God’s Rule in the Kingdoms of Men

I. The lesson for Nebuchadnezzar

1. Nebuchadnezzar, king of the ancient empire Babylon, remembered the words of God but it was too late.
2. See what I have done…
3. He then remembered the words of the prophet Daniel many months before warning him to give glory to God for his kingdom and power
4. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream
5. Lesson for Nebuchadnezzar: God rules in the kingdoms of men

II. The scripture is filled with the message that God rules in the kingdoms of men

1. Demonstrated in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great statue
2. A lesson that his grandson Belshazzar learned the hard way
3. Isaiah and Jeremiah are filled with prophesies related to the rise and fall of the nations of Assyria, Babylon, Moab, Ammon, Ethiopia, Egypt, and other.
4. God divided Israel: 1 Kings 11:30-36
5. God punished Israel by taking them into captivity using the Assyrians and Judah were taken captive by the Babylonians and allowed to return to Judah after 70 years. God was in control over the situation: Jeremiah 29:4-, 10-14 and Isaiah 44:28-45:7

III. God still rules in the kingdoms of men

1. God brings the kingdoms into power
2. Romans 13:1 – Authorities exist because of God
3. 2 Peter 2:13-14 – sent by him
4. This does not mean that all will be peaceful and calm for the Christian
5. The Christians of the first couple of centuries suffered at the hands of political leaders
6. Jesus was delivered to the political powers to be crucified
7. John 19:7-11 – Pilate was given the power used to allow Jesus to be crucified
8. Luke 21:10-19
9. Brought before kings and political leaders
10. It will be an opportunity for teaching

A. But Christians are to obey the governments that are established

B. Mark 12:13-17 – Render to Caesar

C. 2 Peter 2:13-17 – obey and honor

D. The Caesar occupied the highest religious office in the idolatry of Rome

E. The Christians still had to respect the rulers, but not worship them.

F. Romans 13:1-7 – resisting the government is resisting God

G. In Acts 22, Paul respectfully used his Roman citizenship to avoid a beating

H. Obedience is not based on whether we agree with the government or not.

I. The exception to obedience is when the political leaders demand obedience that would conflict with God’s will, Acts 5:27-29.

J. How we respect and obey the government is an example to non-believers

K. How we obey laws that are not convenient for us

L. How we are respectful in our discussions about political leaders with whom we disagree

IV. As much as we may love our country, remember our greatest citizenship is heavenly: Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 11:13-16; Ephesians 2:19-22;