It is important to understand that the believer's citizenship in heaven does not absolve us of our responsibility to the state. The Christian has accountability to both. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:2: "...for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Therefore, the believer's obligation to the state is to make every effort and contribution toward a peaceful, law-abiding society -- including recognition of governmental authority. But why is it important? So we might get out the Gospel message (1 Timothy 2:3-4): "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." The subtlety of Paul's point is that even in the most tyrannical governments, there is some degree of freedom to preach the Word.
As we can see, God intended the church and the state to be kept separate. The church was not to dictate nor dominate the state -- and vice versa -- the state was not to control the church nor take the place of God. Unfortunately, many of the political forces in our country think they either speak for God or stand in replacement of Him.
Questions to Ponder:
Are
you having difficulty balancing your responsibility to the government
with the authority of God? Paul will begin Chapter Six by looking at the
legal system and how believers should interact with each other. Whose
law applies? God's or the secular system?https://www.ptl.org/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=DVO&utm_cam
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