Matthew 22:15-22
A believer is responsible to submit to and pray for authority – Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17
Trap #1 – Is It Right To Pay Taxes?
1. The Devious Plot – Vss. 15-17
. Pharisees and Herodians – A most unlikely alliance, but united in their hatred for Christ
. Saying the correct things, but believing none of it
. . Flattery is usually sin – Proverbs 26:28, 29:5
. The temple tax was to maintain the temple – Exodus 30
. The poll tax was to support Rome while they were under Roman oppression
2. The Brilliant Response – Vss. 18-22
. Romans 13:1-7, Proverbs 21.1, 1 Peter 2:17, Titus 3:10
. The nation He is telling them to pay taxes to will put Him to death in three days
3. The Practical Implications
. The Balance – Options
. 1. Believe that God is the only authority
. 2. Believe that government is the only authority
. 3. To acknowledge the authority of God and the authority of government, but
. . . the government is the primary authority.
. 4. To acknowledge the authority of God and the authority of government, but
. . . the authority of God is the primary authority.
What does it mean?
. Government – Obey the laws
. . . . Speak well of the leadership
. . . . Respect, support and pray for our leadership
. . . . If government demands something contrary to Scripture – civil disobedience
. God – Render what is His: Worship, Praise, Allegiance
. . . Affections: Heart, soul, mind – Vs. 36 .Vs. .