Sermon IV: RENDER UNTO CAESAR – AND UNTO GOD

In this message, we learn that Christ commands lawful civil obedience while forbidding civil power from claiming what belongs to God. From –22, the sermon shows that Caesar may receive taxes, honor, order, and truthful civic duty, but he may not receive worship, conscience, the Word, the keys of the kingdom, or the sacred government of Christ’s Church. The message calls Christians to avoid both lawless contempt for authority and fearful surrender to authority, rendering what is owed without idolatry and refusing unlawful spiritual claims without rebellion.

Topic Outline:

1. 1. The trap set before Christ
   2. The coin, Caesar’s image, and God’s image
   3. What Caesar may lawfully receive
   4. What Caesar may never receive
   5. Obedience without idolatry
   6. Refusal without rebellion
   7. The Church’s duty before Caesar and God