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