Greg Baker from the Church Ambassador Network challenges students to view government through a biblical lens rather than an American perspective, emphasizing that Christians are citizens of heaven, loyal to a different king and kingdom.
Scripture Text
Romans 13:1-4
Main Points or Ideas
- Government is an Institution of God - Government comes up 2,000 times in the Bible. God only made three institutions: family (first), government (around Genesis 9), and the church (eternal). If God instituted government, the church should care more about it than anyone else.
- Government's Purpose is Justice, Not Transformation - Government is a common grace gift that brings order to a world corrupted by sin. The worst form of government is anarchy. Government restrains sin daily, though when wicked it can unleash more sin than any other institution. The cross reveals that God is both just and merciful.
- Those in Government are God's Ministers - Whether they recognize it or not, all who serve in government are God's ministers. Throughout history, God has used various leaders as His instruments, often people we wouldn't pick. We serve a "grass-tops" God of order who expects us to obey and show honor to authorities regardless of whether we voted for them.
- Christ is the Perfect King - Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the only perfect ruler. He came as the ultimate example of servant leadership, laying down His life for the people rather than demanding to be served. All earthly kingdoms come and go, but only one kingdom reigns forever.
Conclusion
Christians should help government leaders see who they are in Christ and serve as the primary resource for the state, being missionaries wherever God sends them rather than just political activists.
