Civil Government

July 22, 2018 Divided Session

Define first what is a civil government (It is the aspect on our government that excludes the armed forces.
Moreover, it focuses on the state or the people involved)

Then ask them for some insights why the Lord established such regime. Is it to abuse the power they
possess? Is it for the purpose of corruption? Is it for fame? Is it all about greed for money?

If not, then what is the principle behind the establishment of our civil government?

Ask them to open their bibles and read Romans 13:1-7 altogether (not orally, if necessary)

The commandment is in the verse 1, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.”
The principle behind this was described in the second sentence “For there is no authority except from
God, and those which exist are established by God.” In verse 2, Paul gave a logical conclusion that
“whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves.” We have to be submissive to our government, because our Sovereign
Lord has appointed them in the first place. Instead of refuting, protesting, criticizing and grumbling against
our government, we have to keep in mind that REBELING AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES IS EQUIVALENT
WITH REBELING AGAINST GOD and will result to judgement as it is clearly stated in verse 2. (then elaborate
this part. Kaya niyo yaaan)

Moving on with the verses 3-5, it was stated here how God protects the innocent from the guilty through
the Civil Government. The authorities were described in verse 4 as God’s servants. God uses the civil
government by giving them the power to bear the sword (to enforce the law) upon those who do wrongs.
There’s no need to fear the government if we abide with the laws and do only what is right. But the
lawbreakers and those who commit crimes will face certain punishments to serve justice for the innocents
(Use the cases of theft and rape or any crime as an example). With that, we can assure the peace, order
and the welfare of the people will be promoted. Of course, we simply submit to our government not
because we wouldn’t want to be subjected in the punishments but because it is a matter of conscience as
stated in verse 5. (Explain from here that one of the fruits of being Christians is living in a Christlike-
behavior. That is, being obedient and kind is kind of a natural thing)

In verses 6-7, it was explained that the government should be supported financially, feared respectfully
and honored reverently. Our government does various services for our convenience. What would happen
if people wouldn’t pay taxes. Think of it if our policemen’s gears are to be provided through charity. (Justify
from here why taxes are necessary)

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. It is not only through the taxes that we could pay our government, we are
encouraged to be concerned and to be grateful for the lives of those who were given authority through
prayer. Let’s pray for their lives to live in Holiness (such as the case of president Duterte) and integrity
(such as the case of corruption in our government). In addition, it is our duty to also to pay them with
respect and honor. (Give more details as to why).

Lastly, we must always consider the Acts 5:29. It says that we must obey God rather than human beings.
When the choice is between obeying God or man, choose to obey God. However, most of what
government requires us to do does not violate the law of God. Therefore, we have a responsibility IN
MOST CASES (not in all cases) to obey God by obeying man!