【043】今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY：国家治理与基督教信仰的关系体现了神的主权和对信徒的美意 The Relationship Between Statecraft and Christian Faith Reflects God’s Sovereignty and His Good Will for Believers

【SCRIPTURE 经文】：”你们为主的缘故，要顺服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王。”; “政府的权柄，人人都应当服从，因为没有一样权柄不是从神而来的。掌权的都是神设立的。”; “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.”; “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. “(彼得前书I Peter 2:13; 罗马书 Romans 13:1)

【SHARING 分享】：我们所信奉的基督教信仰与治国之道之间的关系至关重要。这是张皇卿博士 Whisper, Dr. John. 在他所在的教会 —— 爱城华人宣道会亚伯拉罕团契 —— 分享的信息：国家治理与基督教信仰之间的关系体现了神的主权及其对信徒的美意。

【今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY】：分享的经文是彼得前书 2:13 和罗马书 13:1。在使徒彼得和保罗书信中的一篇讲道中，他们被质疑为伪君子，因为他们在经文中教导信徒要顺服掌权的，以及他们因被拯救免于流放而可能遭受的批评。在蒙神的主权怜悯及其对使徒们的美意施给出路，使徒行传 12:6-11 记载彼得在被罗马王希律逼害的前一天被天使从监狱中救出；保罗在使徒行传 9:25 中，描述被他的门徒用下拉式篮子从他的同胞犹太人的追害中救出。一些现代圣经学者将今天分享的经文解读为：基督徒应该（1）顺服一切人类的制度；（2）顺服执政的权威，因为它们是神设立的。然而，作为早期基督教群体的领袖，彼得和保罗可能也曾面临挑战或反抗这些权威，这引发了人们对他们教导和行为一致性的质疑。

有一位曾在海外逗留长久宣教的圣经学者 —— 霍华德·津恩 Howard Zinn，写过一篇与《今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY》中引用的经文类似的讲道。霍华德在讲道中问道：彼得和保罗是伪君子吗？因为他们要求基督徒照他们说的去做，而使徒们却没有照他们自己说的去做？这位圣经学者描述道： 从人类历史的角度来看，最可怕的事情是：战争、种族灭绝和奴役，并非因为 “不顺服”，而是因为 “顺服”。在这个动荡的时代，许多基督徒正在努力寻找一种更健康、更成熟的态度来应对政府的体制和管辖权。学者们认为，我们今天引用的这节经文有些过于 “苛刻”，因为它在历史上曾被用来压制异议、镇压抗议，以及阻止公民抗命。

在世界各地，我们目睹了 “强人” 的崛起 —— 例如俄罗斯、土耳其的领导人，以及像柬埔寨总统洪森这样执政36年的残暴领导人。这些人统治严酷，对正义和受压迫的人民漠不关心。霍华德在柬埔寨生活了15年，他深知生活在铁腕之下的滋味。与此同时，在柬埔寨以及世界各地，疫苗接种、疫苗护照以及大型集会都在疫情期间受到严格管控。我们遵守这些政府规定，是因为圣经教导我们无论如何都要遵守呀？ —— 还是另有更深层次的原则？

因此，我们不得不担心，如果处理这 “顺服” 不好，很容易走向两个极端：（A）一方面，我们最终可能会重蹈希特勒纳粹政府统治下德国教会的覆辙。在那个时代，太多善良的公民 —— 包括善良的基督徒！—— 袖手旁观，看着他们脆弱的邻舍被当局打压；（B）另一方面，在过去的一年里，有些人以维护个人 “自由” 的名义，拒绝遵守常识性的法律。有些人将个人权利置于耶稣的诫命（1）“爱你的邻居” 之上，而忽略了通过简单的公共卫生实践来实践耶稣更重要的教导：（2）“爱人如己”。所以，让我们仔细看看这些经文，它们是如何教导我们 “顺服” 政府权威的。

霍华德继续提醒并解释了为什么我们今天所引用的经文有些过于 “苛刻”。让我们理解政府的制度和规章制度对我们日常基督徒价值观的重要性。现在，让我们以我们永久居住地加拿大的治理为例！

加拿大是一个世俗、文明和自由的国家：（A）政府有责任维护法律，保护所有公民的权利，无论其宗教信仰如何；（B）基督徒与所有公民一样，拥有实践信仰和维护价值观的自由；（C）但这种自由需要与尊重他人的权利和信仰要相互平衡。现在，让我们深入探讨政府机构与基督教价值观之间的关系： (1）政府的作用：政府的主要职能是维护法律和秩序，保障公民权利，并提供教育和医疗保健等基本服务。政府不会强制执行宗教信仰，也不会歧视任何信仰。

(2）基督教信仰和价值观：基督教信仰包括对神、耶稣基督、和圣经的信仰，以及基于这些信仰的道德原则。基督徒可能对社会问题、政治意识形态和政府的作用有特定的看法，但这些看法并不一定与政府机构相冲突。

(3) 政教分离：包括美国在内的许多国家都实行政教分离，这意味着政府不设立国教，并保护所有公民的宗教自由。这一原则确保政府不会偏袒任何特定的宗教信仰，也不会将其强加于人。

(4) 平衡宗教自由与法治：基督徒与其他公民一样，有权自由地实践其信仰，但这种自由并非绝对。宗教活动不得侵犯他人的权利或安全，也不得违反法律。例如，宗教团体可以自由地进行礼拜，但不得扰乱公共秩序或从事非法活动。

(5) 价值观冲突：在某些情况下，基督徒的价值观可能与政府的政策或法律有所不同。例如，基督徒可能在堕胎、同性婚姻或死刑等问题上持有不同观点。在这种情况下，基督徒可以倡导政府改变政策或法律，但他们必须在法律允许的范围内，并以尊重他人权利的方式进行。这也是今天经文教导我们如何顺服国家政府的制度和管辖权。

理解神的主权和祂的美意，是活出圣洁得救的基督徒生活的基础。这意味着承认神的终极权柄和能力，同时也信靠祂的美善和对我们福祉的渴望，包括我们的救恩和圣洁的成长。这种理解将指导我们作为神国度子民在世上的生活，以及将来我们亲眼见到主时所做的选择、行动和互动。这样，我们就不会觉得今天引用的经文有点 “苛刻” 了！ The relationship between our Christian faith and statecraft is vital. This is the message shared by Whisper, Dr. John at his church, Abraham Fellowship of the Edmonton Chinese Alliance Church: The Relationship Between Statecraft and Christian Faith Reflects God’s Sovereignty and His Good Will for Believers.

The Scriptures shared in 《今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY》are 1 Peter 2:13 and Romans 13:1. In a sermon in the epistles of the Apostles Peter and Paul were questioned as hypocrites because they taught believers to obey those in authority in the Scriptures and the criticism, they might face for being saved from exile. In God’s sovereign mercy and His good will for the Apostles, Peter was rescued from prison by an angel the day before he was persecuted by Herod the Roman King, in Acts 12:6-11; Paul described being rescued from persecution by his fellow Jews in a drop-down basket by his disciples in Acts 9:25. Some modern Bible scholars interpret today’s passage to mean that Christians should (1) submit to all human institutions and (2) obey governing authorities because they are established by God. However, as leaders of early Christian communities, Peter and Paul may have faced challenges or rebellion against these authorities, which raises questions about the consistency of their teaching and behavior.

Howard Zinn, a Bible scholar who has spent a long time overseas as a missionary, has written a sermon similar to the passage quoted in 《今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY》. In his sermon, Howard asks: Are Peter and Paul hypocrites because they demand Christians do what they say, while the apostles do not do what they say? This Bible scholar describes:

From the perspective of human history, the most terrible things are that wars, genocide, and slavery are not caused by "disobedience" but by "obedience." In these turbulent times, many Christians are struggling to find a healthier and more mature attitude toward government institutions and jurisdictions. Scholars believe that the verses we quote today are a bit too "harsh" because it has been used historically to suppress dissent, quell protests, and prevent civil disobedience. Around the world, we have witnessed the rise of "strong men" - such as the leaders of Russia, Turkey, and brutal leaders like Cambodian President Hun Sen who has been in power for 36 years. These people rule harshly and are indifferent to justice and oppressed people. Howard lived in Cambodia for 15 years, and he knows what it feels like to live under an iron fist. At the same time, in Cambodia and around the world, vaccinations, vaccine passports, and large gatherings are strictly controlled during the pandemic. Do we obey these government regulations because the Bible teaches us to obey them no matter what? - Or is there a deeper principle?

Therefore, we have to worry that if this "obedience" is not handled well, it is easy to go to two extremes: (A) On the one hand, we may end up repeating the mistakes of the German church under Hitler's Nazi government. In that era, there were too many good citizens - including good Christians! — stood by and watched their vulnerable neighbors being crushed by the authorities; (B) On the other hand, over the past year, some have refused to obey common-sense laws in the name of preserving personal “freedom.” Some have placed individual rights above Jesus’ commandment (1) “love your neighbor,” while neglecting to practice Jesus’ more important teaching through simple public health practices: (2) “love your neighbor as yourself.” So, let’s take a closer look at these verses and how they teach us to “submit” to government authority.

Howard goes on to remind and explain why the verses we have quoted today are a little too “harsh.” Let’s understand the importance of government’s systems and rules and regulations to our daily Christian values. Now, let’s take the example of governance in Canada, where we permanently reside! Canada is a secular, civilized, and free country: (A) the government has the responsibility to uphold the law and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs; (B) Christians, like all citizens, have the freedom to practice their faith and uphold their values; (C) but this freedom needs to be balanced with respect for the rights and beliefs of others. Now, let’s delve deeper into the relationship between government institutions and Christian values:

(1) The role of government: The primary functions of government are to maintain law and order, protect citizens’ rights, and provide basic services such as education and health care. The government does not enforce religious beliefs nor discriminate against any faith.

(2) Christian beliefs and values: Christian beliefs include belief in God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible, as well as moral principles based on these beliefs. Christians may have specific views on social issues, political ideologies, and the role of government, but these views do not necessarily conflict with government institutions.

(3) Separation of church and state: Many countries, including the United States, practice separation of church and state, which means that the government does not establish a state religion and protects the religious freedom of all citizens. This principle ensures that the government does not favor any particular religious belief or impose it on others.

(4) Balancing religious freedom and the rule of law: Christians have the same right as other citizens to freely practice their beliefs, but this freedom is not absolute. Religious activities must not infringe on the rights or safety of others or violate the law. For example, religious groups may worship freely but may not disrupt public order or engage in illegal activities. (5) Conflict of values: In some cases, Christian values may differ from government policies or laws. For example, Christians may hold different views on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, or the death penalty. In such cases, Christians can advocate for changes in government policies or laws, but they must do so within the scope of the law and in a way that respects the rights of others. This is also what today’s passage teaches us about how to submit to the institutions and jurisdictions of national governments.

Understanding God’s sovereignty and His good will is fundamental to living a holy and saved Christian life. It means recognizing God’s ultimate authority and power while also trusting His goodness and desire for our well-being, including our salvation and growth in holiness. This understanding will guide our choices, actions, and interactions as citizens of God’s kingdom on earth and in the future when we see the Lord in person. In this way, we won’t feel that today’s passage is a bit “harsh”!

【043】 Whisper Web transfers this sharing from Dr. John King 张皇卿博士 on “今日灵粮 Spiritual FOOD TODAY” at 分享自脸书网站：www.facebook.com/johnking9999 和 and 维克斯站：johnking9999.wixsite.com/website Edmonton, AB, Canada Friday 06.20.2025.