Video Notes: 

• The New Testament does not endorse any specific kind of government or economics, however, it does affirm the goodness of governments in general.
• The Old Testament does tell us about a government, Israel. We can look at that governmental structure to maybe glean some principles, but we need to be careful. Only Israel was Israel. Also, just because God gave certain laws and systems to Israel doesn’t mean different laws or systems are necessarily bad.
  • Israel at times was a Theocracy, at times a Monarchy, and at times a combination. 
  • Neither were perfect. There are times when this goes pretty well (David, the judges) and times when it does not go well (Ahab, Midian’s false prophets). The primary determining factor was whether the king or ruling priests truly loved and followed God, not the form of government.
  • There were other times Israel was in anarchy. This never went well and always led to spiraling sin and violence.
• God establishes governments for the good of the people. No government is perfect because it’s run by imperfect people, but the lack of government would be much worse. Judges.
  • As such the people in the government should obey God’s commands (as should all people). Where they fail to do so corruption appears.
  • The government’s primary role is to punish evil behavior and praise good behavior.
  • The government should not lead people away from God nor prevent people from worshiping and serving God.
• Economies are unavoidable. We have to have some way of obtaining what we need to survive.
  • When God established Israel as a nation, He had to address the economy and there were many laws dealing with the economy.
    • Do not steal, etc. – These require an economy where individuals has the ability to own property themselves, even though everything was ultimately seen as God’s.
    • Laws about fairness. – These demonstrate that trade was allowed, but fraud and corruption were not.
    • Taxes – This required people to give to the government.
    • Deuteronomy 15:1-11, 26:12-13, Leviticus 19:9-10 – People were to care for the poor, however, it’s interesting that the onus was put on the people, not the government. 
      • Proverbs 14:31, 17:5, 19:17 – When the government is mentioned or it’s possibly applying to the government, it is condemning the oppression of the poor rather than requiring the care for the poor. The implication is that you should not prevent someone from providing for themselves or prevent individuals from caring for those in need.
    • Proverbs 13:11, 14:23, 16:26, 20:13, 28:19, 20, 22, 25 – While Proverbs doesn’t include economic laws, it does include wisdom related to economics. In particular, it is wise to be diligent and take the initiative to work and you should avoid being lazy and relying on others if you are able to work.
    • The 7-year sabbath and Jubilee – This was intended to prevent permanent loss of family land, too much debt, and prevent tribes from taking over each other.
  • What about the church? Acts 2
    • First, this describes what the church did (initially). It’s not a prescription and doesn’t seem to have lasted long. In fact, later we see people taking advantage of this and Paul saying, “You don’t work, you don’t eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10
    • Second, this is entirely voluntary.
    • Third, this says nothing of the means of production.
    • Trying to connect this to communism or socialism just isn’t accurate. The government isn’t involved. People are choosing to share with others as well as to give out of what they have and what they earn to provide for those in need.
• So, we end up back where we began.
  • Simply put, the Bible does indicate that God establishes government for our benefit, but it does not endorse any specific form of government. All governments are corrupt because people are corrupt, but the it seems that a government’s level of corruption is connected to the people love and obedience to God. It also is clear that if we serve in the government, we are to serve God and our fellow citizens in love and that, as citizens, we are to submit to the government except where the government’s laws conflict with God’s laws. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow.
  • Additionally, while economies are unavoidable, the Bible does not endorse any specific form of economics. However, the Bible does tell us as Christians that we deal fairly with others, not steal, help the poor (especially orphans and widows), be generous, and work diligently as we are able.
  • God didn’t choose to reveal the best form of government or economics…if such things exist. God chose to tell us how to act within whatever government or economic system we live. He also told us to love one another and speak with gentleness and kindness towards one another, that includes people who disagree with your political and economic ideas. We’ll talk more about that on Monday.
• Just as importantly, God reminds that us that is not our home. Ultimately, we sojourners in this place and our home, our citizenship is with God for all eternity and it’s our desire to see as many as possible join us in heaven. Let’s keep that perspective