Some secular politicians have suggested that government cannot exist if they followed Jesus’s “golden rule.” Did God intend for the government to turn the other cheek to evil and love its enemies? The apostle Paul revealed that God instituted the governing authorities as His ministers and gave them the power to exercise the sword against evil. God has a role for civil government. For this reason, Paul instructed Christians to submit to the government. How can Christians submit when Rome would persecute Christians? Does God want Christians to turn the other cheek when others a threatening to abuse and murder their families? Furthermore, how should Christians act when the government moves toward gun control? What would Jesus think of the Second Amendment? Would Jesus have commanded his disciples to possess swords?

Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:13-17 (read by Jimmy Sullivan)

Lesson by Scott Shifferd

Recorded July 31, 2016 at the Dean Road church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL