FAITH AND CITIZENSHIP
How can Christians be good citizens? Through a balanced perspective on submission and principled resistance, Dr. Rocky Ramsey provides a biblical guide for Christians to navigate their roles as good citizens while remaining faithful to God.
Dr. Rocky Ramsey explores what it means for Christians to fulfill their civic responsibilities in a way that honors God, guided by principles from 1 Peter 2:13-17. He begins by explaining that God has established three core institutions—family, government, and the church—to structure society and guide relationships. Within this framework, Christians are called to be exemplary citizens, living in a way that reflects good character and silences critics through integrity and respect.
Pastor Rocky further elaborates on the principle of "getting along" with the culture—supporting and participating in society's systems as far as possible. He draws on biblical examples like Esther and Mordecai, Daniel, and Daniel’s three friends, who all maintained their faith within society. However, there are boundaries to cultural conformity: Christians should “get along” until they encounter situations that compromise their beliefs. He illustrates this with examples like Moses, John the Baptist, the Apostles, and even Daniel, who respectfully resisted when laws conflicted with God’s commands.
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
Listen to the Sermon Audio: