RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 17TH OF MARCH, 2024: CHRISTIANITY AND GOVERNANCE

[1]Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

[2]Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

[3]For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

[4]For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

[5]Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

[6]For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

MEMORY VERSE: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:10.

INTRODUCTION: The opinion held by some Christians that if they are going to follow Christ, they must be quiet and withdrawn from things happening on the earth, negates the will of God as spelled out in the Scripture. Christ has called believers unto a life of influence, control, and dominion (Psalms 8:6). They are to take charge (Matthew 5:15-16) and the issue of governance is no exception. As the light of the world, they are to dispel the darkness of unrighteousness, sycophancy, etc. which are the order of the day, in present-day governance systems of the world.

God instituted governance. It is not a secular concept or people’s creation. God is the ultimate “Governor” who delegates the function to humans (Psalms 22:28; Daniel 4:34). It is one of the purposes for which the spirit-being called ‘man’ was created (Genesis 1:26). It is a calling and manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 12:28). It is a tool for orderliness and sanity (1Corinthians 14:40; Exodus 18:21). It is instituted by God for administration, justice and general welfare of citizens (1Timothy 2:2). Like marriage, it is instituted by God and should be submitted to (Mark.12:17; Romans 13:1-2). Governance is servanthood. It is a means of serving the governed (Matthew 20:25-28). Governance is a ministry and governors are ministers of God (Romans 13:3-4).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: What do you think government can do to deliver more services to the citizens?

Christians need to be involved in governance because:

1. It is part of our inherent design as believers (Genesis 1:26; Matthew 5:15-16).

2. We are to effect positive and lasting change (Genesis 41:46-49; 53-57).

3. It stands out the nation among other nations (Proverbs 14:34).

4. We shall make righteous laws and decrees that lead to national progress (Mark.6:27; Luke. 2:1).

5. It is obeying God’s ordinance of submission to authority (Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 2:13-14).

6. It brings blessings and breakthroughsto the nation and fulfilment for her citizenry (Proverbs 11:10).

7. Governance is God’s institution and the word of God. So, people of God should not be kept out of God’s institution (Romans 13:1-6).

8. We must avoid paying the costly price of bad leadership (2 Samuel 23:3).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Mention the dangers of not participating in politics.

CONCLUSION: Believers should take their rightful place in deciding the destiny of their nations and turn the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of our God which is God’s divine mandate for us.

* What is God’s view on governance?

* Mention five (5) reasons Christians should be involved in governance.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention any five (5) issues that discourage some believers from getting involved in governance. (2X5=10 Marks).