Mountain Springs Baptist Church
“Seeing What We Believe” -Civil Government
“Seeing What We Believe” — 1 Jn. 5:13, Isa. 26:3 - Civil Government
Locations & Times
Mountain Springs Baptist Church
10110 Constitution Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112, USA
Wednesday 7:00 PM
“Seeing What We Believe”
1 Jn. 5:13, Isa. 26:3
1 Jn. 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life…”
True believers know and understand the depth of God’s love. The more we know Him, have assurance of eternal life, and grow in grace, the more we will be at peace in the midst of troublesome times.
Review
MOUNTAIN SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND PURPOSE
ARTICLE 2
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT
SECTION 2.01—STATEMENT OF FAITH
(A) The Holy Scriptures.
(B) Dispensationalism.
(C) The Godhead.
(D)The Person and Work of Christ.
(E)The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.
(F)The Depravity of Man.
(G)Salvation.
(H)The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.
(I) The Church
(J)Separation.
(K)The Second Coming of Christ.
(L)The Eternal State.
(M)The Personality of Satan.
(N)Creation. We believe that the Genesis account of creation is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of God’s creation of the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)
❖ The statement about Creation includes several theories regarding “origin.”
Literal, 24-hour day
Evolution
The Gap Theory
The Day-Age Theory
Theistic Evolution
The Scriptural Presentation of Creation
Introduction
Why go over the constitution and by-laws? Very simply, everyone needs to…
KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
2 Tim. 1:12 “…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Rom. 14:5b “…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
Please remember that the topics we are covering on a Wednesday evening are brief summaries of a specific doctrine. We are only covering the main points, not going into minute details.
Tonight, our subject is…
(O)Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
The State
Rom. 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.
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 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.
1 Pet. 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.
❖ God expects submission to His institutions’ leadership.
Rom. 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.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
❖ God has ordained the authority over of His institutions for His purpose.
Rom. 13:3 “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil…”
4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good…”
The Home
Eph. 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Col. 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
❖ God’s Order of Priority for Mankind:
1. God
2. Husband
3. Wife
4. Children
5. Ministry
6. Extended Family
7. Career
❖ A godly home must have godly leadership, preferably, in both parents.
Harvard law professor, Elizabeth Bartholet believes that homeschooling can be 'dangerous' because it gives parents authoritarian control over their children
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8242579/Harvard-law-professor-calls-homeschooling-dangerous.html
The Church
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
❖ The authority of a pastor, given by God, is to earn confidence, be trustworthy, in leadership.
❖ The pastor’s responsibility is not to “run” the church, but to keep everyone else from trying to “run” it.
Original Word: πείθωTransliteration: peithóDefinition: to persuade, to have confidenceUsage: I persuade, urge.
Peíthō (the root of pístis, "faith") – to persuade; (passive) be persuaded of what is trustworthy.
The Lord persuades the yielded believer to be confident in His preferred-will (Gal 5:10; 2 Tim 1:12). (peíthō) involves "obedience, but it is properly the result of (God's) persuasion."
https://biblehub.com/greek/3982.htm
persuade – 22x; trust – 8x; obey – 7x; have confidence – 6x; believe – 3x; be confident – 2x; misc. – 7x.
❖ The pastor’s “rule” is to possess the primary position of persuasion.
❖ The responsibility to “lead” falls upon the shoulder of the pastor.
❖ The “power of influence” is expected to be followed, or submitted to.
Original Word: ἡγέομαιTransliteration: hégeomaiDefinition: to lead, supposeUsage: (a) I lead, (b) I think, am of opinion, suppose, consider.
hēgéomai (from ágō, "to lead") – properly, to lead the way (going before as a chief) – cognate with hēgemṓn ("a governor or official who leads others").
hēgéomai ("what goes before, in front") refers to coming first in priority such as: "the leading thought" in one's mind, i.e. to esteem (regard highly); or a leading authority, providing leadership in a local church (see Heb 13:7,17,24).
hēgéomai ("an official who leads") carries important responsibility and hence "casts a heavy vote" (influence) – and hence deserve cooperation by those who are led (Heb 13:7; passive, "to esteem/reckon heavily" the person or influence who is leading).]
https://biblehub.com/greek/2233.htm
The Summary
Rom. 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.
❖ The “Power of Authority” begins with God.
❖ Such power to authorities is “designated” power, given by God.
Original Word: ἐξουσίαTransliteration: exousiaDefinition: power to act, authorityUsage: (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
eksousía (from ek, "out from," which intensifies eimí, "to be, being as a right or privilege") – authority, conferred power; delegated empowerment ("authorization"), operating in a designated jurisdiction.
In the NT, eksousía ("delegated power") refers to the authority God gives to His saints – authorizing them to act to the extent they are guided by faith (His revealed word).
https://biblehub.com/greek/1849.htm
❖ The designated powers which follow God’s leadership, deserve our submission, or “followship.”
The Caution
Submission
God’s “institutions” work wonderfully WHEN the leadership of each institution is in harmony with God’s Word and His will. Those in leadership will be more accountable for their actions than those they lead.
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
❖ If a pastor’s leadership goes contrary to Scripture, he should be reproved, and, if necessary, replaced.
❖ If a husband earns respect, he should expect harmony in the home.
Eph. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
❖ If a husband is unspiritual, the wife should pray and implement 1 Pet. 3:1-7.
1 Pet. 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
❖ If parental leadership is unspiritual, a child must pray for the parents, obey them as best is possible, and after leaving home, follow the Lord and His Word.
❖ If the government violates Scriptural principles, we must pray for the leaders, respect the laws when possible, but be “fully persuaded in your own mind” to obey God.
1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Loyalty
Our loyalty to leadership is always focused first, upon the Lord.
Churchgoers Must Register With the Government in Kansas City
May 1, 2020
Kansas City, Missouri, officials are now requiring every church to submit a list of members and attendees along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers to city officials for tracking and surveillance purposes.
https://lc.org/newsroom/details/20200501churchgoers-must-register-with-the-government-in-kansas-city
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Gal. 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
1 Jn. 5:13, Isa. 26:3
1 Jn. 5:13 “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life…”
True believers know and understand the depth of God’s love. The more we know Him, have assurance of eternal life, and grow in grace, the more we will be at peace in the midst of troublesome times.
Review
MOUNTAIN SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND PURPOSE
ARTICLE 2
STATEMENT OF FAITH AND COVENANT
SECTION 2.01—STATEMENT OF FAITH
(A) The Holy Scriptures.
(B) Dispensationalism.
(C) The Godhead.
(D)The Person and Work of Christ.
(E)The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.
(F)The Depravity of Man.
(G)Salvation.
(H)The Eternal Security and Assurance of Believers.
(I) The Church
(J)Separation.
(K)The Second Coming of Christ.
(L)The Eternal State.
(M)The Personality of Satan.
(N)Creation. We believe that the Genesis account of creation is neither allegory nor myth, but a literal, historical account of God’s creation of the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. (Gen. 1-2; Ex. 20:11)
❖ The statement about Creation includes several theories regarding “origin.”
Literal, 24-hour day
Evolution
The Gap Theory
The Day-Age Theory
Theistic Evolution
The Scriptural Presentation of Creation
Introduction
Why go over the constitution and by-laws? Very simply, everyone needs to…
KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE
2 Tim. 1:12 “…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Rom. 14:5b “…Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.”
Please remember that the topics we are covering on a Wednesday evening are brief summaries of a specific doctrine. We are only covering the main points, not going into minute details.
Tonight, our subject is…
(O)Civil Government. We believe that God has ordained and created all authority consisting of three basic institutions: 1) the home, 2) the church, and 3) the state. Every person is subject to these authorities, but all (including the authorities themselves) are answerable to God and governed by His Word. God has given each institution specific Biblical responsibilities and balanced those responsibilities with the understanding that no institution has the right to infringe upon the other. The home, the church, and the state are equal and sovereign in their respective Biblically assigned spheres of responsibility under God. (Rom. 13:1-7; Eph. 5:22-24; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13-14)
The State
Rom. 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.
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 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.
1 Pet. 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.
❖ God expects submission to His institutions’ leadership.
Rom. 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.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
❖ God has ordained the authority over of His institutions for His purpose.
Rom. 13:3 “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil…”
4 “For he is the minister of God to thee for good…”
The Home
Eph. 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Col. 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
❖ God’s Order of Priority for Mankind:
1. God
2. Husband
3. Wife
4. Children
5. Ministry
6. Extended Family
7. Career
❖ A godly home must have godly leadership, preferably, in both parents.
Harvard law professor, Elizabeth Bartholet believes that homeschooling can be 'dangerous' because it gives parents authoritarian control over their children
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8242579/Harvard-law-professor-calls-homeschooling-dangerous.html
The Church
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
❖ The authority of a pastor, given by God, is to earn confidence, be trustworthy, in leadership.
❖ The pastor’s responsibility is not to “run” the church, but to keep everyone else from trying to “run” it.
Original Word: πείθωTransliteration: peithóDefinition: to persuade, to have confidenceUsage: I persuade, urge.
Peíthō (the root of pístis, "faith") – to persuade; (passive) be persuaded of what is trustworthy.
The Lord persuades the yielded believer to be confident in His preferred-will (Gal 5:10; 2 Tim 1:12). (peíthō) involves "obedience, but it is properly the result of (God's) persuasion."
https://biblehub.com/greek/3982.htm
persuade – 22x; trust – 8x; obey – 7x; have confidence – 6x; believe – 3x; be confident – 2x; misc. – 7x.
❖ The pastor’s “rule” is to possess the primary position of persuasion.
❖ The responsibility to “lead” falls upon the shoulder of the pastor.
❖ The “power of influence” is expected to be followed, or submitted to.
Original Word: ἡγέομαιTransliteration: hégeomaiDefinition: to lead, supposeUsage: (a) I lead, (b) I think, am of opinion, suppose, consider.
hēgéomai (from ágō, "to lead") – properly, to lead the way (going before as a chief) – cognate with hēgemṓn ("a governor or official who leads others").
hēgéomai ("what goes before, in front") refers to coming first in priority such as: "the leading thought" in one's mind, i.e. to esteem (regard highly); or a leading authority, providing leadership in a local church (see Heb 13:7,17,24).
hēgéomai ("an official who leads") carries important responsibility and hence "casts a heavy vote" (influence) – and hence deserve cooperation by those who are led (Heb 13:7; passive, "to esteem/reckon heavily" the person or influence who is leading).]
https://biblehub.com/greek/2233.htm
The Summary
Rom. 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.
❖ The “Power of Authority” begins with God.
❖ Such power to authorities is “designated” power, given by God.
Original Word: ἐξουσίαTransliteration: exousiaDefinition: power to act, authorityUsage: (a) power, authority, weight, especially: moral authority, influence, (b) in a quasi-personal sense, derived from later Judaism, of a spiritual power, and hence of an earthly power.
eksousía (from ek, "out from," which intensifies eimí, "to be, being as a right or privilege") – authority, conferred power; delegated empowerment ("authorization"), operating in a designated jurisdiction.
In the NT, eksousía ("delegated power") refers to the authority God gives to His saints – authorizing them to act to the extent they are guided by faith (His revealed word).
https://biblehub.com/greek/1849.htm
❖ The designated powers which follow God’s leadership, deserve our submission, or “followship.”
The Caution
Submission
God’s “institutions” work wonderfully WHEN the leadership of each institution is in harmony with God’s Word and His will. Those in leadership will be more accountable for their actions than those they lead.
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
❖ If a pastor’s leadership goes contrary to Scripture, he should be reproved, and, if necessary, replaced.
❖ If a husband earns respect, he should expect harmony in the home.
Eph. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
❖ If a husband is unspiritual, the wife should pray and implement 1 Pet. 3:1-7.
1 Pet. 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
❖ If parental leadership is unspiritual, a child must pray for the parents, obey them as best is possible, and after leaving home, follow the Lord and His Word.
❖ If the government violates Scriptural principles, we must pray for the leaders, respect the laws when possible, but be “fully persuaded in your own mind” to obey God.
1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Loyalty
Our loyalty to leadership is always focused first, upon the Lord.
Churchgoers Must Register With the Government in Kansas City
May 1, 2020
Kansas City, Missouri, officials are now requiring every church to submit a list of members and attendees along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers to city officials for tracking and surveillance purposes.
https://lc.org/newsroom/details/20200501churchgoers-must-register-with-the-government-in-kansas-city
Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Gal. 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Conclusion
❖ Society stands upon the pillars of “authority and submission.”
❖ God ordained “power” of authority deserves our attitude of submissive, for His glory.
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
❖ Society stands upon the pillars of “authority and submission.”
❖ God ordained “power” of authority deserves our attitude of submissive, for His glory.
Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.