NATIONS AND GOD

Texts:  Romans 13:1; John 19:10,11.

Purpose:  To show that God, through Christ, is sovereign over all nations of men, and that world history is a reflection of His permission or will, in keeping with divine principles of righteousness and judgment. To admonish Christians, in this light, to put their trust in God, not in military strength, political strategy or diplomatic treaties.

Introduction

Christians are citizens of human nations, and, as such, have proper obligations to their states and rulers. There is the danger, however, that they will look to these powers as sovereign in themselves, or as autonomous from God. The Bible teaches that God is King over all the earth, and that He has made Jesus Christ to be King of its kings and Lord of its lords. Furthermore, God directs the affairs of human history in keeping with divine principles of righteousness and judgment. In this lesson, we see a number of specific Bible texts dealing with these matters.

Body

I. Nations exist under God's rule, through Jesus Christ.

   A. Daniel 5:21. Nebuchadnezzar had to be humbled to acknowledge this truth. God rules in the kingdoms of men and sets over them whomsoever He wills.

   B. Romans 13:1. There is no "power" apart from God. Those seeming to exercise power derive it from God's permission and authority.

   C. Revelation 17:14. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. He is Prince of the rulers of the earth (Revelation 1:5).

II. The rise and fall of nations is related to God's divine rule in justice and mercy.

   A. Jeremiah 18:7-10. God sets forth His rule of mercy and justice. Note that He says "a nation," i.e., any nation, not just Israel in the Old Testament.

   B. Ezekiel 25-32. Here God pronounces judgment on all major nations of the ancient world. His sovereignty is over all the earth, and He has not stepped down from His heavenly throne!

   C. Amos 1: 3-2:3. Again God speaks concerning many nations and their fortunes -- pagan as well as Israel.

   D. Obadiah 1:2, 15. The same point is seen here.

   E. Habakkuk 1-2. God uses one nation to punish another, then punishes that nation for its own sins. See a detailed treatment of Habakkuk's book in the outline "Wait For God" in this same book.

III. God's people are to pay dues and pray for their rulers and governments, wherever they happen to live.

   A. Jeremiah 29:7. When Judah had gone to Babylonian captivity, God sent a letter by Jeremiah to the captives, instructing them to settle and become established in the land they would inhabit for 70 years. They were to seek the peace of their respective cities, for they would enjoy the same peace.

   B. Matthew 22:21. Jesus taught His disciples to give Caesar what was Caesar's, and to give God what was God's.

        1. Caesar's "image" and "name" were on the coins, so give him the coins.

        2. God's "image" and "name" are on His people, so they are to give God their hearts and lives.

   C. I Timothy 2:1-4. Paul instructs Christians to pray for their rulers, and to seek the peace of nations in the interests of all God's people.

IV. National security depends on godliness in a nation, not arms, wealth or treaties of men. Our own country's safety can come only from God, and it depends on its people's righteousness in sufficient numbers to justify its preservation by Him (Genesis 15:16; Hosea 6:4,6).

Conclusion

Politicians rise and fall, nations advance and decline, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. God is sovereign over the affairs of men, and His people should always put their trust in Him. The greatest contribution Christians can make to the advancement of their country (anywhere in the world) is to preach Jesus Christ, work for godliness, righteousness and justice in all spheres, and to be leaven in a sinful society.

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