In "Human Government - Part 1," host Robert Kornegay embarks on a foundational study of government from a biblical perspective. The discussion begins by clarifying key terms: "civil/human government" refers to man's rule, while "divine government" signifies God's established kingdom and authority.
The core of the teaching emphasizes that understanding God's will extends beyond explicit "thou shalt" or "thou shalt not" commands. Instead, God provides instruction through:
Direct Commands: Explicit directives from God.
Examples: Demonstrations of God's will through the actions of biblical figures or communities.
Necessary Inference/General Principle: Logical conclusions drawn from scripture and overarching biblical principles that reveal God's intent.
The sermon illustrates this point by explaining why Christians worship on Sunday, despite no direct command, by examining biblical examples (Acts 20:7) and necessary inferences (Revelation 1:10).
The message then traces the historical development of government, starting with creation:
God's Original Design: God gave humanity dominion over the earth, but retained authority over humanity itself (Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 2).
Early Disobedience: Adam and Eve's rebellion in Eden marked humanity's refusal to be governed by God's direct command (Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:24).
Continued Authority: Even after the Fall, God maintained His authority, as evidenced by Eve acknowledging God's role in Cain's birth (Genesis 4:1) and God's acceptance of Abel's offering over Cain's, implying a standard of righteousness beyond explicit law (Genesis 4:3-5).
Pre-Flood Society: Before the flood, formal human government was absent. Society likely operated under patriarchal leadership, but widespread violence and corruption ultimately led to the flood, demonstrating the breakdown of any rudimentary social order when God's authority was neglected (Genesis 6:11-13).
Post-Flood Delegation: After the flood, God delegated a portion of His authority to humanity, particularly for the protection of life and the punishment of wrongdoing, introducing the principle of capital punishment (Genesis 9:6). This foreshadows later concepts of human government's role in maintaining order.
The Rise of Nimrod: The narrative introduces Nimrod (Genesis 10), identified as the first man to establish a kingdom and organized political power. Josephus's historical accounts are cited, suggesting Nimrod's ambition was to challenge God's rule, leading to the construction of the Tower of Babel.
The Tower of Babel: This pivotal event (Genesis 11) symbolizes human rebellion, pride, and the desire for self-sufficiency apart from God. The confusion of languages and scattering of nations resulted from humanity's attempt to "make a name for ourselves" rather than follow God's command to scatter and fill the earth.
Nimrod's Government: Characterized by self-strength rather than divine authority, an authoritarian style, a focus on earthly kingdoms, and a legacy tied to rebellion against God. Its design was to "oppose, counteract, and displace the government of God."
The teaching underscores that the institution of human government, particularly as exemplified by Nimrod and Babel, originated in an act of rebellion against God's supreme authority, setting the stage for an ongoing tension between man's kingdom and God's kingdom.
Scriptures for Further Study
Romans 14
Acts 20:7
Revelation 1:10
Genesis 1:26-28
Genesis 2:17
Genesis 3:24
Genesis 4:1
Genesis 4:3-5
Genesis 6:11-13
Genesis 9:6
Genesis 10
Genesis 11:1-9
Romans 13:1
Revelation 17
Revelation 18
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