7: Paul’s Civil Mandate

Not only Jesus but also the Apostle Paul declared for the churches to have a Civil Mandate. Moreover, Paul declares that the church’s civil mandate should be its “FIRST” priority!

In Paul’s same letter he begins by declaring Jesus to be the top civil leader for all nations, with His civil royal title (1 Tim. 1:17):

“King eternal!”

Next Paul gives Timothy his command (1 Tim. 1:18 TLB):

“Now, Timothy, my son, here is my command to you: Fight well in the Lord’s battles.”

Then Paul gives the battle plan (1 Tim. 2:1-4):

“ 1 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Paul declares this battle to be the “FIRST” priority for the church. And Paul “urges” for it to be done – “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men.” But Paul specifies this specifically – “for kings and all who are in authority.” In other words, in this way God is commanding Christians to influence and affect all civil leaders! This is Paul’s CIVIL MANDATE.

But for what purpose are Christians to affect civil leaders – “so that WE may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” In other words, God wants civil leaders to rule in such a way that benefits Christians! Some rulers may persecute Christians, but that is not God’s desire. Civil leaders are for God’s purpose to even “honor” Christians and to do them “good”:

“For the king sends his officials … to honor those who do right” (1 Peter 2:14).

“Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good” (Rom. 13:3-4).

The big question: