The Christian and Taxes

The Christian and Taxes : 

Should a Christian pay taxes? The Christian and Taxes

Points to Ponder : 

Points to Ponder What kind of tax world was the first century? Do governments have the right to collect taxes? If Christians are of the kingdom of heaven why should they pay taxes? What if our taxes are unfair or very high? What if we think our taxes are paying for ungodly things such as war?

The World of the New Testament : 

The World of the New Testament Taxes were high! Rome controlled the ‘world” and needed money to support her huge political and military machine. The Jews despised paying money to an invading, foreign, pagan government.

The World of the New Testament : 

The World of the New Testament Taxes were unfair Jewish Publicans (tax collectors) took money from their own people and in turn gave it to Rome. Since Rome only wanted her share, publicans often taxed more than necessary and pocked the difference. Publicans were considered as the lowest of the low. They were hated. Matthew was a publican before he became an apostle.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? What is the issue? The issue is whether or not the government has the right to levy taxes. The issue is whether the Christian must pay his taxes and why. What the issue is not! It is not whether we like to pay taxes. It is not whether we think our taxes are fair. It is not whether we agree with the use of our tax money.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Jesus says “Yes!” Mark 12:14-17 When they had come, they said to Him, "Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15 "Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?" But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” 16 So they brought it. And He said to them, "Whose image and inscription is this?" They said to Him, "Caesar's.” 17 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? The Context of Jesus’ response: The Jews had to pay high taxes to Rome (a pagan government) The Jews believed they should be exempt from paying Rome. The Jews try to trap Jesus and make him look as if he is a rebel against Rome. They want him to say it is unlawful to pay. Roman coins bore the image of Caesar as “god.” Even the coins were considered blasphemous. Jesus says it is within the right of Civil Government to levy taxes.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Why did Jesus say: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars and unto God the things that are God’s. Governments have the right to tax their subjects. Governments need funds to exist. The Jews were enjoying the benefits of the government such as good roads and protection. Someone needed to pay for this. Submission to Government is part of our submission to God.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Tertullian (2rd Century) "The image of Caesar which is on the coin is to be given to Caesar, and the image of God which is in man is to be given to God. Therefore thou must indeed give thy money to Caesar, but thyself to God, for what will remain to God if all be given to Caesar?"

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Jesus says “Yes” and even paid taxes himself. Matthew 17:24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, "Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?“ 25 He said, "Yes." And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take customs or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, "From strangers." Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free. "Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you."

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? The Context of Jesus’ Statement Jews paid a two drachma temple tax. This tax was voluntary and used for temple upkeep. The Jews put Peter on the spot and want to know if Jesus pays. Jesus first reminds Peter as the “Son of God” he really did not owe the tax because he was the “son” of the one who owned the temple. However, to demonstrate his submission, he paid the tax. He pays taxes to the very ones who would kill him. Jesus does not deny the right of authorities to expect citizens to pay taxes

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Paul says “Yes!” Romans 13:5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

May a Government Tax? : 

May a Government Tax? Why does Paul say this??? We must pay so we are not punished. We must pay because of conscience sake. We must pay because we enjoy the benefits of government. We must pay because government is an extension of God’s power.

Slide 14: 

If Christians are of the Kingdom of Heaven why must they pay taxes here on earth?

Why Should Christians Pay? : 

Why Should Christians Pay? It is a command of God. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Why Should Christians Pay? : 

Why Should Christians Pay? The Particulars of Romans 13:7 Tribute (phoros ) Rome had one tax called kensos in Greek, and that was a head tax, or census. Every person paid it. Then they had the poll tax, or land tax. That is what Paul is referring to in verse 7. This tax was like our income tax. An assessment was made on land, property, slaves, and capital. Customs (telos0) It refers to revenue that was raised from merchandise or goods. It would be like duty or sales tax--any tax attached to a commodity. Paul is saying to pay your sales tax or your duty. Don't smuggle things; pay what's fair.

Why Should Christians Pay? : 

Why Should Christians Pay? It shows our submission to God. 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 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

Why Should Christians Pay? : 

Why Should Christians Pay? For conscience sake Romans 13:5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Christians were often accused of “turning the world upside down.” If Christians refused to pay taxes this would further incite anger against them.

Why Should Christians Pay? : 

Why Should Christians Pay? So the Civil Government can protect us Civil Governments are imperfect. Sometimes they turn their sword against God’s people. But can you imagine a world with NO civil power? Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

Practical Considerations : 

Practical Considerations Christians must pay their fair share. “Fair” is not what we think but what the govt. says. We are not required to pay more than the govt. demands. We are at liberty to take advantage of tax shelters etc. Christians enjoy government and should support it. We live in the world even though we are not of the world. We enjoy the benefits that govt. provide. It is nothing but fair that we pay for what we enjoy.

Conclusion : 

Conclusion Civil Government has the right to collect taxes. The scriptures teach that Christians must pay. We are not to cheat the government out of taxes. We may not like our taxes or agree with them but this does not change the necessity to pay them. We pay taxes so that we might enjoy some of the benefits of civil government (protection etc.)

Study Questions : 

Study Questions May a government tax its citizens? Were taxes fair in the first century? Did Jesus pay taxes? Why do Christians pay taxes? Can we choose to cheat on our taxes if we want? Can we refuse to pay if we don’t agree with how they are being used? Is it lawful for us to use the “tax breaks” and “loopholes” provided by the government?