Worship Guide
Message & Sermon Notes
The Responsibilities of Sojourner Citizens
Mark 12:13-17
Pastor Jason Carlson
1 Peter 2:11-17
Mark 12:13-17
3 responsibilities of sojourner citizens:
1. Discernment (In a fallen world)
Philippians 1:9-10
Hebrews 5:14
2 Timothy 3:12-15
1) Beware strange bedfellows
2) Beware the flattering tongue
Proverbs 29:5
Matthew 7:15
Ephesians 4:29
Proverbs 16:24
2. Diligence (In our civic duty)
“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” - Benjamin Franklin
Jesus makes 2 significant affirmations (v. 17):
- Government is a valid institution.
- Some things belong to Caesar, but not everything (some things are God’s alone).
Daniel 2:20-21
Proverbs 8:15-16
Romans 13:1
Acts 17:24-26
“On this view, by virtue of God’s creation ordinances and laws for cultural development there are varied differentiated spheres of life within human society including the family, church, state, business, educational institutions, the arts and so forth, which do not owe their existence to the state, nor do they derive their internal sphere of law from the state. These spheres of life must obey the authority of God and his word over them... As such the state has no right to overreach and intrude into them.” – Joseph Boot, Ruler of Kings, p. 181
Sphere Sovereignty recognizes 3 types of Law:
- Public Law = Laws to maintain a functioning society
- Civil Private Law = Laws to maintain a just society
- Non-Civil Private Law = Internal laws governing privatecommunities (marriages, families, churches, etc.)
Romans 13:5-7
“No man can honorably receive all the benefits which living in a state confers upon him and then opt out of all the responsibilities of citizenship.” – William Barclay, Mark, p. 287
3. Devotion (In our ultimate allegiance)
Genesis 1:27
What things are God’s?
1) Our walk
Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 10:31
2) Our worship
Hebrews 10:23-25
3) Our witness
Matthew 28:18-20
Acts 5:27-29
Psalm 9:17, 19-20
Ephesians 4:1-6
1 Timothy 2:1-4
Sermon Discussion Questions
Questions for reflection:
1. Why is the term “sojourner citizen” an appropriate description for the Christian?
2. What is the legitimate purpose of human government? What are our responsibilities as citizens?
Questions for discussion:
1. What is discernment? How do we get it? What are some ways we must practice it in our culture today?
2. Why must Christians reject the idea of a sovereign state? What implications does this have for our obedience to the laws of the state?
3. What 3 areas of our lives always belong to God? What examples can you think of where Christians have had to stand firm against government encroachment in these areas?
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