Statism, Where It All Started
Weekly Sermon, 4 June 2023
by Pastor John Weaver
Thus, Nimrod basically became the first in idolatry, and the first in tyranny. And of course, you know, the Bible teaches us that Babylon wasn’t the Mother of Harlots. Secondly, this verse also refers to the fact that he carried on oppression and violence in defiance of God Himself. Here is the attitude of Nimrod, “I will do what I want to do; I could care less what God thinks. It doesn’t matter. I am in control.”
This is the first record of people being controlled by government. Look at how much government interference we have in our lives today!
Nimrod attempted to raise himself above the order of men, just as proud men became transported by vain self confidence that they may look down as from the clouds upon others, in quote. So what Calvin is saying is basically the same that I’ve just given you, he is saying that Nimrod was a man who lifted himself up against God, and against his fellow men. He usurped power, he stole authority, he thought himself above others, and that he was to be the ruler rather than the room. It’s interesting, as you study through scripture, you often find that earthly power is first found with those who are under the curse and those who are wicked, like here, under the auspices of Nimrod, and isn’t it amazing that you find that things usually develop far more quickly under the wicked than they do under the righteous?