head and heignored God’s way of doingthings (1 Sam. 13:1-14;15:1-23). When the Lordannounced that He was no longer supporting Saul’srule, Samuel prayed all nightin anguish (15:11). Fromthat point on, if Samuel wasto pray according to God’s

will, he could no longer prayfor the success of Saul’s rule.Instead, he was to pray for and support Saul’sreplacement.

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The psalms ofDavid include many

prayers againstthose who pervertedjustice, opposed theking, or who were inother ways working

against God’spurposes.


The psalms of Davidinclude many prayers againstthose who perverted justice,opposed the king, or whowere in other ways workingagainst God’s purposes(55,59,69,79,109,137).

Jeremiah was told byGod not to pray for peoplewho were hopelessly wicked(Jer. 7:16; 11:14). God haddecided to judge them, sopraying for their well-beingwould have been futile.

The key reason forpraying against those ingovernment should be ourconcern for God’s purposesand for what is true, pure,right, and just. We can’tpresume to know what Godwill do to wicked rulers, butwe can pray that He woulduphold His own honor andthat He would create anatmosphere where the truth about Christ can beproclaimed (1 Tim. 2:1-4).

God listens when wepray. We have the greatpromise that “if we ask

anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 Jn. 5:14). The activitiesof the governments are verymuch a part of the spiritualbattle that will one day beover when Christ returns toset up His kingdom.

Thinking It Over.How can you remindyourself to pray forgovernment leaders andissues? Do public prayers in your church includerequests for those in politicaloffice? What current issuesneed your prayers?

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The key reason for praying

against those ingovernment shouldbe our concern forGod’s purposes and

for what is true,pure, right, and just.


HELPING YOUHELP OTHERS

TThe followingquestions are for you to use in leading

a group discussion or indiscipling someone. Wesuggest that the questionsbe discussed prior tostudying the correspondingsection of this booklet.

RESPECT1. Why do we need

government? Whatshould good governmentdo for the citizens? (Rom. 13:1-7).

2. Do you find it easy ordifficult to respect andobey those who are inpolitical authority? Why?

3. When should we disobeythose in authority? (Acts4:19-20; 5:21-29).

4. What biblical examplescan you think of thatillustrate obedience and disobedience togovernment?

5. Should a Christianparticipate in acts ofterrorism, vandalism,rioting, assassinations,coups, or other violentacts?

6. How far can we go in ourprotesting of governmentpolicy before we violate the principle ofsubmission to authority?

TAXES1. What kinds of taxes do

you pay? What benefitsdo you and other citizens receive from the government?

2. Did Jesus believe it wasright or wrong to paytaxes? (Mk. 12:17).

3. Does the government usetax money for purposesthat you cannot approveof because of yourreligious convictions?Would you be right towithhold your tax dollars?

4. What legal means do youhave to influence howyour tax dollars are spent?

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INVOLVEMENT1. Jesus said that His

kingdom was “not of this world” (Jn. 18:36).Should we, then, beactively involved in thepolitics of this world?

2. How can we function as salt and light ininfluencing government?(Mt. 5:13-14).

3. How can we balancepolitical involvementwith the commission to“make disciples of all thenations” (Mt. 28:19-20).

4. In what ways should webecome involved in thepolitical process? Howdid people in Bible timesrelate to government?(Joseph, Gideon, Samuel,Isaiah, Nehemiah, Amos,John the Baptist, Paul).

PRAYER1. Why should we pray

for those in government?(1 Tim. 2:1-4).

2. What sorts of issuesshould we pray about?

Are you aware of specificlegislative items or judicialdecisions that have to bemade? Do you know thenames of your local, state,and federal officials?3. For what can we

be thankful? What good things has thegovernment provided for you and others?

4. How are we to pray forevil leaders? Is it everright to pray for theoverthrow of a leader?

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HIGH HOPES

GGovernment—evengood government—does not hold the

ultimate answers to oursocial and personalproblems. No politicalsystem, no leader, noparliament or congress, can create the type of society that meets our most fundamental needs.

The goals of somegovernments, as stated intheir constitutions, presentsome worthy objectives. Butthe vision of those words isoften an elusive dream thatshatters when confronted by cold reality. For example,here’s a well-knownintroduction to one suchhistorical document:

We the people of theUnited States, in order toform a more perfect union,establish justice, insuredomestic tranquility,provide for the commondefense, promote the

general welfare, andsecure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, doordain and establish this constitution for theUnited States of America.Those are great goals.

They’re the kinds ofpurposes that help agovernment function as aservant of the people andnot a cruel slavemaster. But let’s not fool ourselves. If we’re looking for agovernment to actually fulfillthose goals, we’re deluded.

If we’re looking to ourConstitution and our leadersto give us a sense of securityand well-being, we’re notlooking high enough. Onlythe King of kings, the ultimateRuler of the universe, has theability to fulfill all these needsand desires. Our high hopesmust be centered on the Onewho is called God Most High(Ps. 57:2).

Our tendency to expecttoo much from government

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is an age-old problem. Whenthe people of the infantnation Israel marched intothe land of Palestine, theylacked the symbols ofleadership and the kinds ofdefenses that they saw in thenations around them. Theyhad, however, seen God timeafter time miraculously fighton their behalf. After an

unsettled period in whichthey were led by severaldifferent judges andprophets, they asked theprophet Samuel for a king.They wanted a leader “likeall the nations” around them(1 Sam. 8:5,20). They

wanted this person to givethem a visible sense ofsecurity. The Lord, though,saw this as rebellion againstHis rule (vv.7-9).

The Lord warned themthat putting their trust in a king would lead todisappointment. A kingcould offer them only limitedprotection and he woulddemand the best of theirpeople and products for hisown use (vv.10-18). Thenation, however, wanted aking—and they got theimpressive-looking butultimately disappointingKing Saul.

What the young nation of Israel sought in humanleadership back then issomething that citizenscontinue to look for ingovernment today. But whatwe long for from a goodgovernment is ultimatelyfulfilled only in God. Healone can protect us, providefor our needs, give us worthywork, ensure justice, provide

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If we’re looking toour Constitution andour leaders to give

us a sense of securityand well-being,

we’re not lookinghigh enough.


infallible leadership, educateus with eternal truths, andprovide lasting peace, anabundant life, true liberty,and enduring happiness.God’s kingdom provideswhat human kingdoms canonly partially provide.

Protection. Nationsspend billions of dollarsbuilding military forces toprotect their borders andtheir interests around theworld. But no defense isimpenetrable. Security istenuous at best. Worldhistory tells a story of therise and fall of nations andempires who once felt theywere immortal.

The Lord, though, offersprotection that will not fail.David, who became king ofIsrael, recognized that hisability to rule well and hisnation’s security were not inhis own power to provide. He wrote, “The Lord is myrock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, mystrength, in whom I will trust”

(Ps. 18:2). He also wrote,“Some trust in chariots, andsome in horses; but we willremember the name of theLord our God” (20:7).

Provision. We not onlylook to government fordefense against our enemies,we also can mistakenly seethe state as being the onewho provides us with food.Yet the Lord demonstratedby His miraculous supply ofmanna and water in thewilderness during the exodusof the Jews from Egypt thatHe can provide food anddrink when no one else can.Jesus taught us to recognizeGod as our ultimate Providerwhen He told us to pray,“Give us this day our dailybread” (Mt. 6:11).

Justice. Our judicialsystems are flawed byprejudice, incompleteevidence, political power,even bribery. Even the bestcourts struggle with sortingout truth, bringing aboutjustice, and trying to close

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up loopholes that allow theguilty to go free.

In the book of Proverbs,however, we are reminded,“Many seek the ruler’s favor,but justice for man comesfrom the Lord” (29:26.) Godalone knows all the facts ofevery case. He perfectlyinterprets and will enforceHis flawless laws. Right nowwe do not see God’s justicedisplayed in human courts,but “He has appointed a dayon which He will judge theworld in righteousness bythe Man [Jesus] whom Hehas ordained. He has givenassurance of this to all byraising Him from the dead”(Acts 17:31).

Life, Liberty, AndHappiness. The UnitedStates Declaration ofIndependence declares that all people “are endowedby their Creator with certaininalienable rights, thatamong these are life, liberty, and the pursuit ofhappiness.” The government

is supposed to uphold andprotect these rights.

Our ultimate source and preserver of life, how-ever, is the One who gave us physical breath and whogrants to us spiritual lifethrough Jesus Christ. Thegreatest liberty—freedomfrom sin (Rom. 6:23)—canbe enjoyed even by thosewho are bound in chains by a tyrannical ruler. Truehappiness is not dependenton circumstances, and it canbe experienced by those whoknow that they are pleasingGod (Mt. 5:1-12).

Governments come andgo but the Lord remains thesame. He alone fulfills ourdeepest needs and providesthe kind of protection,provision, justice, life, liberty, and happiness thatcan satisfy us both now andforever. He alone is the Kingwho deserves our pledge ofabsolute allegiance. Healone has the ability to fulfillour highest hopes.

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VOTING TIME

TThe decision is up toyou. At this momentthe only vote that

counts is yours. Your futuredepends on your choiceright now. In regard to yourrelationship to humanrulers, will you vote for:

❏ Respect or❏ Disrespect;❏ Taxes or❏ No taxes;❏ Involvement or❏ Noninvolvement;❏ Prayer or❏ No prayer Even more important,

though, is what you decideto do about God’s right torule your life. He is the Kingof the universe. Do you liveas if you believe it and wantto please Him?

If you have been livingin rebellion, confess yoursin. And if you’ve neverdone so before, put yourtrust in Jesus Christ aloneto bring you complete

forgiveness of sin and tobring you to heaven. TellHim, “God, I admit I’m asinner, a rebel who hasbeen living for myself. I believe Jesus died for me.I accept the gift of life Youoffer to all who trust Him.Help me now to live forYou.”

If you have foundforgiveness in Christ buthave strayed away, taketime now to acknowledgeyour failure to live for God and renew yourcommitment to Him.Resolve to be salt and lightin a world that desperatelyneeds to hear the life-changing news about Christand that needs to see howtransformed lives canrevolutionize society. The best way to changesociety is not throughaltering forms of humangovernment, but bychanging the human heartand putting Christ on thethrone of our lives.

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what do we owe the government?

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