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Dr. Robert Jeffress

Robert Jeffress - To Obey or Not to Obey (Part 1)

June 23, 2026 | 27:29

Robert Jeffress - To Obey or Not to Obey (Part 1)
Pathway to Victory provides practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through clear, Biblical teaching.
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Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - To Obey or Not to Obey (Part 1) | June 23, 2026
  • ...
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Male announcer: from the pulpit of the first baptist church of
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  • Dallas, texas,
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  • This is "pathway to victory," with dr. robert jeffress.
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  • Dr. robert jeffress: hi, i'm robert jeffress, and welcome
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  • Again to "pathway to victory."
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  • Today's governing leaders are under intense scrutiny from the
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  • Media, and while we may agree with some policies and disagree
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  • With others, we're expected to follow them all the same.
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  • So, is there ever a time when
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  • Christians should disobey the government?
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  • Today, we're going to look at what the apostle paul taught
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  • About where a christian's true loyalty should lie.
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  • My message is titled, "to obey or not to obey?," on today's
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  • Edition of "pathway to victory."
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: before today's program begins, i want to invite you to
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  • Join me for a special message about america's future.
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  • Our nation is celebrating 250 years, but can we survive
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  • 250 more?
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  • Mark your calendar for june 21 and june 28 to hear this timely
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  • Message, "america at the crossroads: can we survive
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  • Another 250 years?"
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  • On "pathway to victory."
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  • Announcer: as our nation marks 250 years, america
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  • Stands at a crossroads.
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  • Will we return to the god who blessed us or continue down a
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  • Path that leads to ruin?
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  • Through the in god we trust matching challenge, your gift
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  • Today will be doubled in ministry impact.
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  • For 30 years, "pathway to victory" has pierced the
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  • Darkness of our nation with the light of god's word by sharing
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  • Biblical truth that transforms hearts.
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  • Join us in this critical hour by giving toward the in god we
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  • Trust matching challenge today.
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  • ♪♪♪
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  • Jeffress: h.l. mencken was both a cynic and a critic of
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  • Everything from christianity to the constitution.
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  • When it came to the government, he said, "the english, long ago,
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  • Discovered that all government is evil and that the best way to
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  • Endure it is to treat it as a suspicious character, watching
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  • It at every step."
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  • Many years later, ronald reagan expressed the same sentiment,
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  • But in a more humorous way.
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  • He said, "government is like a baby, an alimentary canal, with
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  • A big appetite on one end, and no control on the other end."
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  • One pundit described and defined politics this way.
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  • He said, "'polly' means 'many;' 'ticks' are 'blood-sucking
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  • Vermin;' 'many blood-sucking vermin.'"
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  • You know, government intrudes our life, it seems, increasingly
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  • Every day, and that governmental intrusion has caused some people
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  • To adopt the philosophy of henry david thoreau, who said, "i
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  • Heartily accept the motto that government is best, which
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  • Governs least.
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  • Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which i also believe,
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  • That government is best, which governs not at all."
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  • As popular as that sentiment might be, even today, it's not
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  • God's perspective.
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  • In today's passage, we're going to discover a completely
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  • Different attitude toward government that god says every
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  • True christian should have.
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  • It's an attitude that is going to surprise you.
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  • Today, paul is going to talk about how our christianity ought
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  • To impact our relationship with government.
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  • You know, hardly a day goes by that we don't have some
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  • Interaction with government, whether it's obeying traffic
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  • Laws, or complying with governmental regulations, or
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  • Paying our income taxes, government touches us in many
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  • Ways every day.
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  • What should our response to government be and what is
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  • Government's responsibility toward us?
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  • First of all, let's look at what the bible says about government.
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  • Look at verses 1 and 2 of romans 13, "let every person be in
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  • Subjection to the governing authorities.
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  • For there is no authority except from god, and those which exist
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  • Are established by god.
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  • Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the
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  • Ordinance of god; and they who have opposed will receive
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  • Condemnation upon themselves."
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  • You may remember from your civics course the
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  • Federalist papers.
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  • Remember, those were originally in the 18th century a series of
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  • Newspaper articles trying to convince the states to adopt
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  • The constitution.
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  • One of the writers was james madison, the architect of the
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  • Constitution, and in "federalist 51," he wrote these words, "if
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  • Men were angels, then government wouldn't be necessary."
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  • But of course, we know men and women aren't angels, and that's
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  • Why he says government is necessary, and, by the way,
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  • That's why god says government is necessary.
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  • Look again at verse 1, "every person is to be in subjection to
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  • The governing authorities.
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  • For there is no authority except from god, and those authorities
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  • Which exist are established by god."
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  • When he talks about authority here, paul has in mind
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  • Legitimate government authority that has been vested with the
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  • Responsibility of ruling over people.
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  • Legitimate government, legitimate nations that have
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  • Been vested with that right.
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  • He's talking about
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  • Legitimately-appointed authorities.
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  • But he's also saying authorities, even if they are
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  • Crooked and even cruel, are still established by god.
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  • Now, that's hard for us to stomach, isn't it?
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  • The government that isn't perfect is still established
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  • By god.
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  • Remember, when paul wrote these words, remember who the ruler of
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  • The world was, the ruler of the roman empire.
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  • His name was nero.
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  • Nero, the guy who used to use christians as human candles in
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  • His garden, and yet, paul said, "even nero has been established
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  • By god."
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  • If you find it hard to believe that, think about jesus's words
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  • In john 19:11, as he stood before pontius pilate, who
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  • Would order him crucified.
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  • Remember, what jesus said to pilate, "you would have no
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  • Authority over me unless it had been given you from above."
  • 00:06:54.337 --> 00:07:00.443
  • The implication is clear: god had given pilate his authority.
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  • Well, why would god do such a thing, if pilate was going to
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  • Use that authority to murder jesus?
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  • Because even the murder of jesus was part of god's inexplicable
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  • Plan that resulted in our salvation.
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  • That's why he says in verse 2, "therefore, whoever resists
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  • Authority has opposed the ordinance of god."
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  • If god has set government in place, then doesn't it stand to
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  • Reason, whoever disobeys government, resists government,
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  • Is actually disobeying god and will receive condemnation
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  • Upon themselves?
  • 00:07:39.882 --> 00:07:41.317
  • Now, i know this is raising all kinds of questions, "are you
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  • Saying, pastor, we should always obey government and
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  • Never resist?
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  • Aren't there any exceptions?"
  • 00:07:48.057 --> 00:07:49.926
  • We'll get to that in just a minute, but notice the general
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  • Principle here is, first of all, government is appointed by god.
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  • Principle number two, in verses 3 and 4, "government's purpose
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  • Is to establish order."
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  • The reason god put governing officials in place is to keep
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  • Order in the world by punishing evildoers and praising those
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  • Who do well.
  • 00:08:14.951 --> 00:08:16.285
  • Look at verses 3 and 4, "for rulers are not a cause of fear
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  • For good behavior, but for evil.
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  • Do you want to have no fear of authority?
  • 00:08:23.025 --> 00:08:25.861
  • Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for
  • 00:08:25.861 --> 00:08:30.600
  • It," talking about government, "is a minister of god to you
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  • For good."
  • 00:08:35.271 --> 00:08:36.606
  • That word minister, in greek, is the same word we get
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  • Deacon from.
  • 00:08:39.275 --> 00:08:40.743
  • Government is a servant to us for good.
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  • "but if you do what is evil, be afraid; for government does not
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  • Bear the sword for nothing."
  • 00:08:50.052 --> 00:08:52.989
  • That's a clear reference to capital punishment.
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  • Government has the right to take a life.
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  • It doesn't wield the sword for nothing, it is a minister of
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  • God, an avenger, who brings wrath upon the one who
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  • Practices evil.
  • 00:09:07.069 --> 00:09:08.738
  • I want you to notice in these two verses, verses 3 and 4,
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  • Three principles paul gives us about good government,
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  • Government that is fulfilling its god-ordained purpose.
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  • Number one, good government should not be feared by those
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  • Who do good.
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  • He says that clearly in verse 3, if you do the right thing, you
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  • Don't need to be afraid of government; that is, most of
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  • The time.
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  • That's a general principle.
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  • As long as you obey the traffic laws, pay your taxes, don't blow
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  • Up buildings, you're gonna be okay.
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  • You don't have to fear government if you do what
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  • Is right.
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  • He's not saying, "government's gonna give you the citizen of
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  • The year award for paying your income tax or stopping at a
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  • Red light."
  • 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:53.015
  • He's not saying that, but what he's saying is, if you do the
  • 00:09:53.015 --> 00:09:56.152
  • Right thing, government will leave you alone.
  • 00:09:56.152 --> 00:09:58.587
  • You'll be in a good standing with government, and that really
  • 00:09:58.587 --> 00:10:03.225
  • Ought to be our goal, shouldn't it?
  • 00:10:03.225 --> 00:10:05.261
  • To just be in a relationship with government where they will
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  • Leave us alone.
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  • Do i hear an amen on that?
  • 00:10:10.199 --> 00:10:11.934
  • I mean, that's what paul said in 1 timothy, chapter 2, verses 1
  • 00:10:11.934 --> 00:10:15.371
  • And 2, he said, "first of all, then, i urge that entreaties and
  • 00:10:15.371 --> 00:10:18.607
  • Prayers, and petitions and thanksgiving, be made on behalf
  • 00:10:18.607 --> 00:10:22.511
  • Of all men," for whom?
  • 00:10:22.511 --> 00:10:23.846
  • "for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may
  • 00:10:23.846 --> 00:10:28.718
  • Lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
  • 00:10:28.718 --> 00:10:35.024
  • He's saying, let's pray for the government.
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  • Let's pray for the president, for the senators, for the
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  • Supreme court.
  • 00:10:41.397 --> 00:10:42.732
  • Let's pray for them.
  • 00:10:42.732 --> 00:10:44.500
  • Why?
  • 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:45.935
  • Mainly, that they would just leave us alone, so we can live a
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  • Godly life and be free to share the gospel.
  • 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:53.409
  • That is the reason to have a right relationship
  • 00:10:53.409 --> 00:10:55.945
  • With government.
  • 00:10:55.945 --> 00:10:57.279
  • And he's saying that if we will do the right thing, government
  • 00:10:57.279 --> 00:11:00.049
  • Will leave us alone, and leave us free to fulfill our
  • 00:11:00.049 --> 00:11:03.352
  • God-ordained purpose.
  • 00:11:03.352 --> 00:11:04.687
  • Principle number two: good government instills fear in
  • 00:11:04.687 --> 00:11:09.325
  • Evildoers and serves as an instrument of god's wrath.
  • 00:11:09.325 --> 00:11:14.530
  • Look at verse 4 again, "government does not bear the
  • 00:11:14.530 --> 00:11:18.100
  • Sword for nothing; but it is a minister of god, an avenger, who
  • 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:23.672
  • Brings wrath on the one who practices evil."
  • 00:11:23.672 --> 00:11:26.776
  • That word, avenger, in greek, is ekdikitís.
  • 00:11:26.776 --> 00:11:31.514
  • It literally means an agent of punishment.
  • 00:11:31.514 --> 00:11:35.718
  • That's what government is, an agent of punishment.
  • 00:11:35.718 --> 00:11:38.254
  • Now stay with me on this.
  • 00:11:38.254 --> 00:11:39.989
  • The purpose of government is not only to prevent evil, but it's
  • 00:11:39.989 --> 00:11:45.661
  • Also to bring wrath upon those who do engage in evil.
  • 00:11:45.661 --> 00:11:51.867
  • God has given government the power of the sword to execute
  • 00:11:51.867 --> 00:11:56.906
  • Those who do evil.
  • 00:11:56.906 --> 00:11:59.074
  • Remember back in romans 12, we saw last time, god talked about
  • 00:11:59.074 --> 00:12:02.645
  • How we're to treat our enemies?
  • 00:12:02.645 --> 00:12:04.213
  • And remember what he says in verse 19, "never take your own
  • 00:12:04.213 --> 00:12:08.017
  • Revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of god, for it is
  • 00:12:08.017 --> 00:12:12.688
  • Written, 'vengeance is mine.
  • 00:12:12.688 --> 00:12:14.690
  • I will repay,' says the lord."
  • 00:12:14.690 --> 00:12:17.660
  • God said, "never try to settle the score yourself.
  • 00:12:17.660 --> 00:12:20.496
  • Let somebody else do it."
  • 00:12:20.496 --> 00:12:22.665
  • If somebody has wronged you, don't try to get even, let god
  • 00:12:22.665 --> 00:12:27.069
  • Settle the score.
  • 00:12:27.069 --> 00:12:29.805
  • He's not saying that those who wrong you shouldn't be treated
  • 00:12:29.805 --> 00:12:34.610
  • With justice and executed with justice.
  • 00:12:34.610 --> 00:12:37.279
  • He's just saying don't you be the one to do it.
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  • Let god do that.
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  • That's the role of good government.
  • 00:12:42.718 --> 00:12:44.653
  • Number three, good government serves and seeks the good of
  • 00:12:44.653 --> 00:12:49.391
  • The people.
  • 00:12:49.391 --> 00:12:50.759
  • Look at verse 4, paul said, "they are a minister of god to
  • 00:12:50.759 --> 00:12:54.196
  • You for good."
  • 00:12:54.196 --> 00:12:56.632
  • When government fulfills its divinely-ordained purpose, it's
  • 00:12:56.632 --> 00:13:01.804
  • Going to serve the people.
  • 00:13:01.804 --> 00:13:03.772
  • But when government ever strays beyond its boundaries in the
  • 00:13:03.772 --> 00:13:07.409
  • Areas it has no business getting in, it is
  • 00:13:07.409 --> 00:13:09.778
  • Serving itself.
  • 00:13:09.778 --> 00:13:11.847
  • These are the principles of good government.
  • 00:13:11.847 --> 00:13:14.383
  • Number three, citizen citizens should submit to government,
  • 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:17.553
  • Paul says, citizens should submit to government.
  • 00:13:17.553 --> 00:13:20.890
  • Now look at verse 5, "wherefore it is necessary to be in
  • 00:13:20.890 --> 00:13:25.027
  • Subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for
  • 00:13:25.027 --> 00:13:29.899
  • Conscience' sake."
  • 00:13:29.899 --> 00:13:31.467
  • Now think about this, if government is ordained by god,
  • 00:13:31.467 --> 00:13:34.870
  • If it has a divine purpose in society, then it only stands to
  • 00:13:34.870 --> 00:13:38.774
  • Reason that as christians we have responsibility to submit to
  • 00:13:38.774 --> 00:13:42.778
  • The governing authorities.
  • 00:13:42.778 --> 00:13:44.380
  • How do we do that?
  • 00:13:44.380 --> 00:13:45.714
  • How do we act in subjection?
  • 00:13:45.714 --> 00:13:48.050
  • He says, "we do it not only because we're afraid of the
  • 00:13:48.050 --> 00:13:51.720
  • Wrath of government, but for our own conscience' sake."
  • 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:54.957
  • Notice, the two ways we submit to government.
  • 00:13:54.957 --> 00:13:57.059
  • First of all, we submit by treating governing officials
  • 00:13:57.059 --> 00:14:01.096
  • With fear and honor.
  • 00:14:01.096 --> 00:14:03.165
  • Those are the words he uses in verse 7, give fear to whom
  • 00:14:03.165 --> 00:14:06.602
  • Fear is due, honor to whom honor is due.
  • 00:14:06.602 --> 00:14:09.438
  • What he's talking about here is a respect for the authority that
  • 00:14:09.438 --> 00:14:15.110
  • God has set in place.
  • 00:14:15.110 --> 00:14:17.179
  • Now, you know, these days policemen everywhere are in the
  • 00:14:17.179 --> 00:14:21.984
  • Crosshairs of criticism.
  • 00:14:21.984 --> 00:14:24.920
  • Now, i realize all policemen aren't perfect all the time.
  • 00:14:24.920 --> 00:14:30.826
  • After all, my brother's a policeman.
  • 00:14:30.826 --> 00:14:32.261
  • I understand that better than anyone.
  • 00:14:32.261 --> 00:14:35.030
  • They don't always get it right, but listen to me, most of the
  • 00:14:35.030 --> 00:14:39.668
  • Time they do get it right.
  • 00:14:39.668 --> 00:14:42.738
  • And before you blast an email to me, hear this very carefully,
  • 00:14:42.738 --> 00:14:48.644
  • Much, most, most, not all, but most of the conflicts with
  • 00:14:48.644 --> 00:14:56.418
  • Police today is the result of citizens disobeying the
  • 00:14:56.418 --> 00:15:01.924
  • God-ordained authority god has placed over them.
  • 00:15:01.924 --> 00:15:04.860
  • That's what is going on here.
  • 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:06.795
  • You know, i don't understand.
  • 00:15:06.795 --> 00:15:10.032
  • I mean, it's just incomprehensible to me,
  • 00:15:10.032 --> 00:15:12.735
  • Teenagers and young adults that cry, "police abuse,
  • 00:15:12.735 --> 00:15:16.538
  • Police abuse!"
  • 00:15:16.538 --> 00:15:19.775
  • Just because they didn't stop when the police said, "stop."
  • 00:15:19.775 --> 00:15:24.113
  • Where did these people get the idea you have the right to say
  • 00:15:24.113 --> 00:15:27.416
  • No to a policeman, to an ordained authority?
  • 00:15:27.416 --> 00:15:32.254
  • The fact is, the bible says, look at this verse, "whoever
  • 00:15:32.254 --> 00:15:36.458
  • Resists authority is resisting god himself."
  • 00:15:36.458 --> 00:15:41.296
  • When these teenagers and young adults say no, to police, it
  • 00:15:41.296 --> 00:15:45.501
  • Is as if they're saying no to god.
  • 00:15:45.501 --> 00:15:48.704
  • Now again, that's not true every time.
  • 00:15:48.704 --> 00:15:52.041
  • Some of you are gonna send me an email, and you're gonna say,
  • 00:15:52.041 --> 00:15:54.376
  • "well, what about this case in new york?
  • 00:15:54.376 --> 00:15:55.911
  • And what about this case? and what about this case?"
  • 00:15:55.911 --> 00:15:58.614
  • Have you ever stopped to think about this?
  • 00:15:58.614 --> 00:16:01.150
  • The reason newscasters report this story is
  • 00:16:01.150 --> 00:16:04.586
  • Because they are news.
  • 00:16:04.586 --> 00:16:07.356
  • They are the exceptions rather than the rule to how police
  • 00:16:07.356 --> 00:16:11.493
  • Conduct themselves.
  • 00:16:11.493 --> 00:16:12.895
  • You don't hear stories about police who act rightly every
  • 00:16:12.895 --> 00:16:15.864
  • Time because that's the norm.
  • 00:16:15.864 --> 00:16:17.533
  • The exception is when police abuse their authority.
  • 00:16:17.533 --> 00:16:21.603
  • And listen to what the word of god says, "when you resist the
  • 00:16:21.603 --> 00:16:24.473
  • Police, you are resisting authority.
  • 00:16:24.473 --> 00:16:27.876
  • And if you do what is right, you have no fear of authority."
  • 00:16:27.876 --> 00:16:32.147
  • We submit by treating with fear and honor those whom god has
  • 00:16:32.147 --> 00:16:36.185
  • Placed over us.
  • 00:16:36.185 --> 00:16:37.553
  • Secondly, we submit by paying our taxes.
  • 00:16:37.553 --> 00:16:41.790
  • Do i hear an amen on that one?
  • 00:16:41.790 --> 00:16:43.425
  • Probably not.
  • 00:16:43.425 --> 00:16:47.096
  • But that's what paul says.
  • 00:16:47.096 --> 00:16:48.931
  • He said, "if government is going to fulfill its duty, it's going
  • 00:16:48.931 --> 00:16:53.068
  • To have to be funded."
  • 00:16:53.068 --> 00:16:54.436
  • Look at verse 7, "render to all what is due them: tax to whom
  • 00:16:54.436 --> 00:16:58.073
  • Tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor
  • 00:16:58.073 --> 00:17:02.611
  • To whom honor."
  • 00:17:02.611 --> 00:17:04.413
  • This is what jesus said in luke 20 verse 25, "render to caesar
  • 00:17:04.413 --> 00:17:08.250
  • The things that are caesar's," and paul goes on to say, verse
  • 00:17:08.250 --> 00:17:12.154
  • 8, "owe nothing to anyone except to love one another."
  • 00:17:12.154 --> 00:17:17.326
  • Some people have pulled that verse out of context.
  • 00:17:17.326 --> 00:17:19.595
  • "oh, you know, we're never to go into debt for any reason at all.
  • 00:17:19.595 --> 00:17:23.999
  • Owe no man anything."
  • 00:17:23.999 --> 00:17:26.702
  • Remember the context of this is paying your taxes.
  • 00:17:26.702 --> 00:17:28.303
  • What he's really saying is, "don't be delinquent in paying
  • 00:17:28.303 --> 00:17:31.773
  • Your taxes.
  • 00:17:31.773 --> 00:17:33.308
  • Don't owe government anything that is due them."
  • 00:17:33.308 --> 00:17:36.912
  • In fact, he goes on to say, "don't owe anybody anything that
  • 00:17:36.912 --> 00:17:39.848
  • Is due them, whether it's money, or love, or honor, for he who
  • 00:17:39.848 --> 00:17:43.752
  • Loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."
  • 00:17:43.752 --> 00:17:46.889
  • Now, all of these principles about the god-ordained role of
  • 00:17:46.889 --> 00:17:50.959
  • Government brings up the interesting question, "well, is
  • 00:17:50.959 --> 00:17:53.996
  • There ever a time that christians need to say no
  • 00:17:53.996 --> 00:17:58.133
  • To government?"
  • 00:17:58.133 --> 00:17:59.501
  • Now, if you read romans 13:1-8, there are no exceptions to this.
  • 00:17:59.501 --> 00:18:03.739
  • But romans 13:1-8 are not the only passages that speak about
  • 00:18:03.739 --> 00:18:08.177
  • Our responsibility to government.
  • 00:18:08.177 --> 00:18:10.212
  • And we know that the way to interpret scripture is through
  • 00:18:10.212 --> 00:18:14.416
  • Other scripture.
  • 00:18:14.416 --> 00:18:15.884
  • So, for a few moments, we're gonna pull back and we're going
  • 00:18:15.884 --> 00:18:18.987
  • To look at what the bible says about when it's right to
  • 00:18:18.987 --> 00:18:23.258
  • Disobey government.
  • 00:18:23.258 --> 00:18:24.893
  • May i remind you that peter, paul, jesus himself, all lost
  • 00:18:24.893 --> 00:18:31.266
  • Their lives because they said no to the
  • 00:18:31.266 --> 00:18:35.337
  • Governing authorities?
  • 00:18:35.337 --> 00:18:36.972
  • So, there are times that we are to resist authority.
  • 00:18:36.972 --> 00:18:41.043
  • And i believe, personally, that as our country moves further and
  • 00:18:41.043 --> 00:18:45.047
  • Further away from its christian foundation, those of us who are
  • 00:18:45.047 --> 00:18:49.351
  • Believers are going to increasingly find ourselves in
  • 00:18:49.351 --> 00:18:51.853
  • Conflict with the governing authorities.
  • 00:18:51.853 --> 00:18:54.456
  • So, the real question is what should be our response?
  • 00:18:54.456 --> 00:18:58.994
  • As we're going to see in a moment, there are times that we
  • 00:18:58.994 --> 00:19:02.297
  • Must say no to government.
  • 00:19:02.297 --> 00:19:06.034
  • But let me share with you three principles that you need to
  • 00:19:06.034 --> 00:19:09.304
  • Consider before you engage in civil disobedience.
  • 00:19:09.304 --> 00:19:13.542
  • Principle number one: if you choose to say no to
  • 00:19:13.542 --> 00:19:16.245
  • Government, base your disobedience on a clear
  • 00:19:16.245 --> 00:19:20.882
  • Biblical mandate.
  • 00:19:20.882 --> 00:19:22.918
  • Make sure you are basing your disobedience on a clear
  • 00:19:22.918 --> 00:19:26.622
  • Biblical mandate.
  • 00:19:26.622 --> 00:19:28.056
  • Turn over to acts chapter 5, acts 5.
  • 00:19:28.056 --> 00:19:31.760
  • You remember this story, peter and the apostles were boldly
  • 00:19:31.760 --> 00:19:35.197
  • Proclaiming the message of jesus christ, and the sanhedrin, the
  • 00:19:35.197 --> 00:19:38.900
  • Ruling council of the jews, whom the romans had given power to
  • 00:19:38.900 --> 00:19:43.438
  • Handle jewish affairs in israel, the sanhedrin, the jewish
  • 00:19:43.438 --> 00:19:47.876
  • Officials, hauled peter and the apostles before them and said,
  • 00:19:47.876 --> 00:19:51.880
  • "we want you to quit preaching the name of jesus."
  • 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:55.550
  • Look at verse 28, they said to peter, "we gave you strict
  • 00:19:55.550 --> 00:19:59.288
  • Orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you
  • 00:19:59.288 --> 00:20:03.692
  • Have filled jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring
  • 00:20:03.692 --> 00:20:06.995
  • This man's blood upon us," talking about jesus, "but peter
  • 00:20:06.995 --> 00:20:11.300
  • And the apostles answered and said, 'we must obey god rather
  • 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:17.172
  • Than men.'"
  • 00:20:17.172 --> 00:20:18.907
  • When told they had to quit preaching in the name of jesus,
  • 00:20:18.907 --> 00:20:22.711
  • Did they hold a prayer meeting and say, "oh god, please show us
  • 00:20:22.711 --> 00:20:25.447
  • What to do?"
  • 00:20:25.447 --> 00:20:26.815
  • No, they didn't have to pray about this.
  • 00:20:26.815 --> 00:20:28.283
  • The mandate from christ had been clear in acts 1:8, "you're to go
  • 00:20:28.283 --> 00:20:31.520
  • Into all the world and preach the gospel."
  • 00:20:31.520 --> 00:20:35.891
  • They didn't have to think twice about this.
  • 00:20:35.891 --> 00:20:38.960
  • It was a clear violation of a biblical, a
  • 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:43.098
  • God-ordained mandate.
  • 00:20:43.098 --> 00:20:44.833
  • But sometimes, government regulation, even that involves
  • 00:20:44.833 --> 00:20:50.339
  • Religion, doesn't necessarily need to be disobeyed just
  • 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:55.711
  • Because it involves religion.
  • 00:20:55.711 --> 00:20:58.146
  • Let me give you a couple of illustrations of that.
  • 00:20:58.146 --> 00:21:00.716
  • For example, our government says if our church wants to
  • 00:21:00.716 --> 00:21:04.853
  • Retain its tax exempt status, i, as pastor, cannot officially
  • 00:21:04.853 --> 00:21:09.791
  • Endorse a political candidate from the pulpit.
  • 00:21:09.791 --> 00:21:12.661
  • Now, privately, i'm free to say and do whatever i want to.
  • 00:21:12.661 --> 00:21:15.430
  • I can be somebody's campaign finance chairman if i want to,
  • 00:21:15.430 --> 00:21:18.266
  • It doesn't matter.
  • 00:21:18.266 --> 00:21:19.601
  • I'm not going to, believe me, but i could, if i wanted to.
  • 00:21:19.601 --> 00:21:22.104
  • I could stand up here and tell you who i'm voting for
  • 00:21:22.104 --> 00:21:24.139
  • Personally, but i cannot officially endorse a candidate,
  • 00:21:24.139 --> 00:21:28.310
  • Or we lose our tax exempt status.
  • 00:21:28.310 --> 00:21:29.878
  • Now, if i say, "you know what?
  • 00:21:29.878 --> 00:21:32.080
  • You know, baloney to that!
  • 00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:33.648
  • I'm a preacher of the gospel, and i get to say whatever i want
  • 00:21:33.648 --> 00:21:36.818
  • To say."
  • 00:21:36.818 --> 00:21:38.153
  • Government says, "fine, we're gonna yank your tax exempt
  • 00:21:38.153 --> 00:21:39.988
  • Status," and if that happens, i'm not suffering for
  • 00:21:39.988 --> 00:21:43.191
  • Righteousness's sake, i'm suffering for my own
  • 00:21:43.191 --> 00:21:45.894
  • Stupidity, okay?
  • 00:21:45.894 --> 00:21:48.263
  • That's not persecution.
  • 00:21:48.263 --> 00:21:50.832
  • Christians who say, "i'm not gonna pay my taxes because i
  • 00:21:50.832 --> 00:21:55.170
  • Don't agree with the way the money is being used.
  • 00:21:55.170 --> 00:21:58.640
  • I don't like it going to support abortion or this thing or
  • 00:21:58.640 --> 00:22:03.211
  • Sexual immorality.
  • 00:22:03.211 --> 00:22:04.546
  • I just don't like that, so i'm gonna withhold my money."
  • 00:22:04.546 --> 00:22:06.415
  • Jesus said, "render unto caesar the things that are caesar's."
  • 00:22:06.415 --> 00:22:08.950
  • Remember, he said, "pay your taxes," even though the roman
  • 00:22:08.950 --> 00:22:11.953
  • System would end up killing him, he still said, "even though it's
  • 00:22:11.953 --> 00:22:14.756
  • Corrupt, you need to pay your taxes."
  • 00:22:14.756 --> 00:22:16.725
  • So, if somebody doesn't pay their taxes and go to jail,
  • 00:22:16.725 --> 00:22:19.294
  • They're not going for righteousness's sake, they're
  • 00:22:19.294 --> 00:22:21.430
  • Going for their own dishonesty and not paying their taxes.
  • 00:22:21.430 --> 00:22:24.599
  • You know, people who are involved in protests,
  • 00:22:24.599 --> 00:22:27.302
  • Christians, and they violate somebody's property rights and
  • 00:22:27.302 --> 00:22:30.372
  • They're arrested, again, that is for disobeying
  • 00:22:30.372 --> 00:22:33.408
  • Governing authorities.
  • 00:22:33.408 --> 00:22:35.343
  • Not every government law that has religious overtones
  • 00:22:35.343 --> 00:22:40.515
  • Necessarily needs to be disobeyed.
  • 00:22:40.515 --> 00:22:42.717
  • We need to make sure that the law we're disobeying is a
  • 00:22:42.717 --> 00:22:47.722
  • Contradiction to a clear biblical mandate.
  • 00:22:47.722 --> 00:22:50.792
  • Number two, if you engage in civil disobedience, demonstrate
  • 00:22:50.792 --> 00:22:55.397
  • Respect for authority when you disobey.
  • 00:22:55.397 --> 00:22:59.167
  • Demonstrate respect for authority when you disobey.
  • 00:22:59.167 --> 00:23:03.205
  • Remember the story of daniel in the old testament?
  • 00:23:03.205 --> 00:23:06.141
  • He and the other jews were taken captive by the babylonians.
  • 00:23:06.141 --> 00:23:09.711
  • They were taken to babylon and daniel as a young teenager was
  • 00:23:09.711 --> 00:23:13.248
  • Selected among other teenage boys to be a part of
  • 00:23:13.248 --> 00:23:16.852
  • Nebuchadnezzar's elite group.
  • 00:23:16.852 --> 00:23:19.788
  • And he was chosen because of his intelligence, his wisdom, his
  • 00:23:19.788 --> 00:23:23.525
  • Good looks.
  • 00:23:23.525 --> 00:23:24.860
  • And immediately this group of young men were told that as a
  • 00:23:24.860 --> 00:23:27.095
  • Part of the king's special program, they needed to eat from
  • 00:23:27.095 --> 00:23:30.265
  • The king's table, eat his menu.
  • 00:23:30.265 --> 00:23:33.768
  • And immediately that was a contradiction to daniel's
  • 00:23:33.768 --> 00:23:36.137
  • Conscience because it violated the dietary laws daniel
  • 00:23:36.137 --> 00:23:39.508
  • Was under.
  • 00:23:39.508 --> 00:23:40.976
  • Daniel could have stormed into nebuchadnezzar's presence and
  • 00:23:40.976 --> 00:23:44.012
  • Said, "you pagan king!
  • 00:23:44.012 --> 00:23:45.981
  • Why would i obey you rather than god?"
  • 00:23:45.981 --> 00:23:48.116
  • And had he done that, he would have been
  • 00:23:48.116 --> 00:23:49.451
  • The first hebrew martyr in babylon.
  • 00:23:49.451 --> 00:23:52.354
  • But he didn't act that way.
  • 00:23:52.354 --> 00:23:55.156
  • Jeffress: as faithful believers living in america, you and
  • 00:23:59.294 --> 00:24:02.230
  • I stand at a national crossroads.
  • 00:24:02.230 --> 00:24:05.000
  • Will we boldly uphold the timeless biblical values
  • 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:08.136
  • That have shaped the foundation of our great nation?
  • 00:24:08.136 --> 00:24:11.473
  • Or will we stand on the sidelines and watch our
  • 00:24:11.473 --> 00:24:14.242
  • Country slip further into moral and spiritual oblivion?
  • 00:24:14.242 --> 00:24:19.014
  • I believe god has called "pathway to victory" for
  • 00:24:19.014 --> 00:24:21.449
  • Such a time as this, and you can partner with us to proclaim
  • 00:24:21.449 --> 00:24:25.420
  • The only hope for our nation and our world, jesus christ, by
  • 00:24:25.420 --> 00:24:30.025
  • Giving toward the in god we trust matching challenge.
  • 00:24:30.025 --> 00:24:33.895
  • Your gift between now and july 5 will be matched and therefore
  • 00:24:33.895 --> 00:24:38.133
  • Doubled in its impact.
  • 00:24:38.133 --> 00:24:40.368
  • Don't wait, please respond today.
  • 00:24:40.368 --> 00:24:43.004
  • Now, stay right there, and i'll be back
  • 00:24:43.004 --> 00:24:45.206
  • With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
  • 00:24:45.206 --> 00:24:48.877
  • Announcer: as our nation celebrates 250 years, do we
  • 00:24:50.378 --> 00:24:54.282
  • Still remember the faith that built america?
  • 00:24:54.282 --> 00:24:57.419
  • Dr. robert jeffress has created a beautiful book to make sure
  • 00:24:57.419 --> 00:25:00.956
  • That we and our families never forget.
  • 00:25:00.956 --> 00:25:03.325
  • The brand new 250th commemorative edition
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  • Of "america is a christian nation" is an 88 page, full
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  • Color, large print coffee table book packed with inspiring
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  • Stories from our nation's history, breathtaking imagery of
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  • America, select portraits of our founding fathers, and powerful
  • 00:25:16.871 --> 00:25:20.942
  • Truth from god's word.
  • 00:25:20.942 --> 00:25:22.844
  • Jeffress: america was founded on the principles of the
  • 00:25:22.844 --> 00:25:25.380
  • Judeo-christian faith as revealed in the bible, and our
  • 00:25:25.380 --> 00:25:28.883
  • Future depends on returning to that biblical foundation.
  • 00:25:28.883 --> 00:25:33.288
  • Announcer: request the 250th commemorative edition of
  • 00:25:33.288 --> 00:25:36.524
  • "america is a christian nation" when you give a generous
  • 00:25:36.524 --> 00:25:39.728
  • Ministry gift to "pathway to victory."
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  • You'll also receive the "in god we trust" dvd video and mp3
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  • Format audio disc set featuring two powerful messages from
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  • Dr. jeffress and 12 patriotic performances by the
  • 00:25:51.072 --> 00:25:54.676
  • First baptist dallas choir and orchestra.
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  • And with your ministry gift of $100 or more, we'll also send
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  • You the complete "america and the bible" teaching series on
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  • With the light of god's word.
  • 00:26:17.032 --> 00:26:19.300
  • Jeffress: our faith ought to inform every aspect of our
  • 00:26:21.269 --> 00:26:24.005
  • Lives, including how we relate to the government.
  • 00:26:24.005 --> 00:26:27.275
  • And as a general rule, god calls us to obey the leaders
  • 00:26:27.275 --> 00:26:30.812
  • He has appointed.
  • 00:26:30.812 --> 00:26:32.213
  • But that raises an important question.
  • 00:26:32.213 --> 00:26:34.582
  • Is there ever a time when christians
  • 00:26:34.582 --> 00:26:36.584
  • Need to say no to people in power?
  • 00:26:36.584 --> 00:26:39.721
  • Next time, i'll share three principles to consider before
  • 00:26:39.721 --> 00:26:42.957
  • Engaging in civil disobedience.
  • 00:26:42.957 --> 00:26:45.960
  • Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next in our
  • 00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:48.396
  • Series, "america and the bible."
  • 00:26:48.396 --> 00:26:51.266
  • Jeffress: a just law is a man-made code that squares with
  • 00:26:52.567 --> 00:26:56.938
  • The moral law or the law of god.
  • 00:26:56.938 --> 00:27:00.508
  • An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the
  • 00:27:00.508 --> 00:27:04.879
  • Moral law.
  • 00:27:04.879 --> 00:27:06.748
  • Dr. king believed that any law that codified racial
  • 00:27:06.748 --> 00:27:11.152
  • Discrimination violated, not just moral law, but the law
  • 00:27:11.152 --> 00:27:14.823
  • Of god.
  • 00:27:14.823 --> 00:27:16.157
  • Male announcer: set your dvr and
  • 00:27:16.157 --> 00:27:17.492
  • Join us next time for part two
  • 00:27:17.492 --> 00:27:18.893
  • Of the message, "to obey
  • 00:27:18.893 --> 00:27:20.729
  • Or not to obey?",
  • 00:27:20.729 --> 00:27:22.330
  • Here on "pathway to victory."
  • 00:27:22.330 --> 00:27:22.330