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God and Government

June 21, 2015 Speaker: Fred Greco Series: Luke

Topic: AM Service Passage: Luke 20:19–20:26

We live in turbulent political times. But if we look back at the history of our country and the history of the world, we will quickly see that turbulent times are the norm. There have always been economic crises, wars and rumors of wars, and corrupt politicians. Since the days of the Apostles in Acts, the Church has had tension with the State. In most places and most time throughout history, the State has viewed the Church with suspicion and even hostility. The earliest apologists, for example, had to show that Christianity was not inherently subversive to governments. This tension slipped from the forefront of the Church’s consciousness during the Christian era in the West, when European and American governments were at least nominally Christian. Now, however, the tension has come back into focus as governments are more and more at odds with the teaching of the Bible, the desire of the Church to evangelize, and even freedom of religion. In these new turbulent times, we would do well and remember how Jesus answered the attempt by the Pharisees (organized religion) and the Herodians (organized government) to trap Him. Jesus guides us in how we should think about “God and Government” (Luke 20:19-26).

I. An Encounter Meant to Attack
A. Hearts Revealed
B. Strategy Devised
C. The Trap Sprung

II. An Answer That Informs
A. The Master at Work
B. Render Unto Caesar
C. Render Unto God

Questions for consideration: (1) Why were the Jewish leaders so determined to attack Jesus? What can their behavior warn us about in our own hearts? (2) How can Jesus’ manner of responding to their trap and attack help us in our interactions with people? (3) What does it mean for you today to “render unto Caesar?” To “render unto God?” How can you put that into action this week?

More in Luke

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The Reality of Jesus

December 6, 2015

The Road to Emmaus

November 29, 2015

The Resurrection of Jesus