THE GOSPEL AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

1 Peter 2:13-17

13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme,

14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Biblical Truth...

We are submissive citizens of a government.

Government is given by God for the restraint of evil.

Government is given by God for the promotion of good.

We are free servants of God.

We use our freedom in Christ to model good lives. 

We use our freedom in Christ to show God’s love.

We honor everyone, especially our leaders. 

We care for the church.

We fear God.

Cultural Application...

We believe religious liberty is not primarily a political issue; it is a gospel issue.

Freedom of religion is ultimately given by God, not just granted by government.

Faith, in its essence, cannot be forced.

Religion is a matter of voluntary choice, not involuntary coercion. 

We work for religious liberty for all.

m Religion exists to explore the questions of life and apply our conclusions to life.

Government exists to protect this fundamental human privilege.

Government does not exist for the establishment of religion. Government does not exist for the elimination of religion.

n Government exists for the free exercise of religion.

Not just in episodic gatherings, but in everyday life.

Those who gather for worship in private settings scatter to live

out their beliefs in the public square. 

We obey our government unless it requires us to disobey God.

Four options...

God alone is our authority.

The government alone is our authority.

God and government are authorities with government in the

dominant position.

God and government are authorities with God in the

dominant position. 

One conclusion...

We must obey God rather than men.

We speak and serve on behalf of the persecuted church around the world.

We speak...

To God on their behalf.

To our government and other governments on their behalf. 

We serve...

We give and go to our persecuted brothers and sisters. 

We identify with our persecuted brothers and sisters. 

By following Christ no matter what it costs.

By proclaiming the gospel to people around us and people around the world.

Thanks Pastor David!