The Sovereignty of God in the Affairs of Human Government

Dan. 2:21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Dan. 4:17, 25, 32 .... the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

Observations:

1. God is sovereign in the affairs of men.
2. He sets up rulers and removes them.
3. God makes all events of history including all of the decisions of rulers, kings, presidents, parliaments, and all of the actions of human governments including military advancements to serve His will. Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
4. Caesar Augustus was an instrument of God's will when he decreed a taxation should be taken. Compare Luke 2:1 with Micah 5:2.
5. Numerous times in Matthew 2:14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23 governmental action directly affected Jesus and in so doing fulfilled prophecy. In each case, the people involved acted freely, doing what they intended to do, yet, in each instance, they did exactly what God had planned for them to do.
6. Herod and Pilate were instruments of God's divine will. Acts 4:27-28 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
7. We should put our trust in God and not in the decision-making power of politicians, governmental officials, and supreme courts. God can direct the heart of our leaders. Prov. 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
8. God not only determines who governs, He also rules in the decisions that they make. Prov. 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
9. Some of the greatest Christians lived under some of the most wicked rulers. a) Paul under Nero - Romans 13 b) Daniel under Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus c) God can use wicked men to serve His purpose - Jer. 25:9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.
10. Some of the greatest miracles took place under some of the most wicked regimes. a) Jesus Christ was slain by "religious" men. Matt. 26:3-4 Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him. b) Acts 4:27-28 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
11. Some of the greatest revivals took place under some of the most wicked rulers; i.e. Jonah in Ninevah.
12. Those in authority need our prayers - 1 Tim. 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.