Podcast Summary: "Do What Is Good"

Jack Hibbs Podcast
Host: Jack Hibbs
Date: December 1, 2025

Overview

In this compelling episode, Jack Hibbs dives into the Christian’s relationship with government, tackling the biblical mandate to "do what is good," and explores how believers should respond to authority, civil engagement, and the state of political leadership today. Drawing from both scripture and American history, Hibbs unpacks the biblical foundation for government, addresses the tension between submission and speaking out, and challenges Christians to make a positive, active impact in their society.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Biblical Foundation for Authority and Government

[01:47]

• Rebellion Against Authority: Hibbs acknowledges a natural resistance to obeying authorities, reminding listeners that God established governments for good:
  • "There is a sense of rebellion that comes out of us. And so when we hear the Bible say something like 'you must obey the authorities,' we don't like to hear it. And yet God has established the authorities... for our good."
• The Fifth Commandment: He ties civic obedience to the family structure, referencing Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1 as foundational to learning submission and citizenship:
  • "Isn't it interesting that the fifth commandment is obey your mom and dad... It's the first commandment with a promise."
  • The promise: Obedient children will "live a good, healthy, long, prosperous life because you will learn how to be a good citizen.” ([04:00])

American Government and Its Biblical Roots

[06:35]

• Isaiah 33:22 and the U.S. Government: Hibbs argues the separation of powers mirrors biblical instruction, with the judiciary, legislative, and executive branches grounded in scripture:
  • "Our founding fathers went to Isaiah 33:22... this passage... was used by our founding fathers to enshrine the division of powers so that neither one of those groups could become tyrannical."
• The Role of the Constitution: America's founding was "upon the Bible," with the Constitution designed to limit government powers if followed diligently.

Why God Permits Bad Rulers

[10:00]

• Biblical Precedent for Bad Governments:
  • Sometimes, bad leaders are given as judgment ("You get what you deserve.").
  • God can use evil rulers as tools for His purposes, to provoke revival, or to judge a nation.
  • "God will grant a nation bad rulers because of that nation's actions... God will use what is bad... He doesn't cause it, he'll use it."

The Limits of Submission and Christian Responsibility

[13:45]

• Active Participation vs. Fatalism: Hibbs criticizes using "God’s will" as an excuse for inaction:
  • "'Oh look, my house burned down. Oh well, God's will.' Wait a minute. I don't think you're supposed to think like that."
• Balance Is Required:
  • Christians must do what is right and engage as citizens. "If good people do not get involved, then you're guilty when you could have done good and you didn't do it."
• When Authorities Go Bad: Submission is required "until those authorities no longer do good." ([15:00])

Christians, Politics, and Social Reform

[15:30]

• Challenging 'Stay Out of Politics':
  • Hibbs recounts historical reforms led by Christians, such as William Carey’s abolition of the Hindu burning of widows in India.
  • "One Christian showed up with a Bible to preach the gospel in India. And guess what happened? He changed the law."
• Involvement Is Biblical:
  • Only “atheists and godless people want the Christians to stay out of government and politics.”
  • Christians are responsible to stand up for righteousness and help steer the moral direction of society.

The Current State of Government

[17:45]

• America’s Departure from Origins:
  • Critiques current government officials for self-enrichment and undermining foundational principles.
  • Warns of the consequences for nations that abandon righteousness, noting "when wicked men rule, people groan." (Proverbs 29:2)
• Call to Action:
  • "If we skulk back and cower back because they’re louder than we are, it's wrong. We don't understand the truth that God has given us."

The Ultimate End of Human Government

[19:15]

• Jesus’ Future Reign: Cites 1 Corinthians 15:24, emphasizing all human government will ultimately be replaced by Christ’s righteous rule.
  • "There’s a time when Christ is coming and he will banish all human government. He will establish his government on earth."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Obedience and Authority: "If you disobey the authority that God has placed over you ... you will live a good, healthy, long, prosperous life because you will learn how to be a good citizen." — Jack Hibbs ([04:00])
• Government's Purpose: "It is interesting that the Bible tells us in the fifth commandment for kids to honor their parents … and for fathers and mothers, that they are God's authority placed over your life and you are to obey them in the Lord." — Jack Hibbs ([03:10])
• God and Evil Rulers: "God will grant a nation bad rulers because of that nation's actions. In other words, you get what you deserve." — Jack Hibbs ([10:15])
• On Christian Engagement: "Only the atheists and the godless people want the Christians to stay out of government and politics. ... They're basically saying, we want to run everything.” — Jack Hibbs ([16:00])
• The Role of Bad Governments: "All bad governments will answer to God in the day of judgment." — Jack Hibbs ([11:45])
• Ultimate Authority: "There's a time when Christ is coming and he will banish all human government. He will establish His government on earth." — Jack Hibbs ([19:30])

Important Timestamps for Segments

• [01:47] — Resistance to authority and biblical context for obedience.
• [06:35] — The founding of American government and biblical roots.
• [10:00] — Why God allows evil rulers and the four possible reasons.
• [13:45] — Rejecting fatalism and the duty of Christians to do good.
• [15:30] — Historical Christian activism and the case for political involvement.
• [17:45] — Criticism of current government corruption; Proverbs 29:2.
• [19:15] — Prophetic vision: end of human government and Christ’s return.

Conclusion

Jack Hibbs delivers a passionate biblical challenge, urging Christians to balance respect for government with proactive engagement in society, guided by scripture and a commitment to righteousness. The episode strongly rejects the notion that faith is separate from civic responsibility, instead calling believers to be influential, courageous participants in their nation’s moral and political life—always trusting God’s sovereignty but never shirking from doing what is good.