1. Our Primary Citizenship is in Heaven, Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven and we eagerly await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2. The Purpose of Government is Justice, Romans 13:3-4
“For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”
3. All Government Leaders are put in place by God, Romans 13:1
“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
4. Our first responsibility is to pray for our Leaders, 1 Timothy 2:1-3
“I urge then that, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
5. Our second responsibility is to respect our Leaders, Romans 13:7
“Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor then honor.”
6. Our third responsibility is to obey our Leaders, 1 Peter 2:13-14
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
7. Our fourth responsibility is to pay taxes to our Leaders, Romans 13:7
“Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor then honor.”
8. Our fifth responsibility is to live as free men, 1 Peter 2:16
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.”
