Citizen Rulers - Citizen Servants

11/09/08
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Citizen Rulers - Citizen Servants

God’s Delegated Authority
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Romans 13:1

King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:
“Peace and prosperity to you! I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.” Daniel 4:1-4 NLT

The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalm 33:10-12

If people are virtuous and responsible, America has 300 million policemen on duty. But if we lack virtue, we won’t be able to hire enough policemen.
...Michael Novak

Faith (or lack thereof) forms values

  • Values form culture.
  • Culture defines ethics and forms society.
  • Society forms government either directly or indirectly.
  • In a democracy, society forms government in the most direct way.
  • We vote. We are citizen rulers.

If My people, who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14 

Nebuchadnezzar’s Pilgrimage

  • In Daniel 2:47, he acknowledged that God revealed mysteries to Daniel.
  • In Daniel 3:28-29 he praised the God who rescued the three Hebrews.
  • Despite Nebuchadnezzar’s recognition that God exists and works great miracles, in Daniel 4:30 we see that he still did not acknowledge God as his Lord.

Daniel 4 Principle’s

  • God is sovereign in the affairs of men.
  • When God bring judgment on a nation, the godly are not excluded
  • God’s people can serve Him under any circumstances.
  • Repentance is always the right response.
  • Righteousness is always the right action.
  • Mercy for the down and out is the heart of God and the responsibility of those in power.