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What does a good government look like? (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

  • 29-02-2016 8:44am
    #1
    solodeogloria
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,739 ✭✭✭


    Good morning all!

    Given the week that was in it - and as the election in Ireland throws up a very uncertain outcome, I thought I'd offer us an opportunity to think about what a good government looks like from a Christian perspective.
    1 Timothy 2:1-7 ESV wrote:
    First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

    We see that Paul earnestly asks us to pray for all in authority over us. But what is His hope for them to do? Enact Christian laws? Enforce the Gospel on the population?

    No, but simply that they would be allowed to live a "peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way". They ask for the freedom to be able to live as a Christian that is their hope and prayer.

    Why do they want to live this life? To live a life that is good and pleasing to God our Saviour in every way. This is followed by God's intention for all to be saved. There is a link to leading this life that is good and pleasing to God in every way and God's salvation plan. As we live this "peaceful and godly life" others will be attracted to the Gospel of Christ.

    We should concern our hearts with what God is concerned with. The salvation of those around us who don't yet know Jesus. Christianity isn't a private matter as some secularists might insist, but neither is it something to be enforced. The perfect new creation will be instituted on the last day. Any effort to create a theocratic Christian state will go horribly wrong as it isn't what God has intended for us in this world. We've seen this time and time again. What people need is a heart change that leads them to repent and follow Jesus. Not more empty moralism that doesn't change hearts and lives in any meaningful sense.

    The New Testament is very relevant to our age. It speaks to Christians living in a non-Christian environment which is increasingly similar to most secular Western democracies today.

    How does this passage help us to pray and be concerned for our leaders?

    How does this passage change our view of Christianity?

    I'm very hopeful of a good discussion on this!

    Much thanks in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
    solodeogloria
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