a) If
Jesus said it was unlawful to give tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have
him brought to court on a charge of sedition, punishable by death.
b) If
Jesus said it was lawful to pay tribute to Caesar, the Herodians would have
advertised this and used it as an opportunity to diminish Jesus’ popularity
before those persons who labored under the yoke of the Roman government (and
wished to be freed).
I. PAY
TAXES
1. This
was part of Jesus’ lesson in our text.
a) Matthew
22:17-21 – "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s."
2. Paul
also taught we are to pay taxes.
a) Romans
13:6 – "For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing."
3. OBEY
LAWS
4. We
are to submit to the ordinances (laws) of the land.
a) Romans
13:1-5 – "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore
resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall
receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but
to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good,
and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee
for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the
sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon
him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but
also for conscience sake."
b) Titus
3:1 – "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to
obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work."
5. We
do this for the Lord’s sake, that we might silence foolish men.
a) I
Peter 2:13-16 – "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the
Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto
them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of
them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men:"
II. FEAR
AND HONOR
II. We
are to respect/honor those in authority.
A. Romans
13:7 – "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is
due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
III. We
are not to despise our government.
A. II
Peter 2:10 – "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of
uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they
are not afraid to speak evil of dignities."
IV. DO
GOOD
1. We
are to be ready for every good work.
a) Titus
3:1 – "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to
obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,"
2. We
are to have conduct that is honorable before all.
a) I
Peter 2:11-12 – "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,
abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation
honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,
they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of
visitation."
b) I
Peter 2:15-16 – "For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may
put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty
for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."
3. PRAY
4. To
make supplications, intercessions and giving of thanks.
a) I
Timothy 2:1 – "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;"
5. To
pray for kings and all those who are in authority.
a) I
Timothy 2:2-3 – "For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we
may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is
good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;"
