Choosing Allegiance

CHOOSINGALLEGIANCE

Matthew 22:15–22 15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.

Choosing Allegiance You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me?

Choosing Allegiance 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Choosing Allegiance Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Choosing Allegiance The CHURCH is the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The local church, being a manifestation of the universal church, is a community of believers in a particular place where the Word of God is preached and observed.

Choosing Allegiance It is fully autonomous and remains so, notwithstanding responsibilities it may accept by voluntary association.

Choosing Allegiance The STATE is responsible for administering justice, ensuring an orderly community and promoting the welfare of its citizens. The CHURCH is responsible for preaching the Gospel and for demonstrating and making known God’s will and care for all mankind.

Choosing Allegiance Acts 18:12–17 12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him into court. 13 “This man,” they charged, “is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.”

Choosing Allegiance 14 Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. 15 But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—

Choosing Allegiance settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” 16 So he had them ejected from the court. 17 Then they all turned on Sosthenes the synagogue ruler and beat him in front of the court. But Gallio showed no concern whatever.

Choosing Allegiance WE ARE OBLIGATED TO THE STATE Christians are to be faithful citizens of the state Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s …

Choosing Allegiance WE ARE OBLIGATED TO GOD: Give to God what belongs to God

Choosing Allegiance WHAT IS IT THAT WE ARE TO “GIVE TO GOD”? loyalty … devotion … worship … obedience … love … our responsibilities in fellowship

Choosing Allegiance THE PROBLEM ARISES WHEN THERE IS A CLASH OF LOYALTIES

Choosing Allegiance WE NEED TO BE OBEDIENT TO GOD AHEAD OF BEING OBEDIENT TO THE STATE

Choosing Allegiance It may result in taking a stand in opposition to the state in order to be faithful to God CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

Choosing Allegiance CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE BASED ON CONSCIENTIOUS OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD MAY YET BE FORCED UPON US

Choosing Allegiance Acts 4:18–22 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Choosing Allegiance 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Choosing Allegiance Acts 4:29–30 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Choosing Allegiance Acts 4:31 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Choosing Allegiance We are to Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s Give to God what is God’s

Choosing Allegiance The principle of the SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE is that, in the providence of God, the two differ in their respective natures and functions. The Church is not be identified with the state, nor is it, in its faith or practice, to be directed or controlled by the State.

Choosing Allegiance The State is responsible for administering justice, ensuring an orderly community and promoting the welfare of its citizens. The Church is responsible for preaching the Gospel and for demonstrating and making known God’s will and care for all mankind.