Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 167^th Year

A 21^st Century Parish with a 1^st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Pentecost 22
October 16, 2005
Matthew 22:15-21
Coins of Commitment

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INTRODUCTION: Jesus used a coin to answer the question with respect to paying taxes to Rome. On the coin was the image of Caesar and his inscription as the supreme commander. The Romans held Caesar to be a divine being. What belongs to Caesar should be given to Caesar says Jesus. Jesus might have asked for a temple coin with a symbol of God. Many times we discuss our obligations to the nation and ignore equal obligations to God. Each coin represents a commitment. As Christians we render loyalty.

I.        The coin of commitment to Caesar, the King.

A.     Taxes – Jesus paid taxes to Rome

B.     Service to country. As citizens we have obligations to serve to give recognition to those that have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. E.g. Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, D-day, etc. "I was what others cared not to be...I went where others feared to go...I did what others failed to do...I asked nothing from those that gave nothing"  - An American Soldier.

C.     Obligation to the laws of justice. – Jesus obeyed the laws of the land.

1.      As Lutheran Christians we believe in a two – kingdom doctrine.

a.       God is the Lord of the nation – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”

b.      The laws of the State reflect the laws of God – the State is the left hand of God’s justice.

c.       The ministers of the State are also ministers of God

2.      Thus we serve God by obeying the laws of the State.

Transition; On one side of the coin service rendered to Caesar. On the other is service rendered to Christ.

II.     The coin of commitment to God, the King of Kings.

A.     Tithes – If not 10% start at 5% and work up. Or match dollar for dollar what’s spent on entertainment.

B.     Service to the Church – The Savior has given Christians today a clear direction for living as good citizens with their religious priorities straight.

C.     Obedience to the law of love. Jesus used the method of a suffering servant to effect change at the bloody cross and empty tomb.

CONCLUSION: Jesus’ Messiahship establishes the reign of God in a way that does not rival the kingdoms of this world but rather makes a radical demand for man’s ultimate allegiance and worship. Jesus’ atoning work, applied by the Holy Spirit, enables us to meet this radical demand. 

+ Soli Deo Gloria +