Can I Trust the Government?

Introduction:

How to Be OK with the Government:
(Ecclesiastes 8:2-15)

  1. Change your Theology . (Eccl 8:2-7)

Basic Theology of Government:

  1. Government is Established by God.

    Romans 13:1 - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

  2. Government is established by God to Deter Sin .
  3. Proper submission to authority is an act of Faith .

    Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.

    Matthew 10:16 - Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

  1. Change your Perspective . (Eccl 8:8)
  2. Change your Expectations . (Eccl 8:9-14)
  3. Change your Focus . (Eccl 8:15)

    Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder...

    Isaiah 9:7 - Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Ecclesiastes 8:2-15

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. Has this passage / message changed the way you view the government? If so, how?

  3. How consumed do you get into politics? Are you too concerned, or are you “checked out”?

  4. To what degree do you believe Christians should get involved in political matters?

Breakout
Pray for one another. (I hope this discussion didn’t blow up your Small Group!)