When Your Government Lets You Down
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When Your Government Lets You Down
3 steps to take when your government disappoints you
I. Assume the Right Posture
A. Submit yourself
1 Peter 2:13 - Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority,
huppotasso – line yourself up in rank under
B. For the Lord's sake
1 Peter 2:13 - Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake…
Jeremiah 29:4-7 - Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, "Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare."
Titus 1:10-13 - For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true…
Titus 3:1 - Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,
C. Because of the government's purpose
1 Peter 2:14 - or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
Romans 13:1-7 - Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
1 Peter 2:15 - For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
phimoun – "to restrain, muzzle, or make speechless"
D. Balanced by other Scripture
Acts 5:29 - But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
II. Take the Right Action
1 Peter 2:16 - Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
A. The gospel frees you from being a sinful citizen
1 Timothy 2:1-2 - First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
B. Because we are now a slave to righteousness and service
1 Peter 2:16 - Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
Titus 3:8 - This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.
Titus 3:14 - Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.
III. Cultivate the Right Spirit
1 Peter 2:17 - Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
