Rendering to Caesar and God

Base Text: Matthew 22:15-22

I. Introduction
   A. We live as citizens of two authorities: the USA and the 
      Kingdom of God
   B. There are many times when these responsibilities may come 
      together, and there are times when they are in tension
   C. Yet, as in all things, we must make our priority choice and go 
      from there
   D. Matthew 6:33: God says to put the Kingdom first
   E. Therefore, what does God have to say about our responsibilities 
      toward God and toward America?

II. Matthew 22:15-22
   A. Jesus Himself is confronted with a similar question about the 
      Roman government
   B. A dicey question in first century Judea
      1. The Jews despised Roman rule and constantly sought to 
         undermine it
      2. Many felt that their religion was compromised by Caesar's 
         idolatry
      3. Yet political insurrection would raise the ire of the Roman 
         authorities
      4. A perfect trap for Jesus-- which way would He go?  
      5. He would either irritate the people or get the Romans after
         Him!
   C. So how does He handle the question?
   D. He advocates a form of separation!
      1. Caesar should get what belongs to him
      2. God should get what belongs to Him
   E. Well, what does this mean?
   F. What are we to render to Caesar? What are we to render to God?
   G. Let us consider the Scriptures

III. Rendering to Caesar
   A. The coin Jesus was holding (Matthew 22:15-22)
      1. In a very concrete way, Jesus expects Caesar to get back his 
         coinage in the form of taxes
      2. Romans 13:7
      3. Taxes are to be paid regardless of the government and the 
         way it will use the money
      4. After all, Paul is telling Christians to pay taxes to the 
         very authority who will use them to persecute Christians!
   B. Respect, Honor, and Obedience
      1. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17
      2. God has established the existence of earthly authorities for 
         the benefit of mankind
      3. Yes, they often abuse their power, but we are better off with 
         them than without
      4. Christians are enjoined to render Caesar with their 
         obedience-- violating the law is rarely justifiable!
      5. We put the foolish talk of unbelievers to shame when we obey 
         the authorities!
      6. Likewise, Christians are to show proper respect to the 
         authorities of the land
      7. Acts 23:1-5: Paul recognized his error when it was revealed 
         to him
      8. We may not agree with the authority on many matters, yet we 
         must still respect them
      9. If first century Christians were to respect Nero, then we 
         can certainly respect our rulers!
   C. Prayers and Supplications
      1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
      2. Paul enjoins Christians to pray for all leaders so that we 
         can lead tranquil and peaceful lives, to remain godly and 
         dignified
      3. Much can be accomplished by the prayers of the righteous 
         (James 5:16)
   D. Such is all that God expects from Christians to the government
   E. What does God expect out of His servants for Him?

IV. Rendering to God
   A. Making God the First Priority
      1. Matthew 6:33
      2. Everything we are and do should be based in our faith in God
      3. cf. Ephesians 5:22-6:9
      4. We are servants of God and citizens of His Kingdom first 
         (Philippians 3:20)
   B. Complete Loyalty and Devotion
      1. Matthew 10:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2
      2. We are to put nothing between us and God in terms of 
         importance
      3. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him!
      4. We must die to sin, be crucified with Christ, if we want to 
         live
      5. We must offer our lives as a sacrifice to God, being willing 
         to be transformed by the renewing of our mind in His image
   C. All of our resources for His purposes
      1. Romans 12:1-8, 2 Corinthians 8-9, 1 Timothy 6:17-19
      2. Everything we enjoy is a gift from God, and we must be 
         willing to use what is given for His purposes
      3. We are to spend our money in ways that honor Him, accomplish 
         His purposes
      4. Build up the church, help the needy, provide for families
      5. Our time and talents also should be used for His service
   D. See things His way
       1. 1 Corinthians 2
       2. Part of repentance is changing our minds so that we think 
          like God thinks, and not the way the world thinks
      3. We must develop spiritual mindsets that consider the Kingdom 
         before any worldly cause
   E. If a conflict exists between God and Caesar, we go with God
      1. Acts 5:29
      2. The only time when civil disobedience is justified!
      3. It must involve a clear violation-- the authorities are asking 
         us to do something that is against what God has told us to do
      4. Such rarely happens in America, but we must be prepared to do 
         so and accept the consequences if it has to happen!
   F. Do not Fear
      1. Matthew 10:28
      2. Even though it is easy for us to worry about earthly things 
         (cf. Matthew 6:25-34), God tells us to not fear
      3. If we have complete trust in Him, nothing that happens on 
         this earth should disturb us
   G. There are many other details that go into serving God, but 
      these are the major aspects of that service

V. Conclusion
   A. Indeed, we are to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to 
      God what is God's
   B. We are to pay our taxes, obey the earthly government, respect 
      the rulers, and pray for them
   C. Nevertheless, our primary loyalty must be to God and His 
      Kingdom, and we must put God's will first in our lives in 
      every aspect
   D. Let us fully serve God and be good ambassadors of God's 
      Kingdom!
   E. Invitation/songbook