THE ONLY SURE FOUNDATION

Chapter 1

Should Christians be involved in government?

“If a government desires to be blessed of its maker, it must be just.” p. 3

How can a government be truly just?

Is government necessary?

What is anarchy?What’s the problem with

anarchy?

Human depravity

The Nature of God & His World Trinity Man created in God’s image

How does man declare God’s glory? Creation Mandate: Genesis 1:28 Authority structure

Human Depravity Doesn’t mean we are totally wicked. Means every aspect of our being has

been twisted by our fall into sin.

We proved through our sin that we are incapable of governing ourselves.

One result of the Fall is the need for government or some authority structure to rule over us.

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” –James Madison, Federalist No. 51

Obligations of Government

What is the purpose of government?

Functions of Government

1. Reward the righteous.

2. Punish unrighteousness.

1 Peter 2:13-17

What is righteousness? “Righteousness is conformity to a

standard.” The ultimate standard is the character of

God.

Obligations of the Governed

Romans 13:1-7 Everyone must submit himself to the

governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which god has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what god has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…

Submission What is submission?

Who are the governing authorities?

Why is it important to obey civil laws?

Is “rebellion” ever permitted?

Should Martin Luther have protested against the Pope?

Should the American colonists have rebelled against King George?

Should Ghandi have refused to buy salt from the English?

Should Rosa Parks have refused to sit at the back of the bus?

Interaction Seek government change through

evangelism and prayer.

Participation Vote Support candidates Run for office

Be an informed participant in government.

Patriotism vs. Jingoism What is patriotism? Is patriotism a good thing?

Patriotism vs. Jingoism What is jingoism?

Questions for Thought If a citizen believes that his country is

engaged in a war that is not just, should he protest? Refuse to participate? Go along anyway?

Assignment Research a local elected official from

Houston, Pasadena, Deer Park, La Porte, Friendswood, League City, etc.

Name, position, responsibilities? You may wish to contact his/her office

and tell him/her you are going to be praying for him/her and ask what he/she would like you to pray for.