"Render--But Don't Surrender--unto Caesar" (Sermon on Matthew 22:15-22)

stmatthewbt.org ^ | October 19, 2014 | The Rev. Charles Henrickson

[Charles Henrickson]

“Render--But Don’t Surrender--unto Caesar” (Matthew 22:15-22)

“Render unto Caesar”: I think most of us have heard that expression. In fact, I would say that most Americans, whether they’re in the church or not, have heard it. “Render unto Caesar.” The average person might say: “Let’s see, I think that has something to do with what we’re supposed to owe the government.” And they would be right. It does have to do with what we owe the government. But don’t stop the saying there. It goes on, you know. “Render unto Caesar . . . the things that are Caesar’s.” And so then the question becomes: What exactly are “the things that are Caesar’s”? Where does that stop? What is it that we owe the government? Does “Render unto Caesar” mean an unlimited rendering? Or are there limits?

“Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” But the sentence doesn’t even stop there. It’s a quote from Jesus, which we heard in our Gospel reading today, and Jesus goes on to speak of a “rendering-unto” that is even more important than what we give to the government. He says, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And so we’re going to get into all of that today, under the theme, “Render--But Don’t Surrender--unto Caesar.”

Let’s set the stage. It’s Holy Week again, where we’ve been the last few weeks. Jesus has told a couple of judgment parables against the Jewish establishment, the religious leaders who have rejected him. They, in turn, Jesus’ opponents--the chief priests and the elders and the Pharisees--they are scurrying about, plotting and scheming, trying to trap Jesus in something he says, so they can get him in trouble with the authorities and hopefully get rid of him. That’s where our text begins: “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle [Jesus] in his words.” And they’re going to be crafty in how they do it. They send some guys over who will first butter him up and flatter him, so he’d be more likely to speak freely. “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think.”

Now here comes the trick question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Do you see how they’ve set the trap? If Jesus says, “It is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar,” then Jesus’ opponents can tell the people that he’s not being a loyal patriotic Jew, because he thinks it’s OK that we submit to that pagan Roman emperor, namely, Caesar. And, on the flip side, if Jesus says, “No, we should not pay taxes to Caesar,” then the opponents can get him in trouble with the government, that is, the occupying Roman force. Quite a trap they have set!

But Jesus is going to turn the tables on them. He is going to give an answer that will put them on the defensive. Our text continues: “But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, ‘Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.’ And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ They said, ‘Caesar’s.’ Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’” Notice, Jesus doesn’t simply say, “Pay your taxes to Caesar.” He adds something to that, pointing out where his opponents are failing in an even more important responsibility: “Render unto God.” More on that later.

But let’s take up the first part of Jesus’ answer here: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s.” It does mean there are things you owe the government, even if you don’t like it, as, for instance, taxes. But “the things that are Caesar’s” does not mean all things. There are limits to what Caesar can command. When Caesar steps out of those limits, then we are not bound to do what he commands. So render, but do not surrender, unto Caesar.

Let me give you a couple of examples that were in the news just this past week, where Caesar overstepped his authority and therefore Christians are not bound to obey. The first story takes us to Houston, Texas. The mayor of Houston is a lesbian woman by the name of Annise Parker. She wants to promote the homosexual agenda there in Houston. Now there has been a controversy over a so-called “gay rights” bill there, and many pastors have spoken out against it, on moral and biblical grounds. So what did Mayor Parker do? She had her city attorneys subpoena the sermons and other communications of five pastors who have led the opposition. Well, the outcry against Mayor Parker’s action has been huge and national, and since then she has tried to backpedal a little, but her intent is clear. She is trying to use governmental force to intimidate Christian pastors from speaking out, to keep them from saying what God’s Word says about homosexuality, namely, that it is a sin. This is an outrageous abuse of power by Mayor Parker, and the Christian pastors have every right to defy her subpoena, which they are doing. And thousands of Christians across the nation are standing with them. Render, but do not surrender, unto Caesar.

Another example that is in the news, just as of yesterday: A city in Idaho is trying to force an ordained minister there to perform so-called same-sex marriages. Of course, there is no such thing as a same-sex marriage. That’s an impossibility. But some people want to pretend otherwise. And our culture is so screwed up right now that lots of people have been deceived into thinking there can be such a thing as same-sex marriage. And the government is coming down heavy-handed trying to enforce it. So they are threatening this minister that he must perform homosexual marriages, or else. I hope he defies the government. I know I would, if the government ever tries to enforce that here. Render, but do not surrender, unto Caesar.

And these two examples are just the tip of the iceberg. The Obama administration has tried to force Christian employers to provide abortion-causing drugs to their employees. This is wrong. Caesar is overstepping his bounds, trying to force people to act against conscience. Where will this stop? Who knows? It very well could get worse. It’s heading that way. But these are instances where Christians can and should defy the government and not obey. As the apostles once said, “We must obey God and not men.” Render unto Caesar, but do not surrender when they try to force you to act against God’s Word.

However, when the government is not forcing you to violate the Word of God, then we should obey. That includes things like paying our taxes. We may not like how much they’re taxing us, or we may not like what they’re doing with our taxes, but we still should pay them. That’s one of the things that does belong to Caesar, something that is within the scope of his God-given authority, and thus one of the things we should “render unto.” And in the meantime, if you don’t like the amount of the taxes, or what they’re going for, then here in America you can do something about that, which is to go to the ballot box and vote accordingly.

So those are a few words about what to render--and what not to render--unto Caesar. But now we come to the main part, the most important part, of Jesus’ answer: “And render unto God the things that are God’s.” You see, as important as the “Render unto Caesar” part is, the “Render unto God” part is even more vital. Let me explain.

Remember, Jesus asked his opponents to show him a coin. He asked them whose image or likeness was on that coin. And they said “Caesar’s.” “OK,” Jesus said, “then give Caesar his due. It only extends to some money. And there are more important things than money.” But now, the implication is this: Look at who’s standing right in front of you. Answer: Jesus. And whose image or likeness does Jesus bear? Answer: God’s. So why aren’t you guys rendering unto God the things that are God’s? In other words, instead of rejecting Jesus, you should be receiving him, welcoming him, embracing him in faith, for this Jesus bears the very image of God.

Yes, dear friends, this Jesus does! He is the very Son of God, born in human flesh. His whole ministry bears the imprint of divine authority: His preaching, calling people to repentance and faith. His teaching, words of wisdom, reaching the soul. His acts of mercy and healing, showing the great love of God for humanity and bringing in the blessings of the kingdom. In all these ways, and more, Jesus displays the image and likeness of God. Just as Caesar’s image was on that coin, so God’s image was shown in all its depth in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The appropriate thing to do, then, is to render the fitting response of faith.

Jesus’ opponents refused to do that. How about you? Yes, you and I will render unto God the things that are God’s: Repentance, turning from sin, confessing your sins. Faith, trusting in Christ for your salvation and not in your own works. Praise and worship, the grateful response of a forgiven heart, coming from sinners saved for eternity.

What has Jesus done to merit such a response? He earned your salvation for you. He took your debt of sin and paid it all on the cross. “It is finished!” he cried out. “Paid in full.” And having paid for your ransom, your release, your redemption, Christ then rose from the dead, showing that he had conquered death in the process--resurrection, a gift he shares with all those who trust in him. Eternal life, dwelling with God and all his people, in a restored creation--tax-free, and with no more Caesars to oppress us. Something to look forward to, isn’t it?

Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. Render, but do not surrender, when Caesar oversteps his bounds. And most importantly, render unto God the things that are God’s. Jesus Christ, your Savior, bears the image of God in full display. Therefore, in the words of the psalmist: “What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me? I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord. I will take the cup of salvation and will call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.”

[Charles Henrickson]

Matthew 22:15-22 (ESV)

Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle [Jesus] in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.

[Charles Henrickson]

Ping.

[Ace's Dad]

Very well said. The I've never heard the “render, not surrender” explanation before. Make so much sense. Thank you, Pastor.

[elhombrelibre]

Many governments hate Christians because they don’t surrender to the government. The Romans hated Christians up until Emperor Constantine. One objection was its sexual restraint and modesty that was alien to the pagan world (like today). Hitler hated Christianity and considered it unmanly. The communists hated Christianity and really all religions because of their totalitarian nature and Karl Marx’s believe that religion was the opiate of the masses. All totalitarians hate and fear religion and Christianity because they cannot accept independent, private spheres of life outside the government’s control (sound familiar?).

[jsanders2001]

I don’t have anything left to render Caesar. He got self entitled and decided to just leave me the crumbs. I wonder how Jesus would have answered that same question today with the heightened corruption and never ending quest for taxpayer’s green blood. One has to wonder if the answer would be slightly any different.

[knarf]

VERY catchy line worthy of bumper stickerism

2 Timothy 3:16-17King James Version (KJV)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

I believe this message comes under the "throughly furnished" clause

[knarf]

No, I don't think there would be any difference nor variance.

The Gospel is simple and though sometimes we think some of scripture is confusing, I think that is due more to the clutter in our own minds that prevent us from thinking simply, than the "confusion" of scripture.

Besides .. God wants us to use the ability to think He created FOR us.

[jonrick46]

When churches are threatened with giving up their tax-exempt status and their congregations threatened with losing income tax exemptions for their donations to politically incorrect churches, there are those who think it is better to just end the tax-exempt status. That is what I call surrendering unto Caesar. When Big Bertha Government has the power to tax churches, it has the power to control them. That power our Founders knew very well. That is why historically churches have had tax-exempt status and never should have to file for 501-C3 status. IRS 501-C3 is something for non-religious operations—not churches!

[SaraJohnson]

They are ordering ministers to marry homosexuals in Idaho.

I say Christians caught up in Caesar’s command, to marry them in the name of Caesar and not God. Preach at the ceremony what God says about homosexuality to explain why the ceremony is civil contract under the authority of Caesar’s and has nothing to do with marriage in Christ.

Caesar can not force Christians to preach a certain way and homos can not force ministers to bless their unions in the name of marriage under God. It is a civil or government union. If they want to force ministers into the mix, use the opportunity to educate.

[762X51]

I’ve never seen an instance of it but I wonder if any Sodomites will ever demand to be married in a mosque by an Imam?

[super7man]

God, Family, Country. In that order.

[Patton@Bastogne]

.


America's Gradual Decline since President L.B.J. ...


Today (2014-10-18) Rev. Charles Henrickson wrote the article "Render Unto Caesar - Don't Surrender" ...


Pastor Charles Henrickson's article has several positive points, FIRST and foremost, NOT Surrendering to Caesar's evil government.


However, let me ask this KEY question:

A) Is Pastor Henrickson speaking as a "private citizen" in a conversation with his friends at a restaurant ...

B) Is Pastor Henrickson speaking as the "pastor of a "simple religious group" (i.e. a "church") ...

C) Is Pastor Hendrickson speaking as the "Chief Executive Officer" (CEO) of the "St. Matthew Lutheran Church" IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt (federally chartered) "charitable religious corporation" of Bonne Terre, Missouri ?


If, indeed, Charles Hendrickson is speaking under conditions "A" or "B" listed above ...

the U.S. Constitution FULLY protects his "complete" right to free speech.

No one at Free Republic would argue against that, first and foremost, me.

Charles Hendrickson, Pastor

Charles Hendrickson, CEO, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, a Federally Chartered Charitable Religious Corporation operating under the IRS 501-C3 Federal Contract

==============================================

What about option "C", thought ?

Is Pastor Hendrickson speaking as the "Chief Executive Officer" (CEO) of the "St. Matthew Lutheran Church" IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt (federally chartered) "charitable religious corporation" of Bonne Terre, Missouri ?

Notice key elements of option "C":

C1) CEO
C2) "Charitable Religious Corporation"
C3) "Federally Chartered"
C4) IRS %01-C3 "Federal Contract"


You see, "if" CEO Charles Henrickson expresses his political views ...

using the pulpit, building, sound system, resources, materials, electricity, air conditioning ...

paid for by the IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt "St. Matthew Lutheran Church" ...

a charitable religious corporation, CHARTERED by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, which also has a "federal contract" ...

(tax-exempt status" with FULL terms and conditions ...

that includes restrictions on both FREE SPEECH (from behind the pulpit) and PASSING LEGISLATION

THEN our admirable and spiritually courageous CEO Charles Hendrickson (I like this guy) is GUILTY of violating his Corporation's IRS 501-C3 "federal contract".

Corporate CEO Charles Henrickson should carefully review his corporations legal obligations under his IRS 501-Ce federal contract.






Pastor Charles Hendrickson is a New Testament scholar.

Pastor, why were the Jewish Religious Leaders so subservient to Rome ?

Well, one reason is that the "evil" Roman Empire had rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. It was beautiful. Magnificent.

... much like today's modern American Christian Churches with their buildings, coffee kiosks, internet websites, twitter accounts, missionary trips to the moon, free bibles and bottled water for the homeless.

Rome's Caesar PAID for the Jerusalem Temple, and he DEMANDED a great return for his investment.

Caesar demanded "obedience" in exchange for his "gifts" to the Jewish people.



The U.S. Government HELPS PAY/SUBSIDIZE the "material glory" of the modern American Christian Church system (tax deduction credits) ...

and like Caesar, Uncle Sam DEMANDS a fair return on his investment.

Uncle Sam demands "obedience" in exchange for his "gifts" to the modern American Christian Church.

That obedience (as Houston's LGBT Mayor fully understand) is NOT critizing Uncle Sam's policies, especially promotion of Gays, Islam and other "garbage".

==============================================

What's the "magic" solution for America's Christian Churches ...

so that Pastors can FREELY preach the "complete truth" without violation of their IRS 501-C3 contract ?

Dump their IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
DIVORCE their IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
Cancel their IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt status.
Jettison their IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt status.


Ever heard of that GREAT Christian Conservative institution: Hillsdale College ?

Rush Limbaugh talks about them all the time, full of praise for their "legal acumen".

Hillsdale College REFUSES to have "any" tax-exempt status.

Why ?

They don't want the government's FREE MONEY that hides the "Chains of Free Speech Slavery".

==============================================

Many American Christians wonder “why” our nation is gradually slipping away into spiritual darkness, especially since 1954.

Why has it been over 100 years since America had a (genuinely) great National Revival ?

Sure, Rev. Billy Grahman's Crusades were great; but did they fundamentally change America's "spiritual core" ? NO.

The 700 Club television network, James Dobson's "Focus on the Family", Promise Keepers, were great; but did they fundamentally change America's "spiritual core" ? NO.

Great Christian movies like "The Bible"; "Son of God", "Fireproof", "Facing the Giants" are great; but did they fundamentally change America's "spiritual core" ? NO.

Great Christian athletes and coaches like Jim Tebow and Tony Dungy; but did they fundamentally change America's "spiritual core" ? NO.




Consider the year 1954. It was the beginning of a tidal wave of spiritual darkness that has destroyed a “Christian America”.

What happened in 1954 ?

1) WHY did LBJ's stealth "satanic agenda" in 1954 DIRECTLY CAUSE in 1963 the U.S. Supreme Court banning Christian Prayers in America’s Public schools ?

2) WHY did LBJ's clandestine "satanic agenda" in 1954 DIRECTLY CAUSE in 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court allowing legalized Abortion (56 million murdered children) ?





====================================================================


Americans and Israelis celebrated in June 2010 when the STUXNET computer virus crippled Iran's nuclear program, reportedly destroying one-fifth of Iran's nuclear centrifuges (Wikipaedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuxnet).

Clearly, computer viruses and malware can be powerful weapons, silently destroying an from the inside.

The enemy doesn't know what happened until it's too late, when defeat is inevitable.


Satan is the sworn enemy of America's Christians and Churches, attacking from all directions, 24/7/365 days a year.

"What If" Satan could plant a "spiritual malware-virus" into America's Christian Churches ?

Would Satan "play nice" or go for a bloody kill, like he did to Rome's early Christian Church using lions in the Coliseum ?

Satan knows that the "LOVE of money" (not money itself) is a powerful spiritual weapon.





What does this have to do with 1954 ?

What does this have to do with U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson ?



In 1954 U.S. Senator L.B. Johnson "spiritually castrated" America's Christian Churches.

It's a perfectly accurate picture. Bloody, painful, loss (surrender) of "spiritual power".

Is that image too graphic or intense for you ?

Too bad. I'm just the messenger.



Exactly how did LBJ "spiritually castrate" America's Christian Churches in 1954 ???

He offered them MONEY, MONEY and more MONEY ... billions and billions of dollars for "wonderful" church activities and new programs.

MONEY for new church programs to spread Christ's Gospel in Billy Graham Crusades, "Focus on the Family" radio programs, and giving FREE bibles to the Homeless.

MONEY for great Christian Universities.

MONEY for Missionary teams to Haiti and Russia.

MONEY for Moody Bible University and it's network of radio programs.


"FREE" Money ... all in exchange for IRS 501-C3 Church Tax Exempt Status.






Read (later) about the Johnson Amendment of 1954.

The best internet link is: History of the Johnson Amendment of 1954



What's another great information source for how LBJ's 1954 Church Tax-Exempt Status has SPIRITUALLY CASTRATED America's Christian Churches ?

Watch any of the Youtube Videos listed below.

Forward the internet links to your fellow Christian Believers and Church Pastor.



Discover WHY "IRS 501-C3" is LBJ-Satan's spiritual version of the deadly STUXNET computer virus ... designed to DESTROY America's Christian Churches, silently, from within.

Discover why a conservative evangelical Pro-Life Tea-Party Christian is challenging Christian pastors and churches to jettison their IRS 501-C3 tax-exempt status.

Join the growing Christian spiritual awareness that IRS 501-C3 "marriage" between Uncle Sam’s (sometimes EVIL) Federal Government and YOUR CHURCH is a great "Satanic Deception".



CHALLENGE your Pastor to read the complete text of IRS 501-C3 from the Church pulpit.



CHALLENGE your Pastor to tell the Congregation about IRS Pamphlet "P-1828" (downloadable) for the "specific legal details" about your local church's "Marriage" to the IRS / Federal Government.

IRS Pamphlet P1828 Download Link (5.10 M): IRS Marriage Covenant with Your Church

E-Mail IRS Pamphlet P1828 to every Christian Believer and Church Pastor that you know.

====================================================================





IRS & Church Marriage vs. "Render Unto Caesar" ...

IRS & Church Marriage vs. "Render Unto Caesar" - (click)



Pro-Life Victory vs. "Render Unto Caesar" ...

Pro-Life Victory vs. "Render Unto Caesar" - (click)




Tea Party Christians and "Render Unto Caesar" ...

Tea Party Christians and "Render Unto Caesar" - (click)




America's Spiritual Revival and Healing - The Obstacle ...

.America's Spiritual Revival and Healing - The Obstacle ... - (click)




====================================================================


Thanks for your time in reading this ...


Patton-at-Bastogne

FreeRepublic member since 1998



.

[Joshua]

The author is saying that you should take a stand against a government that forces you to do something against Gods word.
I.e, We should never surrender to the Govt. when asked to go against God’s word, but subsidizing, through taxes, a Govt. that funds abortion, homosexuality, promiscuity or anything else that goes against God’s word is OK.
Right, sure, OK. well thought out

[ForYourChildren]

Completely agree. Glad to see you come around. ;)

[ForYourChildren]

Good message. Well presented. Thanks.

[arthurus]

This fellow does good work.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

I LOVE your Sermons. And when it comes down to it, I want you beside me in the trenches!

Thanks, once again. You Rock! :)

[Diana in Wisconsin]

“When Caesar steps out of those limits, then we are not bound to do what he commands.”

“_Resident 0bama? Please pick up the White Courtesy Phone in the Lobby!”

[xone]

The U.S. Government HELPS PAY/SUBSIDIZE the "material glory" of the modern American Christian Church system (tax deduction credits) ... and like Caesar, Uncle Sam DEMANDS a fair return on his investment.

Uncle Sam may well demand a fair return, but what isn't in play is God's Word. Should the gov't demand based upon 501-C3 status that he cease preaching God's Word or modify it to meet gov't rules, I have no doubt that the good Pastor would refuse. Maybe that is what needs to happen more often, to get this in front of America. Other people read the Constitution as well, a modification of the tax code doesn't supersede it.

[tacticalogic]

I don’t have anything left to render Caesar.

Might have to dig a little deeper, because Caesar is getting to be due an ass kicking.