God's Plan for Civil Government – Part 4 - One of God's Institutions given to man

In January through April of 2012 I led a Bible Study on the Bible and Civil Government. It lasted 13 weeks. These lessons are being posted on a website: https://bibleandcivilgovernment.com.

The Lessons are a bit long for people to read on facebook, so the lessons are being posted on facebook in shorter pieces.

God's Plan for Civil Government # 4

From number 3: The corporate lack of knowledge is not pleasing to God! The Judgment rendered by God was rendered corporately (Hosea 4:6).

This study will address the Biblical references on civil government and the historical founding of our country in light of the Biblical references and trying to overcome a lack of knowledge where it exists.

The goal is that this study will give Christians a better understanding of what God’s Word, the Bible, commands and tells us concerning civil government.

With this truth we will be better equipped to do our Christian duty and will provide discernment concerning current day government and the associated politics.

The inclusion of historical information on our country’s Founding will give us a better understanding of our Christian heritage and the influence of Biblical principles on early American Liberty. This knowledge and Truth can be a guide to modern day Christians on what we have lost and what we need to do to return to a Christian nation.

God’s Institutions given to man

It is commonly understood that God created, established or ordained three institutions for man; family, church and civil government. This study is focused on the Biblical principles and teaching on the third of these – civil government.

A starting point: Paul and Peter in the New Testament

There are several New Testament passages which in my experience are most commonly referenced in writings, sermons and studies associated with the Bible and Civil Government. The two that we will start with are: Romans 13:1-7and 1 Peter 2:13-14.

Romans 13:1-7 (For today only verses 1 & 2)

1 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
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers 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:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

The second passage is 1 Peter 2:13-14.

13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme
14 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.

Next we will look at some Common Sermons and Commentaries.