WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.839 Take your Bibles this morning over to Mark chapter 12, Mark chapter 12 this morning, 00:00:04.400 --> 00:00:10.120 as we continue as our series of discovering Jesus and who He is. 00:00:10.620 --> 00:00:16.460 And we've seen as Jesus is now in the last week here as we've come into Mark chapter 12, 00:00:16.580 --> 00:00:23.339 and it's still on Tuesday of that week, and we find that Jesus is being questioned about many 00:00:23.339 --> 00:00:29.560 things, and we find that there's a question of responsibility here that they're going to use 00:00:29.559 --> 00:00:36.539 to try to get rid of Jesus. As you might look at it this way, those in authority had started 00:00:36.539 --> 00:00:41.939 operation Get Rid of Jesus, and they're now in full swing trying to figure out how to make that happen, 00:00:42.539 --> 00:00:49.480 trying to remove Jesus from the scene. And the plot to kill Him had moved just from consideration 00:00:49.879 --> 00:00:56.379 into the point where it was about to stir into conflict with them. And the leaders had been 00:00:56.380 --> 00:01:01.880 rebuked for their unbelief before the people. We looked at the moral of the vineyard parable, 00:01:02.160 --> 00:01:06.740 and that parable we know as we left off last week definitely struck a chord in their heart. 00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:13.900 But they understood exactly who Jesus was talking about. And we find here that chord that was struck 00:01:13.900 --> 00:01:20.159 was not a good chord because the chord I think was struck was the chord of pride. And pride is a chord 00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:26.679 that never produces a sweet sound. There's always a contrary sound when it comes to pride. But when 00:01:26.679 --> 00:01:34.840 it comes to the Lord, the chord of humility is a sweet sound. To understand the difference, and as Jesus 00:01:34.840 --> 00:01:43.539 here begins to and continues to teach in the temple as those that opposed Him listened and plotted for an 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:50.740 opportunity to hear anything that could be used or manipulated to their advantage. That's one of the 00:01:50.740 --> 00:01:56.840 things, words are one of those things people love to try to use and to gain leverage and try to manipulate 00:01:56.840 --> 00:02:02.260 through language and words and usage. And it's no different today than it was then. 00:02:03.140 --> 00:02:07.719 People are people. Language has always been a tool that they've used to try to manipulate, 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:16.579 to try to influence and to draw others. And we realize as they're doing this, they're listening 00:02:16.579 --> 00:02:22.460 intently as Jesus is teaching, trying to figure out, okay guys, what do we do to get rid of Jesus? 00:02:23.319 --> 00:02:27.819 They were devising a question that we're going to look at today, a question about responsibility 00:02:27.819 --> 00:02:35.120 and how that responsibility applies to an individual. Because sometimes those are the hardest 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:39.000 questions that you have to answer. Okay, I understand the principle 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:45.980 about something or a biblical principle that God gives, but then comes the question, how is this principle 00:02:45.980 --> 00:02:55.900 applied? What's the practical daily living nuance of how does that actually live? Because it's important 00:02:55.900 --> 00:03:01.900 to understand, God doesn't give us the Bible just for information. He gives us the scripture that we might 00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:08.140 be transformed, that we might understand how we ought to live, and how do we maneuver, how do we 00:03:08.140 --> 00:03:17.200 properly live before God in a broken and fallen world? Balancing all the different responsibilities 00:03:17.200 --> 00:03:24.000 that we have. Because oftentimes, you ever notice in life that responsibilities sometimes conflict? 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:30.620 You have multiple responsibilities, but they conflict. It's just like having to go to work. You have to go to 00:03:30.620 --> 00:03:37.800 work. That's a responsibility to earn a living. But yet you have a responsibility to your spouse and 00:03:37.800 --> 00:03:45.400 your children. And sometimes those are like, okay, where do I balance those? And balance responsibility 00:03:45.400 --> 00:03:51.819 in that. And really, the question we're going to find today is really comes up a very key thing that 00:03:51.819 --> 00:03:57.740 we're going to deal with and look at how this responsibility that they bring forth, how does it play 00:03:57.740 --> 00:04:04.879 out practically in our lives? Because it's a question that we have even today. And there's never 00:04:04.879 --> 00:04:11.020 been a, you might say in the practical sense, the day-to-day, we have to be attentive to God's 00:04:11.020 --> 00:04:18.879 Word and understand how does that balance, how does God give priority to conflicting responsibilities that 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:24.740 He gives to us? Because there is sometimes, like I said, that conflict of responsibility. How do I 00:04:24.740 --> 00:04:31.819 balance those things in life? And so we're going to see here as they begin to raise this plot, 00:04:31.920 --> 00:04:37.079 they have a question here this morning that I think is going to resonate even in our current 00:04:37.079 --> 00:04:42.280 time here. So if you found Mark chapter 12, let's stand together in honor of the reading of the Word 00:04:42.280 --> 00:04:49.040 of God. And we'll begin down here in verse 13 and read through verse 17. And the Word of God says this, 00:04:49.040 --> 00:04:55.500 and they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of Herodians to catch him in his words. 00:04:57.120 --> 00:05:03.060 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true and carest for no man, 00:05:03.580 --> 00:05:10.800 for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:19.300 tribute to Caesar or not? Shall we give or shall we not give? But he knoweth their hypocrisy, 00:05:20.819 --> 00:05:27.600 excuse me, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny that I may see it. 00:05:28.100 --> 00:05:35.800 And they brought it and saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, 00:05:35.800 --> 00:05:41.720 Caesar's. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, 00:05:41.759 --> 00:05:50.300 and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, 00:05:50.420 --> 00:05:56.699 as we come this morning, Lord, as we look into your Word, Lord, a very important question of 00:05:56.699 --> 00:06:02.100 responsibility. Lord, I pray today just help us to understand the differences and the dynamics 00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:10.060 and how our responsibilities come and how it relies very heavily upon the reality of what 00:06:10.060 --> 00:06:15.939 we're going to humble ourselves before you to understand that you are the ultimate authority. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:20.220 But Lord, just have your hand upon each heart, each life here today, Lord, each one. 00:06:21.080 --> 00:06:26.460 Lord, those that need to come to you, those that are struggling, the questions of life that we walk 00:06:26.460 --> 00:06:31.420 through, Lord, pray just have your hand upon each one today that they might be encouraged and strengthened 00:06:31.420 --> 00:06:35.280 through your Word and through your Spirit working in their hearts and lives. And Lord, 00:06:35.340 --> 00:06:42.500 we just ask it all in your precious name. Amen. May be seated. The question devised here is one that 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:50.340 directly relates to that of authority, the responsibility of who has authority. And that 00:06:50.340 --> 00:06:57.379 authority is important because this question is one, when they pose to Jesus, does Rome have authority 00:06:57.379 --> 00:07:02.120 to collect tribute? In other words, does the government have right to collect taxes? 00:07:04.740 --> 00:07:10.279 Now, is that still a touchy point today? Just remember, there's nothing new under the sun. 00:07:11.879 --> 00:07:18.939 Those things are how to balance those responsibilities and understand how that fits is important because 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:24.839 that question, even today, when you start talking about taxes and you talk about authority of government, 00:07:24.839 --> 00:07:33.159 it becomes a hotbed question, doesn't it? Because it draws all sorts of opinions and about what's the 00:07:33.159 --> 00:07:39.679 obligation that we have between God and government. Because really, that's often the conflict. 00:07:39.919 --> 00:07:46.019 How do I balance these responsibilities that God has given me with the responsibilities that I have to 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:51.819 government? Because I want you to understand very clearly, we do have a responsibility to government 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:59.819 because God established government. It has a lane that it needs to be in. And so we're going to look 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:05.839 here this morning, look at the spies that were sent. The spies, Luke's gospel calls these men spies. 00:08:06.920 --> 00:08:12.659 They were sent to deceive Jesus into speaking against the Romans. That was their plot. We're going to load 00:08:12.659 --> 00:08:19.079 this question up and give a loaded question that we're going to paint Jesus into a corner to where he's 00:08:19.079 --> 00:08:23.639 going to say something one direction or another because they thought it was going to be a black 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:30.419 or white question. They thought they had the ultimate question picked out that's going to trap him. 00:08:32.079 --> 00:08:38.779 So they come and they're there and they had this logical plot and that if they could get the Roman 00:08:38.779 --> 00:08:43.240 government, I think, to arrest Jesus, they would be clean before the people. Because remember, 00:08:43.240 --> 00:08:49.220 they were worried about the people and how they perceived Jesus. But they wanted to get rid of 00:08:49.220 --> 00:08:54.560 him and they didn't arrest him because of all the people and all that's going on here in Luke chapter 00:08:54.560 --> 00:09:00.240 20 and verse 20. Notice what it says here in Luke's description. He says, and they watched him 00:09:00.240 --> 00:09:09.120 and sent forth spies which would feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:16.220 and so they might deliver him under the power and authority of the governor. In other words, 00:09:16.279 --> 00:09:22.299 their plot was to have the Romans arrest him because he was going to speak against Caesar. That was how 00:09:22.299 --> 00:09:27.940 they were going to try to plot it out. To say, Jesus, we're going to catch him in his words. We're going 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:32.779 to catch him in a corner and paint him into a corner that we can manipulate and control. 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:40.620 I want you to see here to catch him in his words, literally pictures drawing him into a place that 00:09:40.620 --> 00:09:45.019 he would have no choice. It was catching them in a snare. You know, it's kind of like if you've ever 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:49.839 seen somebody set a snare, they don't just set a snare out in the middle of the field. They set a 00:09:49.839 --> 00:09:55.839 snare and then they create a tunnel to draw people into it or draw the animal that they want into it. 00:09:55.840 --> 00:10:03.160 And what they're doing is trying to draw Jesus to him and him, him and him in to get that spot where 00:10:03.160 --> 00:10:07.980 they know that they can get, they think they're going to get him. They're trying to narrow that 00:10:07.980 --> 00:10:14.259 down and try to set a snare for him. And this subtle approach that they bring, 00:10:15.680 --> 00:10:23.660 this trap was one of those that they brought forth by very unlikely ones who were the inquisitors 00:10:23.659 --> 00:10:29.839 because notice here in chat and back over in Mark, notice the two groups that he said that were sent, 00:10:30.199 --> 00:10:35.939 the Pharisees and the Herodians, their disciples, they didn't even come, but they sent their disciples 00:10:35.939 --> 00:10:42.039 to fake that they were sincere about their question. Now we've talked about this before, 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:50.240 but this is a pretty unlikely group. The Pharisees and Herodians are political enemies, 00:10:50.240 --> 00:10:58.759 totally opposite of one another where they stood. The Pharisees were against Roman authority and Roman 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:06.000 oppression. The Herodians were all for gaining everything they could from government and Roman 00:11:06.000 --> 00:11:13.399 authority under Herod who had been put in place as king by Roman authority. So you have an unlikely 00:11:13.399 --> 00:11:19.320 group coming together here, don't you? One thing about it you'll find that it just seems like it doesn't 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:25.140 matter what generation, that when two people, no matter what their ideology, when they have a common 00:11:25.140 --> 00:11:30.200 enemy or somebody they want to deal with, they'll get together no matter what the conflict is between 00:11:30.200 --> 00:11:36.340 them. You find strange people hanging out together in times that they're standing against somebody that 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:43.460 they want to remove. They wanted Jesus out of the way, both for different reasons, but both really for 00:11:43.460 --> 00:11:49.580 the same reason because they wanted their influence and control. No different today in politics. I want 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:55.220 you to understand that this is one of those political and religious dynamics that intertwined. 00:11:56.900 --> 00:12:05.860 And we need to realize that though religion using it in the context of what you believe and government 00:12:05.860 --> 00:12:15.600 always cross over. They always bump into one another someplace. And we need to understand what direction 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:22.779 it gets bumped into is important. And we're going to look here this morning at that a little bit and 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:29.340 talk about it from the scripture because Jesus here really nails this down. And these two groups come and 00:12:29.340 --> 00:12:37.500 they're desiring their own thing. And we can see this working and collaborating to ask and to clarify 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:44.560 what's going on. I want you to understand that their goal here is to definitely was not righteous as it was 00:12:44.560 --> 00:12:55.900 to destroy Jesus. Common hatred makes strange alliances in life. So what they do, they sent their top 00:12:55.899 --> 00:13:02.379 students, their disciples thinking they were going to kind of put them in. Remember the Pharisees 00:13:02.379 --> 00:13:09.139 and the Herodians didn't come themselves. They'd already been there. So they sent their disciples forth 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:16.319 as spies into him. And we see here in Luke chapter 20, which should feign themselves. 00:13:17.720 --> 00:13:23.939 In other words, that's to put on a false representation, a false representation of why they were there. 00:13:23.940 --> 00:13:31.740 They employ their best tool they had in the arsenal. And this is one we need to be careful of because 00:13:31.740 --> 00:13:37.760 what tool did they come with as they feigned these things? The tool of flattery. Have you ever noticed 00:13:37.760 --> 00:13:44.700 the quickest way to get somebody to drop their guard is to flatter them? Flattery is a tool that is used. 00:13:45.400 --> 00:13:53.300 And we see here this flattery, this complimenting Jesus as they pretended to honestly inquire 00:13:53.299 --> 00:13:59.079 for an answer of, okay, because they were coming with the context, Jesus, we're struggling with this 00:13:59.079 --> 00:14:06.839 thing of taxes. And how do we, should we do it or should we not? That was their presentation, but their 00:14:06.839 --> 00:14:13.339 heart was, we got him because he's going to have to answer yes or no to this. And how he answers is 00:14:13.339 --> 00:14:20.719 going to catch him. They feigned him. They were false in their representation. Now notice, look at verse 14. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:27.639 It says, and when they were come, they say unto him, Master. In other words, they say, they're looking 00:14:27.639 --> 00:14:32.800 at him and saying, okay, we recognize you as a teacher. Now in Israel, that would have been one 00:14:32.800 --> 00:14:40.360 with a spoke with authority, that spoke with clarity. The one that spoke, had a position of influence. 00:14:42.060 --> 00:14:48.000 Master, that idea of teacher, we know that thou art true. Think about what they're saying to Jesus. 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:52.659 Here's a group seeking to destroy him. And they come, well, we know what you say is true. 00:14:54.740 --> 00:15:01.019 We know you're honest. We know you're, you're the one. Now know, it says, and care us for no man, 00:15:01.139 --> 00:15:07.820 for thou art, thou regardest not the person of men. Notice this, but teach us the way of God in truth. 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:13.980 What are they doing? They're coming to Jesus and telling him what they think he wants to hear. 00:15:13.980 --> 00:15:21.940 Now the irony here to understand is everything they said was true. Jesus is the one that's the 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:28.639 master teacher. Jesus is the one that speaks truth. Jesus is the one that doesn't measure how our 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:35.759 opinions think about it. He doesn't regard men's opinions as to whether it's true or not. 00:15:35.759 --> 00:15:43.480 I want you to understand what they said was literally true about Jesus. But I want you to 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:49.679 also note here something very important because Jesus doesn't bite on the flattery, even though 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:57.319 it's true. I want you to understand flattery is a dangerous thing. And oftentimes people will fall 00:15:57.319 --> 00:16:03.419 into this idea of flattery. Think about Psalm chapter five for a moment. The fifth Psalm speaks a little 00:16:03.419 --> 00:16:08.919 bit about this. And this is important in this context because notice what it says in verse nine. 00:16:09.019 --> 00:16:14.879 It says, for there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their inward part is very wicked. Their throat is an 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:21.079 open supplicant. They flatter with their tongue. People become master flatterers to manipulate. 00:16:21.539 --> 00:16:27.719 They'll put on a good front, say all the right things, try to do all the right things, 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:33.740 try to put forth. Well, I want everybody to have this perception about me. And then they will flatter 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:41.300 with the tongue. Look over at the 78 Psalm. Psalm 78 and verse 36 tells us this. It says, 00:16:41.440 --> 00:16:47.519 nevertheless, they did flatter him with their mouth and they lied into him with their tongues for their 00:16:47.519 --> 00:16:53.700 heart was not right with him. Neither were they steadfast in his covenant. And that's not talking about 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:59.060 this group particular, but it's talking about their forefathers. It's talking about the children of 00:16:59.060 --> 00:17:05.559 Israel. The very ones that are present, the same thing they were taught by their fathers. 00:17:07.259 --> 00:17:13.559 But I want you to understand something this morning here that we can learn to understand that both 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:20.059 flattery and criticism, we need to die to both. Because I want you to understand, remember those that 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:27.700 praise you are probably just as mistaken as those that oppose you. Both can be wrong very easily. 00:17:29.139 --> 00:17:32.919 But both are very easily tools to manipulate us. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:39.359 And here they come and they give flattery to Jesus. 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:45.299 The question they brought was to bring a point of contention. 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:51.399 Notice the question, is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? 00:17:52.019 --> 00:17:54.019 Shall we give or shall we not give? 00:17:55.839 --> 00:17:59.099 I mean, as I read this, I can just hear their tone of voice. 00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:02.500 In the best, I'm sincerely asking, 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:07.700 putting forth that we really need an answer to this because we're struggling. 00:18:08.139 --> 00:18:09.519 But I want you to understand, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:12.240 Jesus was not fooled by the inquiry. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:19.900 He knew the reason they ask and the importance of the answer. 00:18:20.240 --> 00:18:24.079 I want you to understand the second thing that we need to understand here in this picture, 00:18:24.779 --> 00:18:29.799 is we need to be careful about people who come asking questions about what you believe sometimes. 00:18:31.200 --> 00:18:36.900 Because people don't always ask you and your opinion for information. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:41.560 Sometimes they're asking to try to create a confrontation. 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:43.380 Because there's a difference. 00:18:43.500 --> 00:18:46.140 Because consider, Jesus had a lot of people ask him questions. 00:18:47.680 --> 00:18:49.300 Think about John chapter 3. 00:18:49.380 --> 00:18:51.060 He had a man by the name of Nicodemus. 00:18:51.120 --> 00:18:52.000 He was a Pharisee. 00:18:52.280 --> 00:18:58.900 But Jesus answered him totally different because Nicodemus came, what, with a sincere question. 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:02.480 He didn't want to come to argue. 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:10.060 He had a sincere question about how do I inherit eternal life? 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:13.160 There was a sincerity. 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:14.440 There was not a conflict. 00:19:14.580 --> 00:19:15.120 He wasn't there. 00:19:15.200 --> 00:19:16.400 He didn't argue with Jesus. 00:19:17.380 --> 00:19:19.900 Even his questions to follow were not arguments. 00:19:20.100 --> 00:19:20.880 They were clarification. 00:19:21.900 --> 00:19:23.420 Saying, I don't understand. 00:19:24.300 --> 00:19:26.160 Can you help me understand this? 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:29.160 But these men didn't come for understanding. 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:31.820 They came to try to create conflict. 00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:34.700 To try to counter the question. 00:19:34.800 --> 00:19:37.740 We need to understand the difference in that. 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:41.560 And so the question comes up, is it right to pay tribute to Caesar? 00:19:42.080 --> 00:19:45.980 In other words, as a citizen, should you pay taxes? 00:19:48.040 --> 00:19:49.160 That's really the question. 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:53.680 And after the first of the year, you'll have that same question again when you get your tax bill. 00:19:53.680 --> 00:19:57.100 I really have to pay this? 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:03.039 Or when you get that statement in the mail that we got recently. 00:20:03.180 --> 00:20:04.840 I don't know how many got the pink slip in the mail. 00:20:05.180 --> 00:20:06.140 Telling you, guess what? 00:20:06.519 --> 00:20:08.880 You're worth so much more, so we're going to try to take more. 00:20:09.120 --> 00:20:14.259 The question that they were sure would cause Jesus to either speak against the authority, Rome, 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:17.160 or lose credibility with the people. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:20.140 Because the people's opinion is no different than our opinion today. 00:20:20.140 --> 00:20:24.100 I mean, most people don't say, I get to pay my taxes. 00:20:26.420 --> 00:20:29.200 Most people go, I got to pay my taxes. 00:20:30.100 --> 00:20:32.340 Maybe you're one that celebrates paying taxes. 00:20:32.340 --> 00:20:34.740 If that's you, that's okay. 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:39.880 I just don't know of anybody that's like that, excited to pay their taxes. 00:20:39.880 --> 00:20:45.440 But the question here that really is at heart of the matter, Jesus addresses. 00:20:46.720 --> 00:20:54.940 Because the question really isn't directly concerned about taxes as much as it is our responsibility and authority. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:57.920 It's a question of responsibility and authority. 00:20:58.400 --> 00:21:00.020 Really, the question was this. 00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:04.000 What authority does government have in our lives? 00:21:04.820 --> 00:21:06.820 What authority is attached to it? 00:21:06.840 --> 00:21:08.460 That's really the core of the question. 00:21:08.460 --> 00:21:16.759 What authority, they're asking Jesus, what authority does Rome have to collect this from us? 00:21:17.240 --> 00:21:18.680 What is our responsibility? 00:21:19.380 --> 00:21:20.700 What's our responsibility? 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:23.120 Because Jesus includes a second part of that. 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:25.620 He includes a responsibility to God. 00:21:25.920 --> 00:21:29.200 And so we're going to see Jesus' solution to their trick question. 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:40.360 Because his answer in this solution will help us today to understand a very important part of what we need to know about how this balance comes about. 00:21:41.480 --> 00:21:47.460 Because the solution to the question is one that's just as important to us today as it was in Jesus' day. 00:21:48.080 --> 00:21:54.580 He is going to answer the divine role of government alongside our responsibility to God. 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:56.439 So what does Jesus do? 00:21:56.699 --> 00:21:58.480 Notice, let's look and see how he responds. 00:21:58.519 --> 00:21:59.519 Look at verse 15. 00:22:00.059 --> 00:22:00.379 It says, 00:22:00.519 --> 00:22:03.480 But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, 00:22:03.579 --> 00:22:04.679 Why tempt ye me? 00:22:05.720 --> 00:22:07.619 Bring me a penny that I may see it. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:11.659 Now, Jesus here brings, asks for them. 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:16.579 He says, hey, bring me a coin, a currency that you're using. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:19.299 This word penny is one. 00:22:19.399 --> 00:22:20.279 It's also a denarius. 00:22:20.599 --> 00:22:23.399 It's a coin that the Roman Empire had. 00:22:23.500 --> 00:22:26.679 And on this coin was an image of Caesar. 00:22:27.779 --> 00:22:30.299 There was an image of Caesar on the coin. 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:36.139 And also on this coin, there were some words on the coin. 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:37.879 And the words there were this, 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:41.019 Tiberius Caesar, the divine Augustus. 00:22:41.019 --> 00:22:46.400 And on the back was the title, Pontifus Maximus. 00:22:47.259 --> 00:22:49.720 Now, the front side said he was the ruler. 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:55.220 The second side said he was the priest of Rome. 00:22:55.539 --> 00:22:58.319 So the coin itself was both political and religious. 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:00.740 Because you've got to understand, 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:06.440 the Romans thought that the office of Caesar was divine. 00:23:06.759 --> 00:23:09.019 There was a blending of those things together. 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:13.559 And even on the coin, because the coin offended some. 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:16.460 And the Jews, the coin itself would have offended them 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:18.759 because it's declaring Caesar to be a god. 00:23:19.099 --> 00:23:21.639 Now, we can all agree with the Jews. 00:23:21.759 --> 00:23:22.579 That is a problem. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:26.400 When somebody says, I'm on par with God himself, 00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:27.139 that's a problem. 00:23:28.940 --> 00:23:33.259 We understand the conflict there and the offense. 00:23:33.619 --> 00:23:35.819 But Jesus asked a simple question. 00:23:35.879 --> 00:23:37.000 He says, who's on the coin? 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:40.359 Now, I want you to understand, 00:23:40.500 --> 00:23:43.079 Jesus here was not asking a question of information. 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:46.119 Because he already knew who was on the coin. 00:23:46.380 --> 00:23:48.759 He was asking a question to make a point. 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:52.259 To point out directly what they were dealing with. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:54.480 Because notice what he asked for. 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:56.680 He says, hey, who is on the coin? 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:58.019 Whose image is there? 00:23:58.859 --> 00:24:01.480 The very currency they use daily. 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:05.279 Because remember, that's what they used in all their business dealings. 00:24:05.480 --> 00:24:09.039 They used a government-issued coin with Caesar's inscription on it 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.059 to conduct everything. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:12.740 Matter of fact, they even assessed their own personal wealth 00:24:12.740 --> 00:24:14.319 by how many of those things they possessed. 00:24:14.779 --> 00:24:20.079 It's not that they didn't recognize the currency in this. 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:28.240 And so Jesus points out here, he says, if you recognize Caesar by using his currency 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:31.240 and the authority associated with that, 00:24:31.639 --> 00:24:35.539 therefore you need to recognize that he is placed there with authority. 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:39.279 There's an authority attached to it. 00:24:39.759 --> 00:24:41.960 You're obliged to pay your taxes. 00:24:42.119 --> 00:24:45.059 Because notice Jesus' response to them. 00:24:45.059 --> 00:24:50.039 And notice, and he's asked in verse 16, that whose image is in superscription, 00:24:50.159 --> 00:24:52.019 they say unto him, Caesar's. 00:24:53.039 --> 00:24:56.700 Now can you imagine Jesus standing there that day, and they're like, okay, we got him. 00:24:56.960 --> 00:25:02.919 And Jesus looks at him and says, render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:07.519 And then he goes, render unto God that which is God's. 00:25:07.619 --> 00:25:13.539 That's an important dynamic because render means to return or to surrender back. 00:25:15.059 --> 00:25:18.779 In other words, because the inscription was on the coin of Caesar, 00:25:19.419 --> 00:25:23.559 basically it's saying that coin belonged to Caesar ultimately anyways, 00:25:24.079 --> 00:25:26.960 so their responsibility was to render back. 00:25:28.179 --> 00:25:30.279 To render those things back. 00:25:31.980 --> 00:25:34.700 Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's. 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:38.460 And to God the things that are God's. 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:42.700 See, they tried to direct a question to trap him. 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:46.420 And Jesus says, no, you don't understand what you're really asking. 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:53.400 Because the question you're asking isn't just about paying tribute or taxes. 00:25:53.960 --> 00:25:59.980 Your real question is, what place does government have in comparison to our beliefs? 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:04.220 Today we have this argument in this context, the separation of church and state. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:06.279 They're really asking the same question. 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:09.180 This has been a question that's been throughout history. 00:26:09.319 --> 00:26:12.180 You'll find this complexity of this question. 00:26:13.680 --> 00:26:18.960 But I want you to see here that Jesus, when he answered them, he left them speechless. 00:26:19.380 --> 00:26:22.079 I mean, I imagine they went away kind of distraught. 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:23.839 Because they're like, we thought we had him. 00:26:24.120 --> 00:26:26.519 We had him funneled down into the snare. 00:26:26.640 --> 00:26:27.819 We had everything right there. 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:28.680 And then he jumps over. 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.259 Why? 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:30.079 Because he saw it. 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:31.620 He understood what was happening. 00:26:31.619 --> 00:26:35.379 And he brought forth the truth that's important. 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:41.979 Because even though it left them speechless, Luke's account in chapter 20, verse 26, 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:44.739 and they could not take hold of his words before the people. 00:26:45.099 --> 00:26:47.759 And they marveled at his answer and held their peace. 00:26:49.419 --> 00:26:51.259 In other words, they had nothing more to say. 00:26:53.059 --> 00:26:54.279 You can look at it this way. 00:26:54.359 --> 00:26:55.359 You might see the other picture. 00:26:55.679 --> 00:26:58.000 But Jesus just pulled the rug right out from underneath them. 00:26:58.039 --> 00:26:58.919 They didn't even know what hit them. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:27:02.800 They're looking up at the sky going, wow, how did that happen? 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:07.259 They had no comprehension about what just happened. 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:12.700 But I want you to see here the conflict between God and government is still a struggle today. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:19.380 And Jesus here gives us some insight that's very important, I think, for even us today. 00:27:19.380 --> 00:27:22.460 To understand how this fits together. 00:27:22.460 --> 00:27:31.540 Because this idea of separation in church and state, we need to understand that Jesus said to give authority to both in his answer. 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:36.300 Jesus didn't exclude the authority of one over the other. 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:43.460 Now, we're going to talk about that because it's important to understand this idea of authority and what is given here. 00:27:43.460 --> 00:27:48.460 Because many people have differing thoughts on this. 00:27:48.740 --> 00:27:49.940 Different philosophies. 00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:55.900 So, I'm just going to tell you, before you say amen to one, you need to hear all the options. 00:27:56.240 --> 00:28:01.620 Because the first option says this, the state is our only authority. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:06.720 There's people today that think state is the ultimate authority. 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:14.480 This is the secular view that government becomes their God to supply all their needs, rejecting God's authority. 00:28:14.880 --> 00:28:17.960 There's some that think the state ought to be the ultimate authority. 00:28:19.960 --> 00:28:23.900 Now, the second statement gets a little tricky because it sounds pretty good. 00:28:25.299 --> 00:28:29.319 The second idea is this, that God is our only authority. 00:28:29.480 --> 00:28:35.480 There are those who attempt to separate themselves completely from authority claiming they're only under God. 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:37.120 They deny civil authority. 00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:40.640 Now, I'm going to show you the problem with this viewpoint. 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:48.799 Because if God is ultimately your authority, remember, everything else God has already laid out for us are responsibilities. 00:28:49.380 --> 00:28:53.779 Because we're dealing with a particular idea of authority in our daily life. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:56.160 In the things that we do. 00:28:57.160 --> 00:29:02.059 The third idea is that God and state both have authority, but the state is dominant. 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.700 There are some who believe this. 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:06.740 They recognize God and they recognize the state. 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:10.500 And they say, if there's a conflict, I choose the state. 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:15.400 People with that philosophy, we need to understand there's a fourth thing. 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:19.720 That God and state both have authority, but God is dominant. 00:29:20.039 --> 00:29:24.299 In other words, I want you to understand something very important here. 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:27.460 Because God ordained government. 00:29:27.460 --> 00:29:34.299 Government has a responsibility under God, but we have a responsibility under government that God ordained. 00:29:34.600 --> 00:29:37.759 There's a structure of authority that God has laid out. 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:44.400 Because when we understand that Jesus' answer aligns with this final viewpoint. 00:29:44.640 --> 00:29:47.920 Because notice here, he does not deny Caesar's authority. 00:29:48.420 --> 00:29:52.539 He just says, render under Caesar's that which is Caesar, and under God, that which is God's. 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:57.339 Now we're going to break that down a little bit for you here this morning. 00:29:57.779 --> 00:30:01.460 Because this is a scriptural position. 00:30:01.680 --> 00:30:04.759 God established governments, for they're ordained by God. 00:30:04.779 --> 00:30:06.359 Look over at Romans chapter 13. 00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:09.819 Romans chapter 13. 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:12.059 Notice what the word of God tells us. 00:30:12.139 --> 00:30:14.980 It says, let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:17.339 For there is no power but of God. 00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:19.799 The powers that be are what? 00:30:20.000 --> 00:30:21.180 Ordained of God. 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:24.940 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God. 00:30:25.039 --> 00:30:32.000 That they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 00:30:32.660 --> 00:30:35.220 In other words, they're going to be held to account. 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:39.559 I want you to understand that God has placed government for a reason. 00:30:40.799 --> 00:30:43.940 Government has a purpose that God has ordained for them. 00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:49.759 And I want you to understand as we look at this dynamic, it's kind of the best illustration 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:55.480 in my mind to help illustrate this, is when you look at a pair of railroad tracks, both 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:56.640 rails are critical. 00:30:56.900 --> 00:31:00.640 For the train to get to its destination, both rails are critical. 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:04.900 But you know what happens to a train when the two rails come together? 00:31:05.120 --> 00:31:05.779 There's a problem. 00:31:05.779 --> 00:31:12.440 And there's a reason here as we're going to look at this because there are times, I want 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:14.839 you to understand, government is not supreme. 00:31:16.660 --> 00:31:20.440 Because the question is not of authority, but who do we answer? 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:24.399 Who are we most accountable to in a situation? 00:31:24.400 --> 00:31:31.300 Jesus tells the people, he says, you have a responsibility to the government that you're placed under because 00:31:31.300 --> 00:31:34.180 they're there because God allowed them to be there. 00:31:35.759 --> 00:31:40.840 No matter how horrendous the government is, and I tell you what, when you study history, 00:31:40.940 --> 00:31:43.060 the Roman government was a horrendous government. 00:31:44.440 --> 00:31:49.740 They tried to play it up and make it sound good, but there were some very wicked things that 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:51.099 took place under that authority. 00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:55.039 But there are some good things that came about it. 00:31:55.900 --> 00:32:01.220 The gospel was able to travel throughout the known world at that time because of the peace 00:32:01.220 --> 00:32:04.380 and the security that the Roman government had allowed. 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:08.779 They had provision for people to get from point A to point B relatively safely. 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:14.339 Because of their authority, God had ordained them for a reason. 00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:19.319 But I want you to know there are times that governments don't align with God. 00:32:19.319 --> 00:32:21.779 And you have a responsibility to make a choice. 00:32:23.619 --> 00:32:26.299 Because you're going to fall under one of four of those areas. 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:30.740 Because to say, you say, well, God's my ultimate authority. 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:31.480 Yes, he is. 00:32:31.579 --> 00:32:34.419 But God says there's other authorities placed you under. 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.639 You have God. 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:38.659 You have your parents. 00:32:39.259 --> 00:32:41.679 When you're growing up, you have authority placed over you. 00:32:41.899 --> 00:32:45.859 When you become an adult, you still have authority placed over you. 00:32:45.859 --> 00:32:50.319 Because you have authority of the government that's there. 00:32:51.439 --> 00:32:54.579 And that government has a responsibility before God. 00:32:54.699 --> 00:32:58.799 Now, I want you to understand, I'm not saying government always does its job and responsibility 00:32:58.799 --> 00:33:00.119 to God the way it ought to. 00:33:01.719 --> 00:33:04.879 But I want you to understand, we don't honor God the way we ought to. 00:33:05.159 --> 00:33:06.759 So that's not the point of question. 00:33:06.879 --> 00:33:07.979 We know that's a struggle. 00:33:07.980 --> 00:33:10.599 But notice there's going to be times when there's conflict. 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:12.500 Look over in Acts chapter 4 for a moment. 00:33:13.900 --> 00:33:19.860 How do we balance these things when Jesus says to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar 00:33:19.860 --> 00:33:22.180 and unto God that which is God's? 00:33:22.339 --> 00:33:27.519 It's understanding the authority and who has the ultimate overriding authority. 00:33:27.519 --> 00:33:31.420 Because if government is ordained of God, an authority placed in your life, 00:33:31.920 --> 00:33:34.460 that government, if they don't do what they're supposed to do, 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:35.960 God says, I'm going to hold them accountable. 00:33:35.960 --> 00:33:41.120 God holds governments and nations accountable for their choices. 00:33:41.360 --> 00:33:45.319 As an individual, we need to understand our place in the sequence. 00:33:45.860 --> 00:33:47.279 Our place in the order. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:52.940 Because look what, here Peter and John, here in Acts chapter 4 and verse 19, 00:33:53.420 --> 00:33:56.079 when they're being confronted about preaching the gospel 00:33:56.079 --> 00:33:59.000 and doing what God has commanded them to do, 00:33:59.380 --> 00:34:01.620 Peter and John answered and said unto them, 00:34:01.619 --> 00:34:07.099 whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God judge ye. 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:10.359 In other words, I want you to understand, 00:34:10.839 --> 00:34:14.219 Peter and John ironically are talking to some of the same people 00:34:14.219 --> 00:34:19.779 who sent the spies to attack Jesus by this trick question. 00:34:20.239 --> 00:34:23.380 Later on, after Jesus is resurrected and went into heaven, 00:34:23.739 --> 00:34:27.159 these same people come and try to arrest Peter and John. 00:34:27.159 --> 00:34:31.179 And John looks at him and says, okay, let's go back to what Jesus said. 00:34:31.420 --> 00:34:34.159 Is it better for us to obey God or to obey you? 00:34:34.480 --> 00:34:36.980 Now look at the next chapter in Acts chapter 5. 00:34:37.679 --> 00:34:39.799 Acts chapter 5 and verse 29. 00:34:40.159 --> 00:34:42.839 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, 00:34:43.559 --> 00:34:46.519 we ought to obey God rather than men. 00:34:46.779 --> 00:34:48.859 While government is ordained of God, 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:51.379 we need to understand that the state, the government, 00:34:51.380 --> 00:34:54.579 and church run parallel to one another. 00:34:55.619 --> 00:34:58.079 There's going to be times there's going to be some conflict 00:34:58.079 --> 00:35:02.140 that comes up because you have evil men in positions of power 00:35:02.140 --> 00:35:05.720 making choices contrary to the things of God. 00:35:05.860 --> 00:35:08.240 There's going to be a time when you're going to have to take a stand 00:35:08.240 --> 00:35:11.220 because when we understand the importance of this stand 00:35:11.220 --> 00:35:15.860 and understanding how we fit in that authority that God has given is important. 00:35:16.820 --> 00:35:20.260 Now I don't have time to break down the whole thing of God and government this morning. 00:35:20.260 --> 00:35:21.940 That's a whole other series of things. 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:26.700 But I want you to understand God tells us very clearly this. 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:30.220 He says those two run parallel to one another. 00:35:30.360 --> 00:35:31.280 They do not mix. 00:35:31.680 --> 00:35:36.460 God, what you believe about God ought to influence government. 00:35:36.860 --> 00:35:39.900 Government ought not to influence what you believe about God. 00:35:40.140 --> 00:35:43.580 That's the reason we have a foundational document in our country 00:35:43.580 --> 00:35:47.040 with the very religious freedoms that we enjoy. 00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:54.380 That the government is not going to make a rule to influence what people believe. 00:35:54.699 --> 00:35:58.239 Now today we have government trying to pass laws telling this is what you're going to believe. 00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:00.759 That's a problem. 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:04.759 And that's when you have to make a decision not based on how you feel about it. 00:36:05.159 --> 00:36:07.659 If we went on how we feel, nobody would pay taxes. 00:36:07.659 --> 00:36:11.519 But Jesus said sadly we're supposed to. 00:36:11.859 --> 00:36:15.500 But we've been blessed with an opportunity in our nation unlike others. 00:36:15.940 --> 00:36:16.920 We're not a monarchy. 00:36:17.139 --> 00:36:17.859 We have a voice. 00:36:18.179 --> 00:36:21.339 And that's where what you believe can be brought forth at the ballot box. 00:36:22.899 --> 00:36:24.359 That's a blessing of God. 00:36:24.360 --> 00:36:29.460 That we have that ability to make an influence. 00:36:30.720 --> 00:36:37.019 One of the problems is we're in the situation we are because believers haven't made a statement about influence. 00:36:39.019 --> 00:36:39.980 To get there. 00:36:40.240 --> 00:36:43.360 And we need to understand the importance of this. 00:36:43.760 --> 00:36:45.519 Of how this balance goes. 00:36:45.700 --> 00:36:48.300 But I want to back up just for a moment. 00:36:48.400 --> 00:36:50.880 Because I want to look at the other side of Jesus' statement. 00:36:50.880 --> 00:36:55.940 Because Jesus said because that coin has the image of Caesar. 00:36:56.079 --> 00:36:58.539 You ought to render under Caesar that which is Caesar's. 00:36:59.640 --> 00:37:01.720 And into God that which is God's. 00:37:02.720 --> 00:37:05.019 Because there's a very interesting picture here. 00:37:05.599 --> 00:37:07.820 Because remember as Jesus is looking at them. 00:37:08.400 --> 00:37:11.500 And talking to them he says hey whose picture is on this coin. 00:37:11.880 --> 00:37:15.760 And why ought to you give that respect and honor to the government. 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:18.820 Because of that image upon the coin. 00:37:18.820 --> 00:37:23.000 Jesus here render unto God that which is God's. 00:37:23.000 --> 00:37:23.920 What's he talking about? 00:37:25.180 --> 00:37:26.380 Look over for a moment. 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:27.760 Back to Genesis for a moment. 00:37:28.960 --> 00:37:33.700 I believe Jesus here is tying this back into a very important element here. 00:37:33.960 --> 00:37:35.960 An element of responsibility to us. 00:37:36.380 --> 00:37:38.360 Genesis 1.27 says this. 00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:40.180 And God created man in what? 00:37:41.260 --> 00:37:42.320 His own image. 00:37:42.320 --> 00:37:47.539 As human beings we bear what you might say is the image of God. 00:37:47.640 --> 00:37:50.900 The stamp of God upon us. 00:37:50.940 --> 00:37:51.760 He is our creator. 00:37:52.180 --> 00:37:54.100 And if you bear his image. 00:37:54.460 --> 00:37:58.260 Therefore you have a responsibility before him. 00:37:58.500 --> 00:38:00.740 You have a responsibility before God. 00:38:00.840 --> 00:38:02.800 Because you are an image bearer of God. 00:38:02.880 --> 00:38:05.019 Just like that coin was an image bearer of Caesar. 00:38:06.780 --> 00:38:09.340 Your life is an image bearer of God. 00:38:09.340 --> 00:38:11.920 Now I'm not saying you're godly. 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:13.760 I'm just saying that when God created mankind. 00:38:13.760 --> 00:38:16.420 He put his image upon us. 00:38:16.720 --> 00:38:18.860 And that image carries a responsibility. 00:38:20.440 --> 00:38:21.680 And an accountability. 00:38:22.079 --> 00:38:23.800 Just like that coin with Caesar. 00:38:24.079 --> 00:38:25.940 Had an accountability and responsibility. 00:38:26.280 --> 00:38:28.579 The image of God upon you as an individual. 00:38:28.960 --> 00:38:30.480 Carries with it a responsibility. 00:38:31.140 --> 00:38:32.200 We bear his image. 00:38:32.300 --> 00:38:34.660 We have an obligation to his authority. 00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:38.399 An authority that has a right to tell you. 00:38:38.500 --> 00:38:39.879 How you ought to live. 00:38:40.119 --> 00:38:41.379 And how you ought to worship. 00:38:41.879 --> 00:38:42.179 How you. 00:38:42.299 --> 00:38:43.859 What are you going to be accountable for. 00:38:44.079 --> 00:38:45.639 What is your responsibilities. 00:38:46.159 --> 00:38:47.539 Because I want you to understand. 00:38:47.759 --> 00:38:49.119 That God said that government. 00:38:50.879 --> 00:38:53.159 Also carries with it the power of the sword. 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:55.579 Accountability. 00:38:57.359 --> 00:38:58.519 I want you to understand. 00:38:58.619 --> 00:39:00.699 Because you're an image bearer of God. 00:39:01.119 --> 00:39:03.239 God says you're also under his accountability. 00:39:03.239 --> 00:39:03.479 Accountability. 00:39:05.239 --> 00:39:07.179 And you're going to be accountable to him. 00:39:07.419 --> 00:39:08.479 In your life. 00:39:08.959 --> 00:39:10.599 When we fail to obey the state. 00:39:10.719 --> 00:39:11.500 There's consequences. 00:39:11.799 --> 00:39:13.039 What it helps us understand. 00:39:13.199 --> 00:39:15.059 When we fail to obey God. 00:39:15.179 --> 00:39:16.000 There's consequences. 00:39:16.439 --> 00:39:19.199 There's consequences to rejecting God's authority. 00:39:19.459 --> 00:39:21.019 Let's go back to the topic of taxes. 00:39:21.159 --> 00:39:23.119 You can get by without paying your taxes for a while. 00:39:23.199 --> 00:39:24.879 But pretty soon you're going to get a knock on the door. 00:39:24.959 --> 00:39:25.699 That you're not going to like. 00:39:25.879 --> 00:39:27.019 There's going to be some accountability. 00:39:27.259 --> 00:39:27.419 Amen. 00:39:28.939 --> 00:39:30.319 That's just the reality of it. 00:39:31.459 --> 00:39:32.639 You don't have to like it. 00:39:32.639 --> 00:39:33.779 But it's going to be there. 00:39:35.500 --> 00:39:37.679 You go speeding down the street out here. 00:39:38.000 --> 00:39:39.460 And the cop pulls you over. 00:39:41.559 --> 00:39:42.859 I don't think he's going to listen. 00:39:42.960 --> 00:39:43.319 If you say. 00:39:43.420 --> 00:39:44.779 Well I don't believe you have authority. 00:39:45.719 --> 00:39:46.699 You can try it. 00:39:46.879 --> 00:39:47.699 I'm just telling you. 00:39:47.739 --> 00:39:49.619 It's probably not going to end very well. 00:39:49.879 --> 00:39:50.839 But I want you to understand. 00:39:50.940 --> 00:39:51.679 The same token. 00:39:51.839 --> 00:39:54.279 It's a picture that God has authority over you and I. 00:39:55.920 --> 00:39:56.239 Why? 00:39:56.379 --> 00:39:57.519 Because we have his image. 00:39:57.519 --> 00:40:01.340 And we are responsible before him. 00:40:01.420 --> 00:40:04.000 When we fail to obey the Lord there's consequences. 00:40:05.440 --> 00:40:09.519 Our sin bears a consequence of our rebelling against God. 00:40:09.659 --> 00:40:11.880 Sin is rebellion against God. 00:40:12.159 --> 00:40:13.360 It bears a consequence. 00:40:13.559 --> 00:40:15.679 The Bible tells the wages of sin is death. 00:40:17.059 --> 00:40:20.300 There's a consequence for it. 00:40:20.300 --> 00:40:22.680 When we disobey what God has said. 00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:25.100 There's going to be a consequence in our life. 00:40:25.420 --> 00:40:27.880 We need to understand that we're accountable before him. 00:40:28.220 --> 00:40:29.580 That Jesus tells us. 00:40:29.840 --> 00:40:31.380 That if we call upon him. 00:40:31.539 --> 00:40:32.519 He will save. 00:40:32.620 --> 00:40:33.220 He will redeem. 00:40:33.400 --> 00:40:33.980 He will forgive. 00:40:36.160 --> 00:40:38.380 But when you call upon him for salvation. 00:40:38.640 --> 00:40:41.240 Part of that is recognizing him as having authority. 00:40:41.700 --> 00:40:44.100 There's an authority question that is at hand. 00:40:44.180 --> 00:40:45.039 A responsibility. 00:40:45.880 --> 00:40:47.160 Because of that authority. 00:40:47.159 --> 00:40:50.980 Jesus is telling everyone that we have an obligation. 00:40:51.219 --> 00:40:54.319 Just like to honor the rule of the state or the government. 00:40:54.500 --> 00:40:58.519 We have a higher obligation to commit our lives to the Lord Jesus. 00:40:58.679 --> 00:41:00.359 And to obey him and his word. 00:41:00.739 --> 00:41:01.739 You might put it this way. 00:41:01.960 --> 00:41:05.039 To yield to the state is our earthly duty. 00:41:05.679 --> 00:41:08.119 But to yield to the Lord is an eternal duty. 00:41:08.420 --> 00:41:10.659 We have a responsibility before him. 00:41:10.920 --> 00:41:12.859 This morning I want you to understand. 00:41:13.059 --> 00:41:14.319 And even ask yourself a question. 00:41:14.420 --> 00:41:15.960 Are you submitting to his authority? 00:41:15.960 --> 00:41:19.639 Because ultimately today we're not worried about whether you paid your taxes. 00:41:19.820 --> 00:41:23.159 But we are worried about where you stand with the Lord. 00:41:23.360 --> 00:41:25.480 Because ultimately you're going to be held to account. 00:41:25.720 --> 00:41:27.099 As one that bears his image. 00:41:27.400 --> 00:41:29.039 And the question is what have you done with it? 00:41:30.400 --> 00:41:31.980 How have you responded to it? 00:41:32.139 --> 00:41:35.940 Have you rendered unto God that which is God's? 00:41:36.019 --> 00:41:36.840 That's your life. 00:41:36.960 --> 00:41:37.639 That's what you possess. 00:41:37.920 --> 00:41:38.820 That's the things you do. 00:41:39.119 --> 00:41:40.820 Are you living in disobedience? 00:41:42.599 --> 00:41:43.780 To the things of God. 00:41:43.780 --> 00:41:45.519 Because if you live in disobedience. 00:41:45.580 --> 00:41:47.280 What you're telling God you don't have authority. 00:41:47.700 --> 00:41:49.140 And God says there's going to be accountability. 00:41:49.740 --> 00:41:51.600 As heads are bowed and eyes are closed this morning. 00:41:51.880 --> 00:41:54.519 Is the spirit of God working in your heart today? 00:41:54.800 --> 00:42:00.540 Do you understand the importance of this responsibility you have before the one whose image you bear? 00:42:00.539 --> 00:42:03.639 Has there been a time when you've called upon him to be your savior? 00:42:04.000 --> 00:42:05.059 Recognizing you're a sinner. 00:42:05.420 --> 00:42:09.619 That has no other way to reconcile that to God than to call upon him. 00:42:09.779 --> 00:42:12.679 And mercifully accept what he's already given to us. 00:42:12.880 --> 00:42:15.960 If there's never been that moment in time I encourage that to be today. 00:42:16.219 --> 00:42:18.219 But also today I want to ask you a question. 00:42:18.340 --> 00:42:19.259 Maybe you're saved. 00:42:19.380 --> 00:42:23.759 But the question is are you willing to continue under that authority? 00:42:23.760 --> 00:42:28.080 The authority of the word of God in your life. 00:42:28.320 --> 00:42:33.000 Are you making choices that are going to carry consequences? 00:42:33.460 --> 00:42:34.800 Maybe you need to deal with it today. 00:42:36.100 --> 00:42:37.480 Whatever the need might be. 00:42:38.780 --> 00:42:41.620 You need to take it to the Lord today. 00:42:42.060 --> 00:42:43.940 Heavenly Fathers we come before you today. 00:42:43.940 --> 00:43:13.920 Thank you.