INTRODUCTION: Every citizen of any country has certain obligations that they are required to fulfill. These vary from country to country. The kingdom of God is no exception. We have obligations and duties to discharge.

BODY

I. GOD WANTS US TO BE GOOD CITIZENS. (Verse 1)

A. We must be in subjection to government.

1. Romans 13:1 - "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God."

2. 1 Peter 2:17 - Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

B. Even bad rulers deserve respect for their office sake.

1. Acts 23:5 - Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

C. There is only one modifying principle.

1. Acts 5:29 - But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.

2. Doesn't give us the right to disobey any law we simply don't like.

A. This can sum up our whole mission.

1. Matthew 5:16 - "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

2. Ephesians 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

B. There must be a "pattern" of good works in our lives. 

1. Titus 2:7 - in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 

2. A person who is busy in good works has no time for fighting and
fussing.

A. Our tongues can hurt others and ourselves.

1. James 3:5_6 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

B. The tongue causes strife!

1. James 3:14_16 But if you have bitter envy and self_seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self_seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

C. We are to put away such sins.

1. 1 Peter 2:1 - Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,

2. We should also be careful about what we say even when it is true.

A. The King James and American Standard speak of this in the negative sense.

1. KJV - "Not brawlers"

2. ASV- "Not Contentious"

B. Strife and contention are easy to spread.

1. Proverbs 17:14 - The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

C. We should strive to make peace and life at peace ourselves.

1. Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

3. Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

A. Gentleness

1. "Forbearing, moderate, patient"

2. Opposite to being a contentious man.

3. Carries with it a reasonable nature.

4. Philippians 4:5 - Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

B. Meekness

1. Being willing to sacrifice self-interest.

2. Strength under control

3. How was Jesus meek?

a. 1 Peter 2:23 - who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;