God and Government | Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

One of the marks of our age is a rejection of authority.This rejection has led to a lack of respect for God and the government he appoints. Obedience to God and government, in that order, leads to great blessing. If we are to respect the authorities God places in our lives, we must start with a healthy respect for God Himself.To fear the Lord does not mean that a Christian lives in constant fear of punishment. Instead, it means to live with reverence, awe and respect for God. This leads to humility, obedience, confidence, trust, and security. Fear God, and you will have nothing else to fear.Unless the governments commands force us to disobey Gods commands, we should obey the government that God has appointed. This respect for government reflects our reverence for God Himself.“Be subject for the Lords sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)Take Home Message: Obedience to authority leads to blessing and life.Obey Government (1-9) • God and Government • God Appoints Government Authorities • Don't Stand for an Evil Cause • Obey God Before Government • When should we disobey government? When the governments commands force us to disobey Gods commands.Fear God (10-13) • What fearing God does not mean: To be a Christian that lives in constant fear of punishment. • A biblical definition of the fear of the Lord: A reverence, awe and respect for God that leads to humility, obedience, confidence, trust, and security.Enjoy Life (14-17)