Government
God has appointed government in order to safeguard justice and defend peace within the nation. Rulers exercise delegated authority in order to serve the citizens whom they govern. The “Law of the King” found in Deuteronomy 17:14-21 warns those in authority against multiplying horses, wives, and gold. These three represented a lack of self-control in areas of power, sex and money, leading the ruler into a life-style of authoritarianism, hedonism and materialism. God’s alternative to these three unrighteous value systems is servanthood, purity and generosity. But since we are aware that our civic leaders are often pressed to compromise in these areas, we must pray and work to see every form of greed, injustice and corruption end, and God’s kingdom principles established in our nations. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Ps 33:12). We need to work so that every nation on earth might know this blessing.
Key Biblical passages:
Appoint judges and officials for each of your tribes in every town the LORD your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly. Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. Follow justice and justice alone... (Dt 16:18-20)
For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king... (Is 33:22)
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... For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Rom 13:1,3-4)
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tm 2:1-4)
from the 777 Document, July 2012
|
