"FOR MEN IN HIGH PLACES"

INTRODUCTION-- In August of 1974, an unprecedented event occurred in the history of our country......A President, guilty of many crimes and misdemeanors, resigned his office, and turned the office over to an unelected man.

1. Vice-president Agnew had preceded Nixon by resigning his office under fire.
   
2. Gerald Ford, who had been appointed vice-president, and confirmed by the Senate, became President of the United States, and an honorable one.
   
3. Some observations are in order (for what they are worth).
   
   1. This Historical trauma for our nation came from a sudden revival of the principle--Rule of Law, Not of Men. (As those who are committed to live by the Law of Christ, Christians should identify with this sentiment.)
      
   2. Both the outgoing and incoming Presidents (Nixon and Ford) remembered God (though it may have been in deference to the prevailing surge of righteous indignation they saw in the citizenry). President Ford solemnly requested that the people "confirm him by prayer," since we had no opportunity to elect him by ballot.
      
   3. The event was in imitation of another ruler who caused his great accomplishments to be overshadowed by his crimes. (I think of David, the King.)

THEME-- Our country is very resilient, and has almost forgotten that such events every disturbed us, and nearly brought our democracy to a standstill. Our public people at many levels are very immoral, now, because our country has changed.

1. In the Nixon-Ford era there may have been as much immorality, and corruption as there is today, but it was more secret.
   
2. Today, because our society has degenerated, public servants seem to be only a reflection of the degraded society from which they came.

LESSON--

1. We should expect the service of Government to be beneficial to law-abiding citizens, and malevolent only toward law-breakers.
   
   1. Even evil rulers know the value of a well-regulated and obedient society. (An unjust judge can be persuaded to give a citizen justice. Luke 18:1-5)
      
   2. The Apostles tell us about God's overview of Government.
      
      1. Romans 13:1-7 "Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing.
         

         7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."
         

      2. 1 Peter 2:13-17 "Be subject to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14 or unto governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king."
         
   3. Honor and fear, coupled with tribute and custom is the rule.
      
2. Let us see the rules in practical application. Acts 24-26
   
   1. Paul is accused of insurrection before Felix, the Roman governor. Vs. 24:5 "(The rulers of the Jews said,) For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:"
      
   2. Paul denied the accusation. Vs. 24:12-13 "...neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. 13 Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me."
      
   3. Instead, he professes the opposite attitude. Vs. 24:16 "Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always."
      
   4. Felix deferred judgment, and put Paul in comfortable imprisonment, but his is discovered as one who might accept a bribe and play both sides. Vs. 24:23 27 "...he gave order to the centurion that he should be kept in charge, and should have indulgence; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him. 24 But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me. 26 He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds."
      
   5. Festus wants to please the Jews, but won't circumvent the law. Vs. 25:9-12 "But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? 10 But Paul said, I am standing before Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest. 11 If then I am a wrong-doer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if none of those things is true whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up unto them. I appeal unto Caesar. 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Thou hast appealed unto Caesar: unto Caesar shalt thou go."
      
   6. King Agrippa, after hearing Paul, gives his judgment of the merits of the case. Vs 26:30-32 "And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 31 and when they had withdrawn, they spake one to another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds. 32 And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar."
      
      1. This meant that Paul had spent years in false imprisonment, due to the false accusations of Jewish rulers, and the corruption of Roman rulers.
         
      2. Yet, the events enable Paul to journey to Rome at Roman expense.
         
         1. Paul had purposed to go to Rome. Acts 19:21 (and Romans 1:15)
            
         2. Jesus later promised the imprisoned Paul in a vision that he would go to Rome. Acts 23:11
            
         3. Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:20, "I am an Ambassador in chains."
            
3. Before the Apostles wrote, Jesus had shown the obligation of the righteous toward government. Matthew 22:15-22 "Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might ensnare him in his talk. 16 And they send to him their disciples, with the Herodians, saying, Teacher, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, and carest not for any one: for thou regardest not the person of men. 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why make ye trial of me, ye hypocrites? 19 Show me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a denarius. 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. 22 And when they heard it, they marvelled, and left him, and went away."
   
   1. Jesus "perceived their wickedness," a reluctance to pay tribute to Ceasar.
      
   2. The coin of the realm implies rule and rights to be respected.

APPLICATION-- So, Paul gives us God's command on this matter in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; 2 for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."

1. Prayers for ALL MEN, especially those in HIGH PLACES, are mandatory.
   
2. Two purposes for such prayers: Tranquil life, and salvation of the rulers.