Let's Pay Tribute

Good day. Today we are posting Let's Pay Tribute, written November 11, 2008. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this writing. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2008.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
 
Let’s Pay Tribute
 
Romans 13:1-4 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the 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 the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (KJV)
 
First of all I would like to pay close attention to the first three words in verse 1, because ‘every’ does mean everyone. The powers that are ordained of God that are being spoken about, is our police, fire departments, as well as the military. We all have an obligation, including Christians, to follow and obey the laws of the land. You may not like and agree with all of them, but like it or not it is our duty to obey and stay in good standing with them. I make this point because we are going to touch on an area where the so called church thinks they can side step laws as well just because others do it or man says that it’s ok.
 
Romans 13:5-8 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV)
 
Williams New Testament translation of Romans 13:5-8
5. Therefore, you must obey them, not only for the sake of escaping punishment, but also for conscience' sake; 6. for this is the reason why you pay your taxes, for the civil authorities are God's official servants faithfully devoting themselves to this very end. 7. Pay all of them what is due them -- tribute to the officer to receive it, taxes to the officer to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it. 8.  Stop owing anybody anything, except the obligation to love one another, for whoever practices loving others has perfectly satisfied the law.
 
You know what that word tribute means, yup taxes. “Oh but we are the church, all we have to do is file for our non-profit status and we are tax free right”? Well according to man that may be so, but according to the word of God that is not the case. Paul wasn’t writing this letter to those outside of the body of Christ, but rather these scriptures are for God’s people, are they not? You know preachers, when a policeman, fireman, or someone from the military comes to your congregation on Sunday you are not shy about passing around the collection plate are you? But have you done your fair share in giving as well? You know that tribute stuff the Lord says we need to pay to be in good standing with Him? “Oh but we would go broke if we had to pay it”. Well if God was truly your source then what you are telling me is that God went broke, right?
 
Matthew 22:17-21 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 tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? (19) Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. (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 which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (KJV)
 
Hmm, the Lord paid taxes; and being that we are imitators of Him wouldn’t it be fitting that we did also? You know the preachers are not shy about reminding the congregation of their duty of paying their fair share which the Bible says also, rendering to God the things that are His. But it is the preacher’s or pastor’s duty to render tribute to Caesar as well, which is in the form of taxes. So while our police officers and firemen, as well as the military are willing to lay down their lives for us, is the so called church that cheap and willing to show a total disregard for the duties performed by not paying their fair share in the form of taxes? After all if the Church doesn’t set the example in deed as well as word, then who will? Hey people, next time they hit you up with their endless giving sermons seeking to get more money out of the congregation, ask them if they have done their fair share, before you decide if you are going to support them as well.
 
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (KJV)
 
Here we see an example of taking care of God’s people, not muzzling them but rather supporting them in their work. Whatever calling they are answering, if you are getting fed at their organization and you know that they are teaching truth then God does require people to give and support it as well. Now the flip side though with God’s people is that you are required to give also to support the other works God has called, otherwise you haven’t truly fulfilled your duty. You know, that water and sewer system to your building was put in by a laborer and the Bible does tell us that the laborer is worthy of his reward doesn’t it? Maybe if you are having financial problems with your organization, it just may be a reflection of your own stinginess and lack of giving on your part in the form of tribute or taxes. Remember too that in Romans 13:4 God refers to our civil servants as being His ministers also; so while many ministers demand payment for their services from the congregations, are they doing their part themselves in the form of tribute?
 
Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV)
 
“Oh but big corporations get tax breaks, why can’t we get them”? “After all, the law says we can, doesn’t it”? Are you under the law of man only, or are you now under the law of faith as well? Our Lord paid taxes didn’t He? So being the fact that He is the perfect example God sent for mankind, then it would do me good to pay also, wouldn’t it? What an insult to tell our brave military, fire, and police men and women that we support them, only to do it with lip service and not in deed. You know if everyone did their fair share then we would not have to watch these people struggle financially, as well as getting the health care that they need. So Christians, is it our duty to give tribute? Well if you wish to be in good standing with God, yes, definitely!

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.