SEMESTER 5
370 – The Articles of Faith Concerning Civil Government
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 70
CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CONCERNING THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT
Read: I Pet. 2:13-19
INTRODUCTION:
1. There are two categories of error held as to this matter:
i. The claim that we owe no subjection to anyone, but to God.
ii. The claim of helplessness when rule is anti-God.
2. Scripture gives clear instruction as to proper conduct.
3. It is seen in both the apostles; precept and their example.
4. In and by this, we can always find the right example.
I. THE FACT THAT CIVIL GOVERNMENT IS OF DIVINE APPOINTMENT
1. This does not mean that every ruler is approved by God.
III: “Thou madest unto thee kings, and I knew them not.”
2. It means the principle of human government is of God.
III: The chaos when men did what was right in their own eyes.
3. Even those not positively set up by God are permitted.
II. THE FACT THAT RULERS ARE TO BE PRAYED FOR AND OBEYED
1. Hunting biblical reasons to rebel is not an action of a good heart.
2. Shallow, snide remarks about presidents, etc., is out of order.
3. We should really pray for divine guidance over them.
4. We should honor them as officers. (Rom. 13:7 and I Pet. 2:17)
5. We should obey the laws they make and enforce.
III. IN CLEAR CONFLICT WE OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN
1. Again, remember, do not look for reasons to rebel.
2. Notwithstanding, clear contradictions sometimes arise.
3. This conflict is seen in places like Acts 4:17-20.
III: By Nebuchadnezzar setting up a golden image for worship.
4. In such cases our proper pathway is clear. (Dan. 3:17-18)
5. Physical risk in such decisions may help prove propriety.
I. OUR POWER TO VOTE IS AN INTERACTING CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY
1. The election of godly officials will solve many problems.
2. We should always vote for morality’s sake, not economy’s sake.
3. We cannot elect murderers and adulterers and expect good Government.
4. Labor and pray to seat good magistrates, then obey them.