WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.240
 Well, in just under two weeks' time, on Friday the 23rd of May, we're going to have the opportunity

00:00:11.240 --> 00:00:19.519
 to vote. We're going to decide who will represent us on our local councils and who will represent

00:00:19.519 --> 00:00:29.820
 us in Europe. So, who are you going to vote for? And more importantly, what will be your

00:00:29.820 --> 00:00:37.939
 attitude to those who are elected? I'm not going to tell you who I'm going to vote for,

00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:46.019
 if you want that conversation with me afterwards you can. But God's Word is very clear about

00:00:46.020 --> 00:00:55.160
 how we should respond to those elected to rule over us. Look at verse 1. Everyone, that's

00:00:55.160 --> 00:01:04.760
 all people, and in the context especially those within the church, everyone must submit himself

00:01:04.760 --> 00:01:15.900
 to the governing authorities. You see, the church that has come to believe and experience

00:01:15.900 --> 00:01:27.340
 the gospel will work itself out in love to those elected to rule over us. Because all

00:01:27.340 --> 00:01:32.939
 of what we've looked at so far in Romans, in the first 11 chapters, is all about the gospel,

00:01:33.160 --> 00:01:38.820
 God's mercy, God's kindness, God's goodness to us. And when that gospel filters into our

00:01:38.819 --> 00:01:49.399
 lives, it begins to shape us into a loving church. So, in chapter 12, verses 9 to 21, we looked at this

00:01:49.399 --> 00:01:57.199
 last week, it's all about love for each other. So, in verse 10 of chapter 12, be devoted to one

00:01:57.199 --> 00:02:06.819
 another in brotherly love. And then when we move into chapter 13, verses 8 to 14, the next section on,

00:02:06.819 --> 00:02:15.419
 it's all about love for the world. So, in verse 8, we read, let no debt remain outstanding except the

00:02:15.419 --> 00:02:23.500
 continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. So,

00:02:23.560 --> 00:02:30.740
 there's this great theme of love. And sandwiched in between is Romans 13, verses 1 to 7, which is all

00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:39.060
 about the governing authorities. And the implication is, is that we should love those who are in authority

00:02:39.060 --> 00:02:48.320
 too. Because the church that has come to believe and experience the gospel will work itself out in

00:02:48.320 --> 00:02:56.320
 love for all kinds of people. And here this morning, it works itself out in love to those who are elected

00:02:56.319 --> 00:03:09.560
 to rule over us. So, this love is expressed in three ways. First, loving submission to the governing

00:03:09.560 --> 00:03:16.620
 authorities. Look at verse 1 again. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities. Submission

00:03:16.620 --> 00:03:23.060
 is not easy. We don't like the idea of submission because it implies that we're living under the rule

00:03:23.060 --> 00:03:29.259
 and authority of someone else. But submission isn't a bad thing. It's a good thing because it's part of

00:03:29.259 --> 00:03:37.159
 God's order and design for our lives and for the world. So, he gives us actually three reasons why

00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:44.259
 we should submit. Here's the first reason. We submit to our governing authorities because

00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:50.560
 they are established by God. So, look at the, let's read verse 1 again. Everyone must submit

00:03:50.560 --> 00:03:58.699
 themselves to the governing authorities for or because there is no authority except that which

00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:07.860
 God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Now, you and I are going

00:04:07.860 --> 00:04:15.159
 to vote on the 24th of May and whoever gets the most amount of votes are going to be elected. But whether

00:04:15.159 --> 00:04:24.219
 that's Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fáil or Fiona Cairns of Sinn Féin, behind their election stands

00:04:24.219 --> 00:04:35.560
 the rule of God. In other words, those who are elected only have authority to rule as God allows it

00:04:35.560 --> 00:04:43.060
 or as God permits it. Let me give you an example of this. So, keep your finger there in Romans 13

00:04:43.060 --> 00:04:50.100
 and jump back to Daniel chapter 4. It's on page 888. Daniel chapter 4.

00:04:53.519 --> 00:04:56.319
 It's on page 888.

00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:11.240
 Daniel is a great book in terms of kings and those who are in authority in God and how God rules over

00:05:11.240 --> 00:05:17.519
 these things. And in Daniel 4 we're introduced to King Nebuchadnezzar who was the most powerful ruler

00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:25.680
 in the world at that time. He had the empire of Babylon. He was very, very powerful and he's very

00:05:25.680 --> 00:05:33.079
 proud about his rule and authority. So, in verse 30 of chapter 4, as he surveys and he looks out upon

00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:40.680
 his vast kingdom, this is what he says in verse 30, is not this the great Babylon that I have built

00:05:40.680 --> 00:05:48.699
 as the royal residence by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?

00:05:50.599 --> 00:05:58.099
 But no sooner does he boast about his rule when God reminds him who is in charge. Verse 31.

00:05:58.100 --> 00:06:02.220
 The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven.

00:06:02.939 --> 00:06:07.420
 This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar.

00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:12.640
 Your royal authority has been taken from you.

00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:18.300
 You will be driven from the people and live with the wild animals and eat grass like the cattle

00:06:18.300 --> 00:06:27.860
 seven times. So, that's after seven years will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High,

00:06:27.980 --> 00:06:37.699
 that's God, is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and he gives them to anyone he wishes.

00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:46.800
 You see, so whoever is elected, we need to know, and more importantly they need to know,

00:06:47.300 --> 00:06:55.639
 that their position of authority is given to them by God. He gives and he can take away.

00:06:57.120 --> 00:06:59.099
 Go back to Romans 13.

00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:07.560
 So, if all authorities have been established by God, that means, verse 2,

00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:18.820
 consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted.

00:07:19.540 --> 00:07:23.180
 And those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:27.680
 You see, we mightn't like our present government.

00:07:29.060 --> 00:07:32.379
 You mightn't even like who gets elected on the 24th of May.

00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:37.720
 But if we are people who believe the gospel and experience the gospel,

00:07:37.960 --> 00:07:40.100
 if it's worked down into our lives,

00:07:40.759 --> 00:07:45.139
 then that means we won't be a rebellious people against the governing authorities.

00:07:45.139 --> 00:07:49.599
 Instead, as an expression of our love to God,

00:07:50.159 --> 00:07:54.839
 we will lovingly submit to those who are in authority.

00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:58.819
 So, that's the first reason why we should submit.

00:07:58.959 --> 00:08:00.180
 They are established by God.

00:08:00.279 --> 00:08:01.339
 Here's the second reason.

00:08:02.860 --> 00:08:05.199
 We submit to our governing authorities

00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:08.759
 because they are appointed to keep order.

00:08:09.459 --> 00:08:12.779
 So, look at verse 3, chapter 13, verse 3.

00:08:12.779 --> 00:08:15.819
 4. For, or because,

00:08:17.119 --> 00:08:21.079
 rulers hold no terror for those who do right,

00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:23.119
 but for those who do wrong.

00:08:23.959 --> 00:08:27.279
 Do you want to be free from the one in authority?

00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:30.779
 Then do what is right and he will commend you.

00:08:31.879 --> 00:08:35.459
 Now, imagine what it would be like if we lived in a nation without rulers.

00:08:37.360 --> 00:08:38.519
 Well, that's anarchy.

00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:43.199
 And that's what parts of Ukraine are experiencing right now.

00:08:43.559 --> 00:08:47.899
 A nation or a country without rulers in charge

00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:49.960
 ends in chaos and disorder,

00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:51.840
 violence and death.

00:08:52.340 --> 00:08:53.379
 It ruins people.

00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:55.120
 It ruins communities.

00:08:56.279 --> 00:08:58.519
 So, God in his goodness has provided leaders

00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:02.620
 to keep order and to establish peace.

00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:07.919
 You see, authorities are only bad news for those who reject it,

00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:11.580
 but for those who lovingly submit to the authorities,

00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:14.700
 it is good news because, look at verse 3 again, the beginning,

00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:17.899
 rulers hold no terror for those who do right,

00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:20.480
 but for those who do wrong.

00:09:21.340 --> 00:09:23.919
 So, if we want to enjoy a good life,

00:09:23.960 --> 00:09:27.120
 if we want to live in a peaceful, ordered society,

00:09:27.120 --> 00:09:30.019
 if we want a caring and a good community,

00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:32.519
 then, look at the end of verse 3,

00:09:32.960 --> 00:09:34.419
 do what is right,

00:09:35.659 --> 00:09:37.820
 and he, that is the rulers,

00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:39.840
 will commend you.

00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:43.600
 So, we submit, secondly,

00:09:43.779 --> 00:09:46.779
 because they are there to keep order.

00:09:47.539 --> 00:09:50.399
 The third reason he gives,

00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:53.120
 we submit to our governing authorities

00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:57.500
 because they are God's servants to do us good.

00:09:57.679 --> 00:09:58.679
 Look at verse 4.

00:10:00.440 --> 00:10:03.580
 For he is God's servant to do you good,

00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:05.299
 but if you do wrong,

00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.019
 be afraid,

00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:09.700
 for he does not bear the sword for nothing.

00:10:10.560 --> 00:10:12.159
 He is God's servant,

00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:13.560
 an agent of wrath

00:10:13.560 --> 00:10:17.240
 to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

00:10:19.379 --> 00:10:21.060
 I don't know if you've ever considered

00:10:21.059 --> 00:10:22.919
 that those who will be elected

00:10:22.919 --> 00:10:24.259
 to our local councils

00:10:24.259 --> 00:10:26.519
 or to the European Parliament

00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:29.359
 are not just politicians,

00:10:30.479 --> 00:10:32.899
 they are God's servants.

00:10:33.379 --> 00:10:34.459
 That's what it says here.

00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:36.079
 They are God's servants

00:10:36.079 --> 00:10:38.479
 to serve the people.

00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:41.519
 They have been appointed by God

00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:45.079
 to establish and uphold justice.

00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:50.040
 You might remember back in chapter 12,

00:10:51.180 --> 00:10:53.720
 we were encouraged as a loving community

00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:55.379
 not to seek revenge

00:10:55.379 --> 00:10:58.080
 or to want to repay people.

00:10:58.940 --> 00:11:01.000
 Instead, we are called to love our enemies.

00:11:01.160 --> 00:11:03.720
 So, look at verse 19 of chapter 12.

00:11:03.840 --> 00:11:04.160
 It says,

00:11:04.280 --> 00:11:06.180
 Do not take revenge, my friends,

00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.440
 but leave room for God's wrath.

00:11:10.680 --> 00:11:13.000
 Sorry, this is Romans 12, verse 19.

00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:15.100
 Do not take revenge, my friends,

00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:17.259
 but leave room for God's wrath,

00:11:17.559 --> 00:11:18.480
 for it is written,

00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.179
 it is mine to avenge.

00:11:20.480 --> 00:11:22.399
 I will repay, says the Lord.

00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:23.519
 On the contrary,

00:11:23.679 --> 00:11:25.159
 instead of looking for revenge,

00:11:25.360 --> 00:11:26.740
 if your enemy is hungry,

00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:27.899
 feed him.

00:11:28.080 --> 00:11:28.940
 If he is thirsty,

00:11:29.080 --> 00:11:30.399
 give him something to drink.

00:11:32.659 --> 00:11:34.059
 Now, while we're called

00:11:34.059 --> 00:11:36.039
 to have a certain attitude

00:11:36.039 --> 00:11:37.860
 and love for our enemies,

00:11:38.720 --> 00:11:39.580
 on the one hand,

00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:40.320
 and God is saying,

00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:40.980
 on the other hand,

00:11:41.040 --> 00:11:42.960
 that when he returns,

00:11:43.200 --> 00:11:45.160
 he will bring his ultimate justice.

00:11:46.020 --> 00:11:47.180
 But in the meantime,

00:11:47.560 --> 00:11:48.200
 in between,

00:11:48.860 --> 00:11:50.560
 God has provided a means

00:11:50.560 --> 00:11:52.300
 for bringing justice today.

00:11:52.780 --> 00:11:53.879
 And his servants,

00:11:54.060 --> 00:11:54.700
 the governments,

00:11:54.920 --> 00:11:55.900
 the rulers,

00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:57.080
 those in authority,

00:11:57.280 --> 00:11:59.100
 are the ones to bring that justice.

00:11:59.540 --> 00:12:00.620
 So, that's why it says

00:12:00.620 --> 00:12:01.740
 at the end of verse 4,

00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:03.300
 of chapter 13,

00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:05.360
 he is God's servant,

00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:07.680
 an agent of wrath,

00:12:07.779 --> 00:12:08.820
 to bring punishment

00:12:08.820 --> 00:12:10.340
 on the wrongdoer.

00:12:10.539 --> 00:12:11.519
 That's why we have

00:12:11.519 --> 00:12:12.560
 a justice system.

00:12:12.840 --> 00:12:14.340
 That's why we have courts.

00:12:14.560 --> 00:12:16.019
 That's why we have laws.

00:12:16.460 --> 00:12:17.879
 God has provided servants

00:12:17.879 --> 00:12:19.940
 to protect people from evil,

00:12:20.139 --> 00:12:21.940
 to punish those who do evil,

00:12:22.320 --> 00:12:24.720
 so that it may be good for us.

00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:30.360
 So, governing authorities

00:12:30.360 --> 00:12:32.379
 have been established by God.

00:12:32.500 --> 00:12:33.720
 They're there to keep order.

00:12:34.420 --> 00:12:35.779
 They're there to do good.

00:12:37.160 --> 00:12:38.840
 Therefore, look at verse 5,

00:12:40.279 --> 00:12:42.259
 therefore it is necessary

00:12:42.259 --> 00:12:45.160
 to submit to the authorities,

00:12:45.860 --> 00:12:47.980
 not only because of possible punishment,

00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:50.680
 but also because of conscience.

00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:54.579
 We lovingly submit,

00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:55.959
 not out of fear,

00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:57.239
 as in,

00:12:57.379 --> 00:12:58.359
 well, if I do something wrong,

00:12:58.419 --> 00:12:59.120
 I'm going to get caught

00:12:59.120 --> 00:12:59.659
 and be punished.

00:12:59.779 --> 00:13:01.259
 That's part of the motivation.

00:13:01.839 --> 00:13:02.799
 But more importantly,

00:13:02.939 --> 00:13:04.079
 because of conscience.

00:13:05.099 --> 00:13:06.599
 God has made it clear to us

00:13:06.599 --> 00:13:07.399
 in his word.

00:13:07.719 --> 00:13:09.139
 This is part of his good design

00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:09.759
 and order,

00:13:09.859 --> 00:13:12.219
 that there would be people elected,

00:13:12.479 --> 00:13:14.839
 people that would rule over us.

00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:17.500
 And the church that has come

00:13:17.500 --> 00:13:19.019
 to believe and experience

00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.740
 the gospel,

00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:22.359
 will work itself out

00:13:22.359 --> 00:13:24.279
 in loving submission

00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:26.879
 towards those who are elected

00:13:26.879 --> 00:13:28.879
 to rule over us.

00:13:30.439 --> 00:13:32.839
 So that is the first way

00:13:32.839 --> 00:13:33.699
 we show our love.

00:13:33.819 --> 00:13:36.239
 We submit to those

00:13:36.239 --> 00:13:37.739
 governing authorities.

00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:39.679
 Now, I'm sure,

00:13:39.879 --> 00:13:40.579
 as we've gone through

00:13:40.579 --> 00:13:41.279
 this first section,

00:13:41.379 --> 00:13:43.379
 it's raised all kinds of questions.

00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:47.159
 Which brings us to the next big idea.

00:13:47.159 --> 00:13:50.179
 There is a loving exemption

00:13:50.179 --> 00:13:52.319
 from governing authorities.

00:13:53.360 --> 00:13:54.879
 Look at verse 3 again,

00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:56.159
 the beginning of verse 3.

00:13:57.679 --> 00:13:58.360
 It says there,

00:13:58.439 --> 00:14:00.120
 for rulers hold no terror

00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:01.679
 for those who do right.

00:14:02.740 --> 00:14:03.559
 Is that true?

00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:07.619
 What about the beginning of verse 4?

00:14:08.159 --> 00:14:09.839
 For he is God's servant

00:14:09.839 --> 00:14:11.279
 to do you good.

00:14:12.919 --> 00:14:14.359
 Is that always true?

00:14:15.959 --> 00:14:18.019
 I mean, what about the people

00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:20.259
 who live in North Korea

00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:22.719
 under the brutal regime

00:14:22.719 --> 00:14:23.759
 of Kim Jong-un?

00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:27.319
 Are they to submit

00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.179
 to the authorities?

00:14:29.439 --> 00:14:31.319
 What about all the people

00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:32.600
 who live in all kinds

00:14:32.600 --> 00:14:33.700
 of corrupt governments

00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:34.500
 around the world?

00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:38.100
 What about Christians

00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:40.179
 who live in a situation

00:14:40.179 --> 00:14:41.759
 where they're not allowed

00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.799
 to preach the gospel

00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:45.080
 or go to church

00:14:45.080 --> 00:14:45.960
 and meet with others?

00:14:45.960 --> 00:14:49.139
 And what about us?

00:14:49.639 --> 00:14:50.440
 I mean, the news

00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:51.660
 has just been plastered

00:14:51.660 --> 00:14:52.000
 at the minute

00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:53.139
 about some of our

00:14:53.139 --> 00:14:54.139
 elected politicians

00:14:54.139 --> 00:14:56.040
 who've lied and cheated.

00:14:56.800 --> 00:14:57.840
 And what about our whole

00:14:57.840 --> 00:14:59.240
 justice system at the minute?

00:14:59.600 --> 00:15:00.379
 It's a mess.

00:15:03.960 --> 00:15:05.360
 Well, the command seems

00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:07.100
 very clear in chapter 13,

00:15:07.220 --> 00:15:07.720
 verse 1.

00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:09.780
 Everyone must submit himself

00:15:09.780 --> 00:15:11.080
 to the governing authorities.

00:15:12.960 --> 00:15:15.240
 But we must also remember

00:15:15.240 --> 00:15:17.240
 that those who have been placed

00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:19.279
 in authority over us

00:15:19.279 --> 00:15:21.680
 do not always use

00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:23.399
 their God-given authority

00:15:23.399 --> 00:15:24.299
 for good.

00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:27.820
 The world is full of leaders

00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:29.100
 throughout history

00:15:29.100 --> 00:15:29.840
 and even now.

00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:32.320
 People like Mugabe of Zimbabwe

00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:34.100
 or Assad of Syria

00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:36.919
 who abuse their authority

00:15:36.919 --> 00:15:39.460
 inflicting great suffering

00:15:39.460 --> 00:15:41.320
 and pain on their people.

00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.600
 So does that mean

00:15:43.600 --> 00:15:44.899
 they are to take verse 1

00:15:44.899 --> 00:15:45.240
 and say,

00:15:45.740 --> 00:15:46.740
 I must submit to them?

00:15:49.939 --> 00:15:51.419
 Well, there are times

00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:52.819
 when we are exempt

00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:54.819
 from submitting.

00:15:56.059 --> 00:15:57.639
 Rulers have been put in place

00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:58.259
 by God

00:15:58.259 --> 00:15:59.860
 to bring justice and peace,

00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:01.519
 to punish evil

00:16:01.519 --> 00:16:02.639
 and to pursue good.

00:16:03.639 --> 00:16:05.039
 But here's the crux.

00:16:05.220 --> 00:16:06.159
 Where their laws

00:16:06.159 --> 00:16:07.000
 are contrary

00:16:07.000 --> 00:16:08.279
 to God's laws,

00:16:09.059 --> 00:16:10.740
 we are exempt

00:16:10.740 --> 00:16:12.700
 from submitting

00:16:12.700 --> 00:16:14.480
 to their authorities.

00:16:15.480 --> 00:16:16.860
 Where their laws

00:16:16.860 --> 00:16:17.580
 are contrary

00:16:17.580 --> 00:16:18.659
 to God's laws,

00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.560
 we are exempt

00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.940
 from submitting

00:16:20.940 --> 00:16:22.120
 to those authorities.

00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:24.039
 Let me give

00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.039
 some examples.

00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:27.200
 We need to go back

00:16:27.200 --> 00:16:28.080
 to the Old Testament

00:16:28.080 --> 00:16:29.159
 for this.

00:16:30.899 --> 00:16:31.419
 First,

00:16:31.519 --> 00:16:32.659
 as far as possible,

00:16:32.779 --> 00:16:34.279
 as far as possible,

00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:36.039
 we should submit

00:16:36.039 --> 00:16:37.360
 to our governing authorities.

00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:38.779
 Look back to Jeremiah

00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:40.840
 chapter 29.

00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:56.519
 Jeremiah was the prophet

00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:58.940
 who had made it clear

00:16:58.940 --> 00:17:00.159
 to the people from God

00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:01.399
 that God's people

00:17:01.399 --> 00:17:02.960
 were going to go into exile,

00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.420
 into a foreign land,

00:17:04.420 --> 00:17:07.279
 under a foreign ruler.

00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:10.019
 And that ruler was,

00:17:10.060 --> 00:17:11.300
 we've already met him already,

00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:12.660
 was Nebuchadnezzar.

00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.680
 They would be placed

00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:16.160
 under a foreign rule

00:17:16.160 --> 00:17:19.180
 under Nebuchadnezzar.

00:17:19.840 --> 00:17:21.100
 But look at what God

00:17:21.100 --> 00:17:22.100
 says to the people.

00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.620
 How should they respond

00:17:24.620 --> 00:17:26.240
 in this new situation

00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:27.400
 under a new leader?

00:17:28.360 --> 00:17:30.180
 Verse 4 of chapter 29,

00:17:30.360 --> 00:17:31.240
 this is what the Lord,

00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:32.300
 God Almighty,

00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.720
 let me start again,

00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:35.000
 this is what the Lord Almighty,

00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:35.759
 the God of Israel,

00:17:35.759 --> 00:17:36.440
 says,

00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:38.500
 to all those I carried

00:17:38.500 --> 00:17:39.519
 into exile

00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:40.559
 from Jerusalem

00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:41.839
 to Babylon.

00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:44.360
 Build houses

00:17:44.360 --> 00:17:45.440
 and settle down.

00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.500
 Plant gardens

00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.880
 and eat what they produce.

00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:49.980
 Marry and have

00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:51.039
 sons and daughters.

00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.360
 So get on

00:17:52.360 --> 00:17:54.200
 with life as normal.

00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:54.960
 Verse 7,

00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:56.019
 also,

00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:58.000
 seek the peace

00:17:58.000 --> 00:17:58.759
 and prosperity

00:17:58.759 --> 00:17:59.680
 of the city

00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:00.720
 to which I have

00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:01.279
 carried you

00:18:01.279 --> 00:18:02.019
 into exile.

00:18:02.559 --> 00:18:03.620
 Pray to the Lord,

00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.220
 for it.

00:18:04.600 --> 00:18:06.180
 Because if it prospers,

00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:07.539
 you too

00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:08.839
 will prosper.

00:18:09.819 --> 00:18:11.519
 Now this is a foreign land

00:18:11.519 --> 00:18:13.319
 under a foreign leader.

00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:14.839
 But yet,

00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:16.079
 they have been called

00:18:16.079 --> 00:18:17.519
 to lovingly submit

00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:18.880
 to their new leaders

00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:20.579
 and to do

00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:21.559
 what is right.

00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:25.079
 Not to start a rebellion,

00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:27.799
 but to do what's right.

00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:29.259
 However,

00:18:29.259 --> 00:18:33.399
 move on to Daniel

00:18:33.399 --> 00:18:34.839
 chapter 3.

00:18:34.940 --> 00:18:35.519
 It's just a little

00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.279
 further on.

00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:38.680
 Daniel chapter 3.

00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:41.480
 When laws are

00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:42.879
 in defiance of God,

00:18:42.980 --> 00:18:43.919
 we are exempt

00:18:43.919 --> 00:18:44.919
 from submission.

00:18:45.119 --> 00:18:46.379
 So in Daniel chapter 3,

00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:47.579
 we actually get a picture

00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:49.559
 of what it was like

00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:50.240
 for these people

00:18:50.240 --> 00:18:50.960
 who've been carried

00:18:50.960 --> 00:18:51.919
 into exile

00:18:51.919 --> 00:18:52.819
 to Babylon

00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:54.319
 under Nebuchadnezzar.

00:18:54.319 --> 00:18:55.960
 And we meet

00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.599
 three people

00:18:56.599 --> 00:18:57.919
 who you've all heard of,

00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:58.339
 I'm sure,

00:18:58.500 --> 00:18:58.960
 Shadrach,

00:18:59.139 --> 00:18:59.559
 Meshach,

00:18:59.639 --> 00:19:00.200
 and Abednego.

00:19:01.099 --> 00:19:02.339
 So here's three people

00:19:02.339 --> 00:19:02.960
 who've been carried

00:19:02.960 --> 00:19:03.879
 off into exile

00:19:03.879 --> 00:19:05.259
 under a new leader.

00:19:06.539 --> 00:19:07.879
 And while they're in exile,

00:19:08.059 --> 00:19:09.099
 King Nebuchadnezzar

00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:09.879
 made a law

00:19:09.879 --> 00:19:11.480
 that said to the people,

00:19:11.919 --> 00:19:12.759
 I'm building

00:19:12.759 --> 00:19:14.079
 this big statue,

00:19:14.299 --> 00:19:15.299
 90 feet tall,

00:19:15.399 --> 00:19:16.079
 made of gold.

00:19:16.539 --> 00:19:17.699
 Perhaps it was

00:19:17.699 --> 00:19:18.659
 in an image

00:19:18.659 --> 00:19:20.759
 of Nebuchadnezzar himself

00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.960
 and people were

00:19:21.960 --> 00:19:22.839
 to bow down

00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:23.819
 in worship

00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:25.099
 to this idol.

00:19:25.960 --> 00:19:26.939
 And if they weren't

00:19:26.939 --> 00:19:27.699
 going to do that,

00:19:27.759 --> 00:19:28.359
 they would be thrown

00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:29.619
 into the fiery furnace.

00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.579
 That was the law.

00:19:32.679 --> 00:19:33.319
 Well, Shadrach,

00:19:33.419 --> 00:19:33.759
 Meshach,

00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.299
 and Abednego

00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:35.240
 knew God's law

00:19:35.240 --> 00:19:36.039
 that only God

00:19:36.039 --> 00:19:36.879
 should be worshipped.

00:19:37.159 --> 00:19:38.399
 He should be number one.

00:19:39.519 --> 00:19:40.379
 The priority.

00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:42.139
 And look how they respond.

00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:42.939
 Chapter 3,

00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:43.859
 verse 16.

00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:45.899
 Shadrach,

00:19:46.439 --> 00:19:46.959
 Meshach,

00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.579
 and Abednego

00:19:47.579 --> 00:19:48.919
 replied to the king,

00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.879
 O Nebuchadnezzar,

00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:52.419
 we do not need

00:19:52.419 --> 00:19:53.599
 to defend ourselves

00:19:53.599 --> 00:19:54.379
 before you

00:19:54.379 --> 00:19:55.359
 in this matter.

00:19:56.099 --> 00:19:57.099
 If we are thrown

00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:58.519
 into the blazing furnace,

00:19:59.079 --> 00:20:00.119
 the God we serve

00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:01.399
 is able to save us

00:20:01.399 --> 00:20:01.839
 from it

00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:03.879
 and he will rescue us

00:20:03.879 --> 00:20:04.779
 from your hands,

00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:05.299
 O king.

00:20:06.219 --> 00:20:06.719
 But,

00:20:07.139 --> 00:20:09.759
 even if he does not,

00:20:10.939 --> 00:20:12.179
 we want you to know,

00:20:12.299 --> 00:20:12.740
 O king,

00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:14.559
 that we will not

00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.859
 serve your gods

00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:17.180
 or worship

00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:18.420
 the image of gold

00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:20.000
 you have set up.

00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.539
 They were exempt

00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:27.359
 because it was

00:20:27.359 --> 00:20:28.700
 against God's law.

00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.319
 Now,

00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.019
 I don't think

00:20:32.019 --> 00:20:32.720
 Ender Kenny

00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.339
 has any plans

00:20:34.339 --> 00:20:35.059
 on setting up

00:20:35.059 --> 00:20:35.460
 an idol

00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:36.039
 or an image

00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:36.500
 of himself

00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.539
 and calling everybody

00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.740
 to bow down to him.

00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:41.220
 but our government

00:20:41.220 --> 00:20:41.859
 is seeking

00:20:41.859 --> 00:20:43.160
 to set up laws

00:20:43.160 --> 00:20:44.740
 that are contrary

00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:46.180
 to God's laws.

00:20:48.319 --> 00:20:49.480
 There is a push

00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:51.059
 for same-sex marriage.

00:20:51.900 --> 00:20:52.839
 There is a push

00:20:52.839 --> 00:20:54.180
 towards abortion.

00:20:55.859 --> 00:20:56.920
 And each of these

00:20:56.920 --> 00:20:58.259
 stands in contradiction

00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:59.599
 to God's design

00:20:59.599 --> 00:21:01.220
 and God's good order

00:21:01.220 --> 00:21:01.940
 for life.

00:21:03.160 --> 00:21:03.740
 So,

00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.640
 as Christians,

00:21:04.640 --> 00:21:05.579
 we need to make

00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.199
 a stand.

00:21:08.179 --> 00:21:09.059
 And while we are

00:21:09.059 --> 00:21:10.339
 living in this country,

00:21:10.500 --> 00:21:11.179
 in this nation,

00:21:11.339 --> 00:21:12.099
 under the governing

00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:13.519
 authorities that we have,

00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:15.199
 as far as possible,

00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.879
 we should always

00:21:16.879 --> 00:21:17.919
 submit to our

00:21:17.919 --> 00:21:18.819
 governing authorities

00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:20.000
 and do what is right

00:21:20.000 --> 00:21:20.619
 and best

00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:21.740
 for the country

00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.859
 and for the people.

00:21:23.240 --> 00:21:23.759
 But,

00:21:24.000 --> 00:21:25.299
 where laws are in

00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:26.879
 opposition to God's law,

00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:28.919
 we are exempt

00:21:28.919 --> 00:21:30.480
 from obeying them.

00:21:31.359 --> 00:21:32.319
 It doesn't mean to say

00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.619
 we start up a rebellion.

00:21:33.619 --> 00:21:36.419
 But we are

00:21:36.419 --> 00:21:37.599
 lovingly

00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.919
 turning away

00:21:38.919 --> 00:21:40.479
 from those

00:21:40.479 --> 00:21:41.859
 earthly rulers

00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:43.399
 and submitting

00:21:43.399 --> 00:21:44.059
 ourselves

00:21:44.059 --> 00:21:45.659
 to God's law.

00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.139
 So,

00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.259
 what will it look like,

00:21:51.379 --> 00:21:51.579
 then,

00:21:52.039 --> 00:21:53.739
 to actually

00:21:53.739 --> 00:21:54.619
 submit to

00:21:54.619 --> 00:21:55.059
 our

00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:56.259
 authorities

00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:56.939
 today

00:21:56.939 --> 00:21:58.679
 in this country?

00:21:59.379 --> 00:22:00.699
 Which brings us

00:22:00.699 --> 00:22:01.579
 to our third

00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:02.219
 big idea,

00:22:02.220 --> 00:22:03.640
 our loving expression

00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:04.759
 to our

00:22:04.759 --> 00:22:05.660
 governing authorities?

00:22:05.839 --> 00:22:06.759
 Look at verse 6,

00:22:07.140 --> 00:22:08.559
 back to Romans 13,

00:22:08.700 --> 00:22:09.339
 verse 6.

00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:16.900
 So,

00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:17.480
 here's a very

00:22:17.480 --> 00:22:18.940
 practical example

00:22:18.940 --> 00:22:19.759
 of working out

00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.920
 of how we express

00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:21.940
 our love

00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:23.579
 towards those

00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:24.180
 in authority.

00:22:24.339 --> 00:22:24.700
 Verse 6,

00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:25.360
 this is also

00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:26.759
 why you pay taxes.

00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.319
 Oh,

00:22:28.759 --> 00:22:29.420
 taxes.

00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:31.100
 Yes,

00:22:31.340 --> 00:22:31.820
 taxes.

00:22:32.000 --> 00:22:32.380
 For the

00:22:32.380 --> 00:22:33.000
 authorities

00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.800
 are God's

00:22:33.800 --> 00:22:34.160
 servants

00:22:34.160 --> 00:22:35.200
 who give

00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.860
 their full

00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:36.500
 time to

00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:36.860
 governing.

00:22:39.180 --> 00:22:39.640
 Taxes

00:22:39.640 --> 00:22:40.080
 are nothing

00:22:40.080 --> 00:22:40.600
 new.

00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.279
 And we're

00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:42.800
 not immune

00:22:42.800 --> 00:22:43.600
 to taxation

00:22:43.600 --> 00:22:44.100
 in this

00:22:44.100 --> 00:22:44.519
 country,

00:22:44.840 --> 00:22:45.300
 and there's

00:22:45.300 --> 00:22:45.620
 certainly

00:22:45.620 --> 00:22:46.100
 a lot of

00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:46.820
 talk about

00:22:46.820 --> 00:22:48.140
 water tax

00:22:48.140 --> 00:22:48.759
 coming up

00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.039
 to the

00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:49.500
 elections,

00:22:49.600 --> 00:22:50.019
 isn't there?

00:22:50.600 --> 00:22:51.019
 I wonder

00:22:51.019 --> 00:22:51.480
 what your

00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.140
 view is

00:22:52.140 --> 00:22:53.100
 on the

00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:53.900
 water tax.

00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.740
 Are you

00:22:55.740 --> 00:22:56.140
 going to

00:22:56.140 --> 00:22:56.640
 join in

00:22:56.640 --> 00:22:57.019
 with the

00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:57.240
 other

00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:57.580
 rebels

00:22:57.579 --> 00:22:58.139
 in some

00:22:58.139 --> 00:22:58.720
 parts of

00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.059
 Cork

00:22:59.059 --> 00:22:59.659
 who've

00:22:59.659 --> 00:23:00.039
 gone and

00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.419
 attacked

00:23:00.419 --> 00:23:00.679
 the

00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.000
 meter

00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.619
 installer?

00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.199
 Or park

00:23:03.199 --> 00:23:03.699
 your car

00:23:03.699 --> 00:23:04.179
 over the

00:23:04.179 --> 00:23:04.980
 little hole

00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:05.339
 where the

00:23:05.339 --> 00:23:05.859
 water meter

00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.379
 is so they

00:23:06.379 --> 00:23:06.859
 can't get

00:23:06.859 --> 00:23:07.319
 at it?

00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.299
 That would

00:23:08.299 --> 00:23:08.639
 be a good

00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:08.960
 idea,

00:23:09.039 --> 00:23:09.159
 wouldn't

00:23:09.159 --> 00:23:09.419
 it?

00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:10.899
 Or do

00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:11.599
 you verbally

00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:12.679
 abuse the

00:23:12.679 --> 00:23:13.240
 politician,

00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.259
 or when you're

00:23:14.259 --> 00:23:14.799
 with a group

00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:15.220
 of people,

00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:15.819
 talk about

00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.220
 them behind

00:23:16.220 --> 00:23:16.819
 their back?

00:23:18.099 --> 00:23:18.559
 Well,

00:23:18.599 --> 00:23:18.859
 as a

00:23:18.859 --> 00:23:19.379
 community

00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.220
 of love,

00:23:21.179 --> 00:23:21.659
 we are

00:23:21.659 --> 00:23:22.659
 to express

00:23:22.659 --> 00:23:23.339
 our love

00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:24.599
 to the

00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:24.960
 governing

00:23:24.960 --> 00:23:25.619
 authorities

00:23:25.619 --> 00:23:26.539
 by obeying

00:23:26.539 --> 00:23:27.059
 their laws

00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:27.539
 and showing

00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:28.220
 their respect.

00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:28.839
 Verse 7,

00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:29.700
 So,

00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.019
 this is what

00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:31.299
 it is.

00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:31.740
 If you want

00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.059
 to show

00:23:32.059 --> 00:23:32.839
 your love

00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:33.720
 to the

00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:34.000
 governing

00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.639
 authorities,

00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:35.200
 verse 7,

00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:36.539
 give everyone

00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.319
 what you owe

00:23:37.319 --> 00:23:37.559
 him.

00:23:37.740 --> 00:23:38.359
 If you owe

00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:38.960
 taxes,

00:23:39.379 --> 00:23:39.920
 then pay

00:23:39.920 --> 00:23:40.599
 your taxes.

00:23:42.440 --> 00:23:43.159
 If revenue,

00:23:43.460 --> 00:23:44.180
 then revenue.

00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:45.099
 If respect,

00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:45.720
 then respect.

00:23:45.980 --> 00:23:46.440
 If honour,

00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.680
 then honour.

00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:49.879
 You mightn't

00:23:49.879 --> 00:23:50.619
 like paying

00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:51.159
 tax.

00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.220
 You might

00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.700
 think it's

00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:54.480
 too much.

00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:56.460
 You mightn't

00:23:56.460 --> 00:23:56.839
 have even

00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:57.539
 voted for

00:23:57.539 --> 00:23:58.039
 the present

00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:58.500
 government,

00:23:58.960 --> 00:23:59.660
 but as we

00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:00.039
 have seen,

00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:00.380
 they are

00:24:00.380 --> 00:24:00.940
 God's

00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.460
 servants,

00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:02.140
 appointed

00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.799
 by God

00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.220
 to do

00:24:03.220 --> 00:24:03.559
 good,

00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:04.259
 and so

00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:05.180
 we express

00:24:05.180 --> 00:24:05.799
 our love

00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:06.599
 by paying

00:24:06.599 --> 00:24:07.259
 our water

00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:07.799
 tax,

00:24:08.380 --> 00:24:09.319
 by paying

00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:10.240
 the property

00:24:10.240 --> 00:24:10.920
 tax,

00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:12.819
 and we

00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:13.500
 speak

00:24:13.500 --> 00:24:14.500
 respectfully

00:24:14.500 --> 00:24:15.220
 of our

00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:15.599
 leaders,

00:24:15.819 --> 00:24:16.579
 and I

00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:17.000
 have to

00:24:17.000 --> 00:24:17.460
 take that

00:24:17.460 --> 00:24:17.880
 to heart

00:24:17.880 --> 00:24:18.380
 because I

00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:19.079
 don't always

00:24:19.079 --> 00:24:19.480
 speak

00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.220
 respectfully

00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:20.620
 of our

00:24:20.620 --> 00:24:20.860
 leaders.

00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.759
 I mightn't

00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:22.279
 agree,

00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.599
 but I

00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.119
 must be

00:24:24.119 --> 00:24:25.039
 respectful.

00:24:26.879 --> 00:24:27.599
 So ask

00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.000
 ourselves,

00:24:28.099 --> 00:24:28.720
 does God's

00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.299
 law forbid

00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.139
 paying taxes?

00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:31.399
 No,

00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:32.099
 it doesn't.

00:24:33.099 --> 00:24:34.039
 So pay it

00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.460
 as an

00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.139
 expression of

00:24:35.139 --> 00:24:35.500
 love.

00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:37.139
 Does God's

00:24:37.139 --> 00:24:37.819
 law forbid

00:24:37.819 --> 00:24:38.359
 speaking

00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:39.319
 disrespectfully?

00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.160
 Yes,

00:24:40.220 --> 00:24:40.779
 it does.

00:24:41.339 --> 00:24:42.039
 So speak

00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:42.980
 well as

00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.579
 an expression

00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:44.220
 of love.

00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:46.240
 And we're

00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.599
 going to have

00:24:46.599 --> 00:24:47.180
 an opportunity

00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:47.859
 to put this

00:24:47.859 --> 00:24:48.500
 into practice.

00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:49.460
 I guarantee

00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.139
 that all of

00:24:50.139 --> 00:24:50.359
 you,

00:24:50.700 --> 00:24:51.119
 over this

00:24:51.119 --> 00:24:51.680
 coming week

00:24:51.680 --> 00:24:51.900
 or the

00:24:51.900 --> 00:24:52.320
 next two

00:24:52.320 --> 00:24:52.539
 weeks,

00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.060
 are going

00:24:53.060 --> 00:24:53.480
 to be in

00:24:53.480 --> 00:24:54.060
 conversation

00:24:54.060 --> 00:24:54.779
 with someone

00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:55.759
 about water

00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:56.640
 tax or

00:24:56.640 --> 00:24:57.060
 about the

00:24:57.060 --> 00:24:57.380
 government

00:24:57.380 --> 00:24:58.140
 and the

00:24:58.140 --> 00:24:58.600
 elections.

00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.400
 And everybody

00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:00.880
 is going to

00:25:00.880 --> 00:25:01.180
 be saying

00:25:01.180 --> 00:25:01.560
 what they're

00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:01.799
 going to

00:25:01.799 --> 00:25:01.940
 do.

00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.180
 Oh,

00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:02.539
 I'm not

00:25:02.539 --> 00:25:02.740
 going to

00:25:02.740 --> 00:25:03.240
 pay that

00:25:03.240 --> 00:25:03.660
 or oh,

00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.060
 I'm not

00:25:04.060 --> 00:25:04.279
 going to

00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:04.640
 vote for

00:25:04.640 --> 00:25:05.039
 them and

00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.440
 oh,

00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:05.680
 they're

00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.060
 useless

00:25:06.060 --> 00:25:06.440
 and they're

00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:06.820
 stupid

00:25:06.820 --> 00:25:07.200
 and they're

00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:07.680
 no good.

00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.500
 Here's your

00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:10.160
 opportunity

00:25:10.160 --> 00:25:11.259
 to give

00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:11.980
 your voice.

00:25:12.860 --> 00:25:13.100
 What are

00:25:13.100 --> 00:25:13.460
 you going

00:25:13.460 --> 00:25:14.000
 to say?

00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:16.320
 That

00:25:16.320 --> 00:25:16.779
 authorities

00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.160
 are good.

00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:17.519
 I've had

00:25:17.519 --> 00:25:18.080
 some great

00:25:18.080 --> 00:25:18.799
 conversations

00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:19.820
 with the

00:25:19.820 --> 00:25:20.279
 guys who've

00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:20.820
 been knocking

00:25:20.820 --> 00:25:21.200
 on the

00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:21.519
 door.

00:25:22.200 --> 00:25:22.600
 And being

00:25:22.600 --> 00:25:23.019
 able to

00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.600
 remind them

00:25:23.600 --> 00:25:24.000
 and saying,

00:25:24.299 --> 00:25:24.519
 do you know

00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:24.799
 what I'm

00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.400
 speaking on

00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:26.200
 this Sunday?

00:25:27.960 --> 00:25:28.600
 You can

00:25:28.600 --> 00:25:29.140
 direct them

00:25:29.140 --> 00:25:29.660
 back to the

00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:30.360
 same passage.

00:25:31.420 --> 00:25:31.700
 And you

00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.220
 can say you're

00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.799
 praying for

00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:33.180
 them because

00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.840
 we take it

00:25:33.840 --> 00:25:35.039
 seriously that

00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.620
 they have been

00:25:35.620 --> 00:25:36.440
 placed there by

00:25:36.440 --> 00:25:37.080
 God and so

00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:37.759
 we'll pray for

00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:37.980
 them.

00:25:39.400 --> 00:25:40.019
 And as you

00:25:40.019 --> 00:25:40.480
 speak with

00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:40.880
 people,

00:25:41.720 --> 00:25:42.980
 don't fight

00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.620
 against the

00:25:43.620 --> 00:25:43.960
 government.

00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:45.820
 Show your

00:25:45.820 --> 00:25:46.740
 loving expression

00:25:46.740 --> 00:25:47.420
 to them.

00:25:47.420 --> 00:25:57.860
 God's love

00:25:57.860 --> 00:25:58.480
 for his

00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:58.920
 people.

00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:00.480
 You see,

00:26:00.580 --> 00:26:01.120
 in Jesus

00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:03.320
 we see the

00:26:03.320 --> 00:26:04.140
 ultimate leader,

00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:05.759
 the supreme

00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:07.019
 authority over

00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.860
 all people

00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.620
 and over

00:26:08.620 --> 00:26:09.519
 every nation.

00:26:09.519 --> 00:26:10.359
 God's love

00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:11.220
 is the

00:26:11.220 --> 00:26:11.579
 one who

00:26:11.579 --> 00:26:12.000
 came as

00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:12.460
 a servant

00:26:12.460 --> 00:26:13.220
 for us.

00:26:13.539 --> 00:26:14.400
 He came to

00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:15.299
 bring us and

00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:15.940
 to do good

00:26:15.940 --> 00:26:16.339
 for us.

00:26:16.400 --> 00:26:16.900
 He came to

00:26:16.900 --> 00:26:17.660
 bring peace.

00:26:17.940 --> 00:26:18.460
 He came to

00:26:18.460 --> 00:26:19.180
 bring order.

00:26:19.619 --> 00:26:20.460
 Jesus came to

00:26:20.460 --> 00:26:21.420
 bring justice.

00:26:23.180 --> 00:26:24.220
 But here's how

00:26:24.220 --> 00:26:24.859
 he's different.

00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:26.160
 He didn't come

00:26:26.160 --> 00:26:27.039
 with a sword.

00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.839
 Look at verse

00:26:27.839 --> 00:26:28.259
 four.

00:26:29.579 --> 00:26:30.319
 He didn't come

00:26:30.319 --> 00:26:31.359
 with a sword

00:26:31.359 --> 00:26:32.420
 as an agent

00:26:32.420 --> 00:26:33.099
 of wrath

00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:34.220
 to bring punishment

00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.619
 on the wrongdoer.

00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:37.379
 Instead,

00:26:37.759 --> 00:26:38.619
 Jesus came

00:26:38.619 --> 00:26:39.319
 to take the

00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.239
 place of

00:26:40.239 --> 00:26:41.099
 the wrongdoer.

00:26:41.619 --> 00:26:42.339
 He came to

00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:42.759
 take the

00:26:42.759 --> 00:26:43.299
 place of

00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:43.819
 people like

00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.359
 you and me

00:26:44.359 --> 00:26:45.239
 who rebel

00:26:45.239 --> 00:26:46.119
 against God's

00:26:46.119 --> 00:26:46.639
 authority,

00:26:47.279 --> 00:26:48.419
 who speak

00:26:48.419 --> 00:26:49.779
 ill of those

00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:50.319
 who are in

00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:51.339
 authority over

00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:51.859
 us.

00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:53.419
 And on the

00:26:53.419 --> 00:26:53.759
 cross,

00:26:53.899 --> 00:26:54.519
 Jesus takes

00:26:54.519 --> 00:26:54.939
 the place

00:26:54.939 --> 00:26:55.199
 of the

00:26:55.199 --> 00:26:55.699
 wrongdoer.

00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.139
 For you

00:26:56.139 --> 00:26:56.619
 and for me,

00:26:56.699 --> 00:26:57.439
 he dies in

00:26:57.439 --> 00:26:58.019
 our place.

00:26:58.739 --> 00:26:59.219
 He is the

00:26:59.219 --> 00:26:59.799
 one who came

00:26:59.799 --> 00:27:00.479
 and took the

00:27:00.479 --> 00:27:01.659
 sword that

00:27:01.659 --> 00:27:02.439
 you and I

00:27:02.439 --> 00:27:04.139
 deserve so

00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.759
 that we might

00:27:04.759 --> 00:27:05.299
 be set

00:27:05.299 --> 00:27:05.799
 free,

00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.740
 so that we

00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.379
 might live

00:27:07.379 --> 00:27:08.000
 a life of

00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:08.680
 love,

00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.339
 because we

00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:10.899
 are people

00:27:10.899 --> 00:27:11.240
 who have

00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:11.980
 been richly

00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.299
 loved by

00:27:13.299 --> 00:27:13.859
 God.

00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:15.480
 You see,

00:27:15.559 --> 00:27:16.039
 the church

00:27:16.039 --> 00:27:16.399
 that has

00:27:16.399 --> 00:27:16.839
 come to

00:27:16.839 --> 00:27:17.480
 believe and

00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.519
 experience the

00:27:18.519 --> 00:27:18.919
 gospel,

00:27:19.559 --> 00:27:19.839
 who have

00:27:19.839 --> 00:27:20.200
 come to

00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:20.919
 see what

00:27:20.919 --> 00:27:21.700
 Christ has

00:27:21.700 --> 00:27:22.019
 done,

00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:22.879
 who came

00:27:22.879 --> 00:27:23.659
 to serve

00:27:23.659 --> 00:27:24.019
 us and

00:27:24.019 --> 00:27:24.339
 give his

00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:24.899
 life for

00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:25.319
 us,

00:27:26.200 --> 00:27:27.379
 the expression

00:27:27.379 --> 00:27:28.000
 of that

00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:30.059
 will be

00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:31.279
 loving those

00:27:31.279 --> 00:27:32.299
 who have

00:27:32.299 --> 00:27:32.940
 been elected

00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:33.819
 to rule

00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.680
 over us.

00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:35.919
 Let's

00:27:35.919 --> 00:27:37.399
 pray together.

00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.500
 As we

00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:49.859
 pray,

00:27:50.359 --> 00:27:50.879
 let's

00:27:50.879 --> 00:27:51.659
 remember that

00:27:51.659 --> 00:27:52.339
 God's word

00:27:52.339 --> 00:27:54.579
 does command

00:27:54.579 --> 00:27:55.799
 us to

00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:56.480
 pray for

00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.700
 those in

00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:58.559
 authority.

00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:58.679
 authority.

00:28:00.440 --> 00:28:01.379
 So let's

00:28:01.379 --> 00:28:02.079
 now pray

00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.599
 for those

00:28:03.599 --> 00:28:04.879
 presently in

00:28:04.879 --> 00:28:07.000
 government and

00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.740
 for those who

00:28:07.740 --> 00:28:08.460
 will soon to

00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.339
 be elected to

00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:10.099
 our councils.

00:28:10.679 --> 00:28:11.579
 Let's pray.

00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:13.940
 Our Father

00:28:13.940 --> 00:28:14.419
 God, we

00:28:14.419 --> 00:28:15.359
 thank you for

00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:17.099
 our country,

00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.619
 for this

00:28:17.619 --> 00:28:18.059
 nation.

00:28:19.059 --> 00:28:20.079
 We thank you

00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:20.799
 for those who

00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.359
 you have put in

00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:23.200
 place to rule

00:28:23.200 --> 00:28:23.819
 over us.

00:28:23.819 --> 00:28:23.919
 us.

00:28:24.439 --> 00:28:25.559
 We thank you

00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.159
 for all the

00:28:26.159 --> 00:28:26.759
 good things

00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.240
 that we

00:28:27.240 --> 00:28:28.539
 enjoy because

00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.439
 of their

00:28:29.439 --> 00:28:29.899
 leadership.

00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.599
 And while

00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.200
 there is so

00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:34.700
 much that we

00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.179
 may see

00:28:35.179 --> 00:28:37.200
 fault in or

00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:38.200
 see wrongdoing

00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:40.279
 in, Father,

00:28:40.379 --> 00:28:41.079
 please help us

00:28:41.079 --> 00:28:42.079
 to support and

00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:43.919
 submit to all

00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:44.599
 that is good

00:28:44.599 --> 00:28:45.799
 and right,

00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.659
 trusting that

00:28:47.659 --> 00:28:48.720
 behind every

00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:50.879
 leader stands

00:28:50.880 --> 00:28:51.800
 our heavenly

00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:53.420
 Father who

00:28:53.420 --> 00:28:54.740
 rules over

00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.200
 all.

00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.820
 And Father,

00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:57.180
 would you

00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:58.600
 please help

00:28:58.600 --> 00:28:59.540
 all those who

00:28:59.540 --> 00:28:59.960
 are in

00:28:59.960 --> 00:29:00.900
 government right

00:29:00.900 --> 00:29:01.340
 now and

00:29:01.340 --> 00:29:02.140
 those soon to

00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.700
 be elected,

00:29:03.520 --> 00:29:04.080
 that they

00:29:04.080 --> 00:29:04.440
 would be

00:29:04.440 --> 00:29:05.200
 people who

00:29:05.200 --> 00:29:06.560
 stand for

00:29:06.560 --> 00:29:08.520
 good, who

00:29:08.520 --> 00:29:10.060
 condemn evil,

00:29:10.820 --> 00:29:11.640
 who pursue

00:29:11.640 --> 00:29:12.400
 what is right,

00:29:12.520 --> 00:29:13.160
 who protect

00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:13.920
 the vulnerable,

00:29:14.420 --> 00:29:15.160
 provide for

00:29:15.160 --> 00:29:15.620
 the most

00:29:15.620 --> 00:29:16.720
 needy, and

00:29:16.720 --> 00:29:17.780
 give to those

00:29:17.780 --> 00:29:19.260
 who are most

00:29:19.260 --> 00:29:20.860
 in need of

00:29:20.859 --> 00:29:22.500
 health, and

00:29:22.500 --> 00:29:22.939
 those who are

00:29:22.939 --> 00:29:23.500
 in most of

00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:23.959
 need of

00:29:23.959 --> 00:29:25.219
 housing and

00:29:25.219 --> 00:29:26.459
 finances and

00:29:26.459 --> 00:29:27.099
 support.

00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:28.119
 Raise up

00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:29.079
 leaders who

00:29:29.079 --> 00:29:29.879
 will do this

00:29:29.879 --> 00:29:30.679
 in a right

00:29:30.679 --> 00:29:31.039
 way.

00:29:32.379 --> 00:29:32.879
 Raise up

00:29:32.879 --> 00:29:33.519
 leaders who

00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:33.899
 will bring

00:29:33.899 --> 00:29:35.319
 justice to

00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.159
 our nation,

00:29:36.379 --> 00:29:36.899
 who will

00:29:36.899 --> 00:29:38.019
 live lives of

00:29:38.019 --> 00:29:39.559
 integrity and

00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:41.019
 honesty, who

00:29:41.019 --> 00:29:42.039
 will not lie

00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:43.179
 and cheat and

00:29:43.179 --> 00:29:44.699
 steal, but do

00:29:44.699 --> 00:29:45.639
 only what is

00:29:45.639 --> 00:29:46.559
 right and

00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:46.939
 good.

00:29:49.579 --> 00:29:50.139
 And Father,

00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:50.860
 we pray for

00:29:50.860 --> 00:29:51.520
 ourselves.

00:29:52.460 --> 00:29:53.460
 Please help

00:29:53.460 --> 00:29:55.380
 us to

00:29:55.380 --> 00:29:55.920
 show our

00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:56.780
 loving submission

00:29:56.780 --> 00:29:57.300
 to our

00:29:57.300 --> 00:29:58.720
 leaders, to

00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.620
 speak well of

00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:00.960
 them, to

00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:01.520
 pay our

00:30:01.520 --> 00:30:03.460
 taxes, not

00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:04.420
 as a grudge,

00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:06.520
 but as a

00:30:06.520 --> 00:30:07.500
 loving expression,

00:30:08.060 --> 00:30:09.259
 because you

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.860
 have richly

00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:12.300
 loved us.

00:30:12.299 --> 00:30:15.980
 we pray for

00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:18.119
 our land, for

00:30:18.119 --> 00:30:19.960
 our nation, and

00:30:19.960 --> 00:30:20.940
 for ourselves.

00:30:21.440 --> 00:30:22.899
 In Jesus' name,

00:30:24.000 --> 00:30:24.339
 Amen.

00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:24.500
 Amen.

00:30:24.500 --> 00:30:28.619
 Well, let's

00:30:28.619 --> 00:30:29.920
 turn to the

00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.880
 screen again as

00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:31.859
 we sing, from

00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:32.359
 heaven you

00:30:32.359 --> 00:30:32.759
 came.

00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:34.400
 Here is a

00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.599
 song about our

00:30:35.599 --> 00:30:36.660
 great leader, the

00:30:36.660 --> 00:30:37.359
 Lord Jesus

00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.779
 Christ, who

00:30:38.779 --> 00:30:39.599
 didn't come to

00:30:39.599 --> 00:30:41.759
 be served, but

00:30:41.759 --> 00:30:43.119
 to serve and to

00:30:43.119 --> 00:30:44.039
 give his life

00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:45.839
 that we might

00:30:45.839 --> 00:30:46.099
 live.

00:30:46.180 --> 00:30:46.740
 Let's stand

00:30:46.740 --> 00:30:48.160
 together as we

00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:48.720
 sing this.

00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.259
 Amen.

00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:50.200
 Amen.

00:30:50.819 --> 00:30:50.880
 Amen.

00:30:50.880 --> 00:30:50.940
 Amen.

00:30:50.940 --> 00:30:51.440
 Amen.

00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:51.880
 Amen.

00:30:51.880 --> 00:30:51.940
 Amen.

00:30:51.940 --> 00:30:52.880
 Amen.

00:30:52.880 --> 00:30:52.940
 Amen.

00:30:52.940 --> 00:30:52.980
 Amen.

00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:53.000
 Amen.

00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:53.019
 Amen.

00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:53.039
 Amen.

00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.480
 Amen.

00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:53.940
 Amen.

00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:54.940
 Amen.