Navigating the Church-State Relationship: A Biblical Perspective

Devotional

Day 1: Navigating Dual Citizenship in Church and State

Christians are called to navigate the complex relationship between the church and the state, both of which are ordained by God. This dual citizenship requires believers to balance their spiritual and civic responsibilities with wisdom and discernment. Historically, the church and state have intersected on various issues, and understanding this relationship is crucial for Christians today. The ecumenical movement and potential realignment with the Church of Rome highlight the importance of understanding biblical teachings on this matter. As members of both the church and the state, Christians must seek God's guidance to make decisions that align with His will and glorify Him in all aspects of life. [06:11]

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."

Reflection: How can you actively seek the welfare of your community while maintaining your commitment to God's kingdom today?

Day 2: Balancing Spiritual and Civic Duties

Christians hold dual citizenship in the church and the state, which necessitates a balanced approach to their responsibilities in both realms. This duality often presents conflicting demands, requiring discernment and wisdom to navigate. The historical context of church-state relations, such as the Roman Catholic dominance over the state and Erastianism's subservience of the church to the state, highlights the ongoing struggle for authority and influence. As Christians, it is essential to prioritize Jesus Christ's headship over the church and the universe, allowing His authority to guide interactions with governmental authorities and participation in civic life. [06:43]

1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV): "Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good."

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate respect for governmental authorities while prioritizing your allegiance to Christ today?

Day 3: Historical Perspectives on Church-State Relations

The historical views on church-state relations, such as the Roman Catholic dominance over the state and Erastianism's subservience of the church to the state, have shaped the political and religious landscapes of many nations. These perspectives highlight the ongoing struggle for authority and influence between the church and the state. Understanding these historical contexts is crucial for Christians as they navigate their dual citizenship. By learning from history, believers can avoid repeating past mistakes and seek God's wisdom to make decisions that align with His will. [14:11]

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (ESV): "What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."

Reflection: How can you apply lessons from historical church-state relations to your current understanding of your role as a Christian in society?

Day 4: Christ's Headship and Authority

Jesus Christ's headship over the church and the universe underscores the need for Christians to prioritize His authority in all matters. This understanding should guide believers in their interactions with governmental authorities and in their participation in civic life. By recognizing Christ's ultimate authority, Christians can navigate the complexities of church-state relations with confidence and clarity. This perspective allows believers to make decisions that align with God's will and glorify Him in all aspects of life. [08:16]

Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to more fully acknowledge Christ's authority and headship today?

Day 5: Learning from History to Avoid Past Mistakes

Learning from history is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes. As Christians face modern challenges, such as the ecumenical movement, they must seek God's wisdom and remain committed to His glory. By understanding historical contexts and biblical teachings on church-state relations, believers can make informed decisions that align with God's will. This commitment to learning from history and seeking God's guidance ensures that Christians can navigate the complexities of their dual citizenship with wisdom and discernment. [44:03]

Proverbs 4:7 (ESV): "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."

Reflection: What specific historical lesson can you apply to a current challenge you are facing in your spiritual or civic life today?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of Romans 13:1-7, we delve into the complex relationship between the Christian believer and the state, a topic that has been a source of contention and debate throughout history. This passage is crucial as it provides guidance on how Christians should view and interact with governmental authorities. Historically, the relationship between the church and the state has been a significant issue, particularly during the Reformation and the subsequent centuries. The ecumenical movement and the potential realignment with the Church of Rome bring this issue to the forefront once again, urging us to understand the biblical teaching on this matter.

The church and the state are both ordained by God, which implies a relationship between them. Christians, as members of both the church and the state, must navigate their dual citizenship with wisdom and discernment. The church and the state often intersect on various issues, and it is essential to understand the biblical perspective on these intersections. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and the universe, which further emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of the church-state relationship.

Historically, there have been two main views on this relationship: one that sees the church and the state as one entity and another that views them as distinct. The first view, which emerged in the 4th century with Constantine's conversion, led to the church exerting control over the state, as seen in the Roman Catholic tradition. The second view, known as Erastianism, posits that the church is subservient to the state, a perspective that has influenced the Church of England and other state churches.

As we navigate these complex issues, it is crucial to remain humble and open to learning from history. We must seek God's guidance to understand His Word and avoid repeating past mistakes. Our ultimate goal should be to glorify God and make decisions that align with His will in these challenging times.

Key Takeaways

1. The relationship between the church and the state is a complex issue that has evolved over centuries. Understanding this relationship requires a deep dive into historical contexts and biblical teachings, as both institutions are ordained by God and intersect on various issues. [06:11]
2. Christians hold dual citizenship in the church and the state, necessitating a balanced approach to their responsibilities in both realms. This duality requires discernment and wisdom to navigate the often conflicting demands of spiritual and civic duties. [06:43]
3. The historical views on church-state relations, such as the Roman Catholic dominance over the state and Erastianism's subservience of the church to the state, highlight the ongoing struggle for authority and influence. These perspectives have shaped the political and religious landscapes of many nations. [14:11]
4. Jesus Christ's headship over the church and the universe underscores the need for Christians to prioritize His authority in all matters. This understanding should guide believers in their interactions with governmental authorities and in their participation in civic life. [08:16]
5. Learning from history is essential to avoid repeating past mistakes. As we face modern challenges, such as the ecumenical movement, we must seek God's wisdom and remain committed to His glory, ensuring that our decisions align with His will. [44:03]
** [44:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Romans 13:1-7
[00:44] - Christian's View of the State
[01:30] - Capital Punishment and Pacifism
[02:02] - Church and State Relationship
[03:42] - The Ecumenical Movement
[05:04] - Scriptural References
[06:11] - Church and State Ordained by God
[07:42] - Christ's Headship
[09:02] - Historical Views on Church and State
[11:23] - Constantine's Influence
[14:11] - Roman Catholic Dominance
[23:39] - Erastianism Explained
[31:09] - Church of England's Position
[39:03] - Authority and Consecration
[43:11] - Conclusion and Prayer

Sermon Clips

The church is obviously something ordained by God but here we are told that the powers that be are also ordained of God so here you see is something at once that makes us feel there must be a relationship the state and the church are ordained by God, they have that in common. [00:06:11]

As Christians, we are members of the church, but as people, as individuals, we are citizens of various Earthly States and kingdoms so that we are bound to face it in that way you can't dissociate yourself from the state in which you live, you've got to pay taxes you have to conform to laws. [00:06:43]

The Lord Jesus Christ is the head of the church but not only is he the head of the church he is the head of all things in the whole universe at the same time. I read that fifth chapter of the Book of Revelation at the beginning because it gives us an indication of that he is the Lord of history. [00:07:42]

The first view is the one that holds that the church and the state are one. The second is that which holds that the church and the state are essentially different. It really can be boiled down to that. There are some particular views which are very difficult to classify and to place. [00:14:11]

The Roman Catholic teaching is that the state is subservient to the church. That has been always the Roman Catholic teaching. The church and state are one, yes, but which is the controlling power? Well, the Roman Catholic Church said it is the church that controls the state. [00:14:11]

Erastianism is the teaching which says that the church is subservient to the state, unlike the Roman Catholic which says that the church dominates the state. This is the exact opposite, that the church is a branch of the state if you like, a servant of the state, an aspect of the state. [00:23:39]

The Lutheran Church generally speaking has become erastian. It is the state Church in places like Denmark and Norway and Sweden and Finland and various other countries and is therefore very closely akin to what we have in this country. [00:31:09]

The Queen's Majesty has the chief power in this realm of England and her other dominions unto whom the chief government of all Estates of this realm whether they be ecclesiastical or civil in all causes death appertain they the princes should rule all states and degrees committed to their charge by God. [00:39:03]

The state has the power to appoint Bishops but has not got power to consecrate them and that of course is what is still more or less the rule and in vogue. It is the state The Sovereign through the government of the day that decides who's to be made a bishop. [00:39:03]

We see oh Lord how involved we become in the world and its Affairs and how we allow these things even to influence our thinking about spiritual matters. Oh Lord history has humbled us in thy holy sight and we realize that we are failable as all who have gone before us. [00:44:03]

We pray thee therefore oh God to keep us humble un thine allmighty hand to give us Grace to be patient with one another and with these varying ideas but above all oh God we pray thee to grant us that Enlightenment which will enable us to understand understand the teaching of Thy word. [00:44:03]

Oh God give us we pray thee a concern about these things not merely with our minds but a concern for thy glory and thy praise Lord look upon us keep thy Mighty hand upon us and lead us on in these days of momentous decisions in this turning point of history. [00:44:03]

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