Lesson 9 - The State: Whose Law?

Introduction

In this session, attention turns to the areas of the state, politics, and law. This ninth segment of the series examines how these spheres connect with one another and how they relate to other parts of the social structure, including family, church, labor, community, and the relationship between God and man.

Particular focus is placed on the design, structure, and function of the state—its role within God’s order for society, as well as the proper scope and limits of its authority. The state has the ability to accomplish significant good when it operates within its intended boundaries. However, when those boundaries are ignored, it also has the potential to become one of the most destructive and abusive forces within society.

Themes

This session begins by revisiting earlier perspectives on how the state relates to morality. According to historical definitions, law, politics, and government were understood to involve the protection and development of a people’s moral condition. While this view is not widely accepted today, its importance becomes clear upon closer consideration.

Through a simple question—whether a government itself can act wrongly—it is shown that human authority is capable of error and wrongdoing. Because of this, it must be accountable to a higher standard of right and wrong in order to prevent harm to those under its authority.

From a biblical perspective, the state exists under God’s ultimate authority. Its power is not independent but derived. Just as authority is structured in other areas, the authority of the state is subject to God’s rule. Those who govern do so as representatives, entrusted with responsibility. Their role includes restraining wrongdoing and supporting what is good.

When leaders lose sight of this and elevate themselves, they become subject to judgment, as demonstrated in both Scripture and history.

This point is emphasized further by showing that when governing authorities extend beyond their proper limits—seeking control over all areas of life—the result is oppression and misuse of power. Historical examples are presented to illustrate how unchecked expansion of state authority has led to severe consequences.

The session also presents the idea that, in the absence of God, truth, or a higher standard, there is a growing tendency to look to the state as the provider and source of security. In response to this trend, it is stated that there must be a clear resistance to the expansion of state power beyond its intended role.