Continuing our 2009 Initiative "365 Holy Days" focusing on the holidays through the year, this week we focus on Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, 2009.
Outline for Bible Life Group
(Memorize Proverbs 16:33 for juxtaposition of God's Sovereignty with Democratic Republic)
I. Romans 13:1
A. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities,II. Romans 13:2B. for there is no authority except that which god has established.1. Titus 3:1 - Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
2. 1Peter 2:13, 14 - Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
C. The authorities that exist have been established by God.1. Daniel 2:21 - He [Daniel in prayer referring to God] changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.
2. Daniel 4:17 - [Nebuchadnezzar describing what the messenger, the holy one calling out to him in his dream] "'The decision is announc- ed by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the liv- ing may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.'
3. John 19:11 - [Jesus speaking to Pilate] Jesus answered, "You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
A. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,III. Romans 13:31. Exodus 16:8 - Moses also said, "You will know that it was the LORD when He gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because He has heard your grumbling against Him. Who are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD."B. and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.A. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you.IV. Romans 13:41. 1Peter 2:14 - or to governors, who are sent by him [the king] to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.A. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear thw sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.V. Romans 13:51. 1Thessalonians 4:6 - and that in this matter [sanctified living] no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warn- ed you.A. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.VI. Romans 13:61. Proverbs 24:21, 22 - Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruc- tion upon them, and who knows what calamitites they can bring?A. This is also why you pay taxes,VII. Romans 13:71. Matthew 22:17-21 - "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."B. for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.A. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;B. if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.1. Matthew 17:24-27 - After Jesus and His disciples arrived in Caperna um, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes, He does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" He asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
2. Matthew 22:17, 21 - see VI. A. 1.
3. Luke 23:2 - And they began to accuse Him, saying, "We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king."