Knowing Civil Government

Summary: Because of human depravity, God has ordained civil government to restrain evil and protect the good. Therefore, God's people have duties as rulers (when we are) and as citizens. Introduction: In the 16th c. the relationship between God, church, & state was fiercely debated: • Rome— • The Anabaptists— • The Reformed— God Has Ordained Civil Government Civil Government Must Serve God 1. resist absolute authority 2. stay in its lane 3. act justly 4. remove obstacles to the gospel Citizens Must Obey Government Conclusion: Why This Matters