God and Country

This sermon from Pastor Roy Henry on Luke 20:19–26 highlights how Jesus skillfully avoided a political trap by teaching the proper relationship between God and government. His response, “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” emphasizes that while we have civic duties, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

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The Cunning Trap

• Growing hatred
• Devious scheming
• Flattering approach
• “Gotcha” question

The Remarkable Answer

• The request and inquiry
• The wise response
  • “Render to Caesar…”
    • Taxes
    • Respect
    • Civil obedience
    • Civil service
  • “Render to God…”
    • The ultimate authority
    • Our ultimate allegiance
    • The right order

The Revolutionary Implications

• For the government
  • Recognizing its source of authority
  • Recognizing the limits of authority
  • Fulfilling God-ordained purpose

The Revolutionary Implications

• For the people
  • Recognizing and submitting to rightful authority
  • Demonstrating love by obedience
  • Resisting only clear violations of God’s commands