Read Acts 16:16-24, 35-40; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17
- Every Christian has dual citizenship: heaven and earth.
- Believers have responsibility to both God’s Kingdom & the governments of man.
I. Paul’s Experience
A. What Happened To Paul & Silas
1. Paul casts a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl.
2. Her masters are angered. They seize Paul and Silas, and accuse them.
3. Paul & Silas illegally arrested, beaten, and imprisoned.
4. Paul & Silas-Roman citizens.
5. The majority under Roman rule were not citizens. Great advantage.
6. Non-citizens could be arrested and beaten w/o a trial.
7. Roman citizens were guaranteed a fair trial before any punishment.
8. Paul’s experience was completely unlawful.
9. The Philippian magistrates were guilty by Roman law.
10. The magistrates had gotten caught up with emotions of the moment.
11. They do not follow through with the charges, but try to quietly dismiss the whole thing.
12. They discover that they have broken the law.
13. They try to cover up by sneaking Paul & Co. out of town.
B. Paul’s Response V. 37
1. He charges them with their wrongdoing.
2. He insists that they recognize their wrongdoing.
3. He insists that they do the right thing, & escort them out of the jail.
4. What Paul accomplishes…
a. He holds the city officials accountable to their own laws
b. He clears his & Silas’ name. Important for future ministry.
c. He sets a right precedent for treatment of Christians regarding open ministry in the streets. Fair, civil treatment for Christians.
d. He brings boldness to the Body of Christ.
e. Sets an example of how to stand up for their rights when a civic law has been violated.
f. They were beaten publicly. Demands public acknowledgement.
g. Newspapers, magazines, & news stations need to be more accountable for inaccurate reporting. Their errors are on the front page, their retractions aren’t. That is unfair. Public error should be answered by equally public correction & apology.
h. Paul wants to defend the name of Jesus Christ. They and all the other Christians were pure regarding civil behavior.
i. Paul doesn’t let them get away with it.
j. Paul returns & strengthens the church @ Lydia’s home.
5. The magistrates did the right thing.
II. Our Earthly Citizenship
A. Responsibilities
1. Christians should be the best citizens in every city on earth.
2. Law enforcement, court systems, local government, should appreciate Christians b/c we are a blessing to the community, not a burden.
3. 1 Peter 2:15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
a. It is especially noticeable when Christians are arrested.
b. People know how Christians are to live.
4. Obey laws of the land, unless they violate laws of God. (Acts 4:18-20)
5. Christians are called to be salt & light. Matthew 5:13-16
6. Romans 13:5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. (External & internal motivation)
7. God has instituted government. Respect it, even when it is not right.
8. God is in control, even when government is not right.
9. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 1Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
10. Vote- James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (Don’t commit sin of omission)
B. Rights
1. Stand up for your civic & constitutional rights.
2. Use every law to advance the Kingdom of God.
3. Exercise every civil right to stop the continuing spread of evil.
4. Hold civic leaders responsible for their actions.
5. Vote for leaders that uphold the values we embrace.
6. Proverbs 14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people. (Vote against sinful legislation)
7. Prov. 25:5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness. (Vote against ungodly advisors)
8. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
a. We need to have a holy boldness against wickedness.
b. We need to walk in God’s power, & the power granted to us by our government.
c. We need to do it all out of love for God and love for mankind.
9. Exercising your rights as a Christian is not wrong, it is very right.
10. 2 Peter 3:16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but (using your liberty) as bondservants of God.
11. Use your citizenship for the glory of God. That is spiritual service.
12. Some Christians ought to run for office. (Joseph, Daniel, David)
III. Our Heavenly Citizenship- Philippians 3:20, 21
We know the outcome-world judgment, Anti-Christ, Great Tribulation, Jesus returns
Until then- we occupy until He comes. (Luke 19:13)