Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Role:In the biblical context, government refers to the system or group of people governing an organized community, often a state. The Bible presents government as an institution established by God to maintain order, justice, and peace in society. It is seen as a means through which God exercises His authority and justice on earth. Biblical Foundation: The concept of government is rooted in the sovereignty of God, who is the ultimate ruler over all creation. In the Old Testament, God established various forms of governance for His people, including patriarchal leadership, judges, kings, and prophets. In the New Testament, the role of government is further clarified, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to respect and submit to governing authorities. Key Scriptures: 1. Divine Ordination of Government: · Romans 13:1-2 : "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." 2. Purpose of Government: · 1 Peter 2:13-14 : "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers." 3. Justice and Righteousness: · Proverbs 29:4 : "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." 4. Prayer for Leaders: · 1 Timothy 2:1-2 : "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." Responsibilities of Believers: Believers are called to respect and obey governmental authorities as long as such obedience does not conflict with God’s commands. Acts 5:29 states, "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" This highlights the priority of divine law over human law when the two are in conflict. Government and Justice: The Bible emphasizes that governments are to be instruments of justice, punishing wrongdoers and rewarding those who do good. This is seen as a reflection of God’s own justice and righteousness. Leaders are expected to rule with integrity and fairness, as seen in Proverbs 16:12 : "Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, for a throne is established through righteousness." The Kingdom of God: While earthly governments are established by God, the Bible also speaks of the ultimate government—the Kingdom of God. This is a spiritual kingdom where Christ reigns supreme. Believers are citizens of this heavenly kingdom, which transcends earthly political systems. Philippians 3:20 reminds us, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Conclusion: The Bible provides a framework for understanding the role and purpose of government, emphasizing its divine ordination, the responsibility of believers to respect authority, and the ultimate sovereignty of God’s kingdom. Through prayer, obedience, and righteous living, Christians are called to engage with and influence their governments for the common good, always prioritizing their allegiance to God. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 26:52-54Then said Jesus to him, Put up again your sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Topicalbible.org Psalm 46:1 Greek 2941. kubernesis -- steering, government, administration ... steering, government, administration. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kubernesis Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ber'-nay-sis) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2941.htm - 7k 4175. politeuma -- a form of government, citizenship 2067. esthesis -- clothing 2963. kuriotes -- lordship 5075. tetrarcheo -- be tetrarch. 2231. hegemonia -- rule 752. archisunagogos -- ruler of a synagogue 3405. misthapodosia -- payment of wages 5013. tapeinoo -- to make low, fig. to humble 5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility Strong's Hebrew 4951. misrah -- rule, dominion... misrah. 4952 . rule, dominion. Transliteration: misrah Phonetic Spelling: (mis-raw') Short Definition: government. ... government. From sarah; empire -- government ... /hebrew/4951.htm - 6k 4475. memshalah -- rule, dominion, realm 4437. malku -- royalty, reign, kingdom Library On the Government of God The Government of the Tongue Home-Government. Church Government. Whether the End of the Government of the World is Something ... Whether the Effect of Government is one or Many? The Government of the Church. On the Government of God Treatise on the Conservation and Government of Creatures (Qq -119) ... Moral Government. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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