Principles for Life in the Kingdom of GodÀpẹrẹ

CITIZEN RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BELIEVERS

MAIN IDEAS

• The Pharisees – the most religious people of the time – try to trap JESUS by forcing Him to say something that contradicts their law. Their trick question is whether or not a man of faith should pay taxes to the government in Rome.

• The question was a trap because any answer would incriminate Him and would be used against Him. If he supported the payment of taxes, He could be labelled a traitor to Israel, and if He criticized the payment of taxes to the Romans, He could be accused of instigating seditious disobedience towards the Roman government.

• JESUS’ answer puts forth another principle of the Kingdom: Membership in the KINGDOM OF GOD does not exempt the believer from a citizen’s obligations, provided that they do not contradict any laws of God.

Even though the Pharisees’ questions were generally exaggerated, JESUS welcomed them because through His response, He could teach the people about the principles of the Kingdom and how to live their lives like children of God. A follower of JESUS must fulfill his social responsibilities, but, of course, only insofar as they do not contravene the rules of the KINGDOM OF GOD, which are superior to any human, earthly rules and regulations. This means that we must live out the principles of the KINGDOM OF GOD, which do not demand our money, but strive for the salvation of our immortal souls.
If until now you have been a good citizen and have fulfilled all your obligations, then you must consider that you also need to fulfill your obligations to God, your Creator, Who loves your soul and wants it with Him in the Kingdom, where you will be happy and fulfilled forever.