Christian Prosperity Under a Hostle Government

Live and Prosper as a Christian Under a Hostile Government (Christians & Civil Government)

Over the span of time since the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the church (the body of Christ) has undergone subjection to a wide variety of civil governments ranging from the rule of the Pharisees and Sadducees along with the Roman Empire to the civil governments of today. Many Christians though do not understand from God's point of view the reason for the existence of government nor it's proper place in God's scheme of things. Civil government is a means ordained by God for ruling and maintaining order in communities, nations, and the world in general. Civil government is only one of three such means of maintaining order. The other two are ministers (leadership in the Church) and parents. All three are delegated by God, it's own sphere of influence under Christ Jesus who is our ultimate leader and provider of our needs we receive from God. In our world that is under the control of the devil for a short while (until our Lord and Savior returns) these three authorities are in actuality put in place by God for us by His grace to stand against anarchy and the removal of ordered society necessary for the welfare of His Children. With this in our mind's view God has set government in the way that He ordained to be under Him, govern the people for His glory and the public good. He allows government to be armed with ability to defend and encourage the people and to punish those who would stand for evil and wrong against His people. There are two distinct places in the scriptures written to the Church regarding the Church and government. They are Romans 13:1-7 and I Peter 2:13-17.

"Romans 13:1 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."
Paul wrote to the Church in Rome that believers have a logical reason for submission to the authority of government. Primarily the recognition that God Himself is the source of government in societies.
"Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth."
"Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him."
As stated in Daniel, it is the will of God that determines the existing of rule by rulers and governments. When rulers and governments are functioning according to God's will they exist, but when they are in opposition to God they are removed. Hence God's removing and setting up.

"Romans 13:2 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:"
Rebellion against the authority of government is a strong implication of rebelling against the ordinance given by God.

"Romans 13:4 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."
Still referring contextually to government, "God's minister to you for good," pronounces that the state's authority is for the benefit of society as a whole and this authority is it's normal function as God intended it to be. The assumption in practical view is that even when governments are non-Christian and profess to be such, they still have authority to maintain order. The sword indicates the governments power of life and death. Opponents of capitol punishment fail to see the scriptural significance and the early Church and Paul himself accepted this principle of punishment. Paul stated:
“Acts 25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar."
"To execute wrath" covers all of the other forms of punishment given to evil doers. Where we as individual members of the Church are to refrain from taking revenge on our own for being wronged, the government can legitimately do so to punish evil doers.

"Romans 13:6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing."
A Christian's compliance to the issue of taxation by government is our response of conscience and our having received the instruction of the scriptures given by divine inspiration. Since the functioning of government is divinely provided for us by God for the purpose of establishing order and it needs financial support in order to function, we can pay taxes with a distinct view and understanding that this in itself is also an element of devotion to God.

"Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."

Paul here is further stating the same thing that Jesus stated in his ministry here on earth and here indicates to us how it is to be applied. Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees in their attempt to trap him into a statement against the rule of Rome (which would have made him appear to be committing treason). Their ploy was if he advocated paying taxes the citizens hated (because they symbolized submission to Rome), Jesus would have alienated himself from being received by the people. On the other hand if he was a proponent of nonpayment, the rulers in Herod's court could accuse him of treason and arrest him. This account is in Matthew 22:15-21. In verse 21 Jesus stated to the Pharisees that it was proper to pay tax to Caesar, but he turned the issue on them to the deeper truth of ultimate allegiance to God over allegiance to Caesar.

The apostle Peter also echoed the same things that Paul wrote in Romans 13. The scriptural context runs from I Peter 2:13 through I Peter 3:6. But for this topic being covered, I Peter 2:13-17 explores the submission action to government we are called to, with some clarification not covered by Paul.
"1 Peter 2:13 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. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:"
This submission is of a voluntary compliance to the authorities governing in nature. We as Christians are to do this because this action will not only result in commending Jesus Christ to others, but it will also keep any form of reproach from the name of Jesus Christ and the Body of Christ, the Church. Our submission in this manner is required as long as it does not involve violation of the law of God.

"1 Peter 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king."
The key thought addressed here is our freedom in Christ. When we submit to governmental rule, we are in no way making a denial of Christian freedom. When we submit to government, we are exercising the act of being God's truly free people. The liberty and freedom we have in Jesus Christ is not intended to nor is it approved in the sight of God to be used as a pretext for rebellion. It is not to be used as a justification for wrong doing either for that matter. The freedom we have in Christ does not derive from escaping the services required us from government but it does come from a change of masters, with God being the Master we serve.
"Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
We are exhorted to honor all people, to recognize the value of each person we encounter as a bearer of the image of God (and this includes everyone...even politicians). We are to be examples and witnesses of God's love by the exhibition of the love of God in the renewed mind to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to our friends. We are exhorted also to fear God, that means our view of our Father should be in both the aspect of Father and judge. We as Christians will be judged by our deeds and rewarded accordingly. And finally, exhorted to honor the king (government) to the extent that we show honor for all people.

Acts of Civil Disobedience
Still as we live our lives under the rule of government and those in authority, it needs to be realized that we have the right to go against things we are told to submit to that go directly in opposition to what God requires or forbids. There are times, that as a Christian, we can not submit to rules and laws and some from of civil disobedience is inescapable. We must stand faithful to our calling and do what God expect in the areas where we do not have the flexibility to conform to society's or the government's expectations.
"Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."

Peter and John had been ordered by the government not to preach the Gospel which meant stopping them from performing the calling that God had on their lives. There response to being told something in opposition to what God had told them was "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." In plain words, you say not to, but our God has has commanded us and we are going to do God's will. Instead of keeping a low profile, they went back to the Church and informed it of what transpired. The result? They prayed for more boldness...not to be protected and hidden. The church where they prayed was "shaken" (If the Holy Spirit move and shook some churches today...there would a lot of heart attacks.) and everyone was filled with the holy spirit and spoke God's Word with boldness...not just Peter & John. The result of their civil disobedience resulted in a multiplying growth of the Church.
"Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."

Again shortly after the arrest of Peter and John and their subsequent release, all of the apostle were arrested and thrown in the common prison. God's answer to that...He sent an angel to free them and to tell them to go to the temple (they place they were arrested in the first place) and to speak all the words of this life (Christian) which is what they were arrested for doing in the first place. They were confronted again not to speak God's Word after their captors discovered they had disappeared only to be back in the temple. The question they faced this time was...didn't we tell you not to teach and the reply they gave was "we ought to obey God rather than man." Talk about a bold stand. They were beaten and released, then went back out rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ and started teaching not only in the temple, but in every house that would accept them, and they did not cease to preach Jesus Christ as the savior for them that believe.

Politics and the Christian
"2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."

Our calling and commission today is the same as in the First Century Church, to "Go stand in the temple all the Words of this life."
Not only to go out and teach people and rescue them from under the power and control of the devil, but to find others who will faithfully be able to teach others too. We should not allow ourselves to be trapped into exerting all of our energy in the political arena, because to do so is entanglement in the affairs of life. An entanglement is a hindrance, and a hindrance is something that will stop you from effectively "speaking to the people all the Words of this life." When we exert ourselves in this manner we stop the ability of God to use us to be all things to all people in order to win those who believe to be saved (1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.)

As Christians today we can not compromise God's Word. We are in times that call for taking a stand and fighting a strong spiritual battle against the power of the devil to disrupt the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ and the Church. When you read the account of the Church of the First Century, when persecution and distress arose, the Church grew greatly because God gave boldness to His children to go stand and speak. We must put on the whole armor of God and stand, not as victims but as victors through our lord and savior Jesus Christ using the sword of the Spirit (God's Word) and our shield of believing to stop every
attack against us.
"Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

I pray for each and every one of you that God fills you to overflowing with boldness and His strength to accomplish all He calls you to you to do as your part in the Body of Christ. Do not let the roars of the adversary freeze you in your tracks and keep you from moving forward boldly. You can boldly claim in the name of Jesus Christ every place you walk and drive back the darkness. God's call is for soldiers of Christ to stand on the battle front to set the captives free and await His return.