A Code to Keep

THE MAIN IDEA

What if we could enter every conversation controlled by the love of Christ? This week we study another conversation centered around a tax matter. This time the conversation involves an untimely reminder of “payment due”, godly counsel to solve the issue, one remarkably placed coin, and a conclusion or two for us to apply as ambassadors-in-training. To Peter, it was a really big deal, but not just for financial reasons. To Christ, other matters seem to matter more than the tax bill, and it’s his love that controls the conversation. To prepare our hearts for study, let’s recite together an important conclusion made by the Apostle Paul after he became an ambassador of Christ:

THE AMBASSADOR’S CONCLUSION: 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

THE SET-UP:

Although the practical benefit of money is efficiency in commerce, the historical problem with money is that any form of currency (or related financial system) can be leveraged for lordship over populations, secular control of markets, and ultimately the control of individual income.

Another problem with currency and financial systems is that they (on the testimony of history) come and go, rise and fall (typically, in cycles of hundreds of years) as balances of lordship and governmental control shift in the world.

HOWEVER, pertaining to Christ’s kingdom (of which we are ambassadors), Isaiah 9:7 teaches us that “The increase of His government shall know no end.” So, regardless of our various political ideologies, we are headed for an era of “big government”, but not the fragile, humanistic sort that is destined to fall in “one hour” (Rev. 18:17). 

SO… to confirm: as believers in Christ, we are (already) citizens of the eternal, heavenly kingdom which cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28).

THE CONTEXT:

Fumbling a miracle… MATTHEW 17:19 “…Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (21 “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”)

Missing the point… MATTHEW 17:22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day.” And they were greatly distressed.

THE CONVERSATION:

And now confronted with a tax bill… MATTHEW 17:24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax went up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?” 26 And when he said, “From others,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free. 27 However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”

AGAIN, KEY POINTS:

And they were greatly distressed. (Indication of a predicament…)

Jesus spoke to him first… (Indication He knows our tendencies…)

However, not to give offense to them… (cf. TITUS 3:1-9) (Indication of our opportunity…)

Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself. (Indication of our responsibility…)

APPLICATION…NOW. TODAY.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN CONTROL (Paul to Titus) TITUS 3:1-9 (ESV) Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

THE AMBASSADOR’S CODE:

1 PETER 2:13-17 (ESV)  Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[c] of God. 

17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

THE AMBASSADOR’S CHARGE:

ACTS 4:17-20 (ESV)  17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”