Bible Study: Citizens
Hymn: 555:1-5 Salvation unto Us Has Come Psalm 46 Creed (Back Cover) Lord’s Prayer (Back Cover)
THE TABLE OF DUTIES
Of Citizens
Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. Matthew 22:21 It is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue, if respect, then respect, if honor then honor. Romans 13:5-7 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. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good. Titus 3:1 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14
What belongs to “Caesar?” What belongs to God? o What do we owe “Caesar?” What do we owe God?
What drives us to give what we owe? o What are some of the ways we submit and give what we owe?
§ How does that connect us to what Paul urges the church to pray for?
What should we use our freedoms for?
Explain how authority is a “mask of God” and how did we see this in Christ’s life? o Do we always see this at the time?
We should honor our government, but is that all? Should we also participate? o What, though, is always our goal?
Prayer of a Christian Citizen
Merciful Father, grant us faith to pray for the civil authorities and to trust that You will accomplish Your good and gracious will through them. Teach us to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness and to be ready to do whatever is good in service to others in our community and nation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.