Does God Care About Your Political Preference?
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Introduction
Introduction
There are many within our nation who believe that God is either Republican or Democrat. But I would venture to say that those with those beliefs may be guilty of being narrow minded. Either in the belief that our own political parties within the U.S. are the only forms of government. Or the fact that they believe there are only two political parties. Either way there are some who believe that if you do not fall in line with the beliefs of their particular political party or ideas that you are then against God. There are some who have been “catfished” into believing this lie, so today we will take a look at what the Bible has to say about political parties/government.
What is a Political Party?
What is a Political Party?
A political party is an alliance of like-minded people who work together to win elections and control of the government. Political parties compete against one another for political power and for the ability to put their philosophies and policies into effect.[1]
[1] http://www.sparknotes.com/us-government-and-politics/american-government/political-parties/section1.rhtml
What is Government?
What is Government?
The body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization.
What is Our Pattern of Government?
What is Our Pattern of Government?
Democracy- a: government by the people especially: rule of the majority b: a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections[1]
[1] Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
As U.S. citizens we exist in a Democratic system of government that has multiple parties. Does it matter what political party we belong to as Christian U.S. citizen?
Does it matter what political party we belong to as Christian U.S. citizen?
Who put Government/Authority into place?
Who put Government/Authority into place?
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. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
rom 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.
God has appointed the authority that exists.
to be assigned ⇔ be emplaced v. — to be assigned, conceived of as being put into place or position.
There is a difference from being put in power and being emplaced. Emplacement is...
Emplacement— a putting into position
God places things into place. Even bad leadership can lead to God’s Good! Examples; Egyptian Bondage, Babylonian Captivity, Roman Rule, etc.
15 By me kings reign,
And rulers decree justice.
16 By me princes rule, and nobles,
All the judges of the earth.
Here the writer personifies wisdom and it states that kings reign and rulers rule by WISDOM.
Wisdom— Good Sense. The application of knowledge.
Where does wisdom come from?
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.
prov 2 6-
God established Government/Authority.
Who Must Obey Government/Authority?
Who Must Obey Government/Authority?
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.
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, 14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—16 as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
Both of these passages within context speak to the people of God being obedient to government. No matter who that government happens to be!
The letter to the Romans written by Peter is written for them to be obedient to a government that murdered relentlessly for the purpose of gain of wealth and power.
The letter written by Peter is believed to have been written from Rome to a people outside. Letting them know that persecution was coming. He was telling them how to conduct themselves in a society that is not Christian. Shortly after, it is believed that the fire of Rome that is blamed on the Christians happens. Persecution of all Christians would follow.
Why would God ask us to be obedient to a government/authority that is not good?
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
While God is not the author of confusion, he can use it for the means of his good will.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
As Christians we must be obedient to the government/authority that has been set in place by God. For we never know when we may be “Joseph” who must suffer many things to save many of God’s people!
What Is Government?
What Is Government?
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.
Minister in some translations, but in the Greek the word there used portrays that of a servant.
attendant ⇔ servant n. — someone who waits on or attends to the needs of another.
Government/Authority is servant to God.
What Political Party Should I Belong To?
What Political Party Should I Belong To?
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
God gives us free will to do as we please… As long as it does not go against His will. Heed the reordering of words for the benefit of Eve, lest we do the same in order to fit OUR needs.
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.
Just because your particular party isn’t the majority in power does not give you the permission to disobey or disrespect.
God has blessed us with knowledge in order to choose, it is up to us to turn it into wisdom.
When Does God Care About Government/Authority?
When Does God Care About Government/Authority?
17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.”
So they brought Him a denarius.
20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
We are to give what is owed to authority.
5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
We are to be obedient.
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
We need to pray for those who are in authority. Not PREY on them.
The media does enough attacking on our leadership, we should not add to the fire!
Where Does God Fit Into The Whole Picture?
Where Does God Fit Into The Whole Picture?
12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries,
The poor also, and him who has no helper.
13 He will spare the poor and needy,
And will save the souls of the needy.
14 He will redeem their life from oppression and violence;
And precious shall be their blood in His sight.
12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries,
The poor also, and him who has no helper.
The psalmist speaks of the Messiah, Jesus and what he has to offer. There will always be oppressed people. Jesus and his salvation offers a way of escape even in the midst of turmoil. Peace in Pain.
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Even though Kings are Kings, God still reigns supreme! Those in charge can speak new laws, but God can silence the speakers. Those in charge can oppress the disenfranchised but God can take a man from slavery to the kings house!
9 A man’s heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.
21 There are many plans in a man’s heart,
Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.
I can plan all day to walk down several paths on a sunny day, but if God causes it to rain and the path to disappear it’s His prerogative. If God does not want a thing to happen it will not happen. God can also the forced evil deeds and work it for the good of those who love Him.
It does no
Man may devise the most perfect form of government to ever exist, God still has the final say.
How Should We Perceive Government/Authority as Christians?
How Should We Perceive Government/Authority as Christians?
13 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme,
Every law, speed limit sign, new tax, etc THAT DOES NOT IMPEDE UPON THE WILL OF GOD.
2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes;
But by a man of understanding and knowledge
Right will be prolonged.
act 25 11
11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
Festus wanting to do appease the Jews tries to get Paul. Paul uses his Roman citizenship to get out of being tried in that land. Government can save our necks!!
7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.
In the same breath, our reliance should not be on the authority of man. We must understand God’s role. We cannot reject God by putting patriotism above his will.
21 My son, fear the Lord and the king;
Do not associate with those given to change;
22 For their calamity will rise suddenly,
And who knows the ruin those two can bring?
11 And the Lord sent Jerubbaal, Bedan, Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you dwelt in safety. 12 And when you saw that Nahash king of the Ammonites came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king.
13 “Now therefore, here is the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired. And take note, the Lord has set a king over you. 14 If you fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice, and do not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and the king who reigns over you will continue following the Lord your God. 15 However, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you, as it was against your fathers.
pr 24 2
Two things are stated here. obey God and authority. Also those who choose to be disobedient trouble makers will come to ruin.
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
ats 4
29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.
kk
Obey God.
Our role as Christians within society is to obey authority under the leadership of God.
Why is Government/Authority Important/
Why is Government/Authority Important/
2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
2 Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. 3 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.
Government regulates authority and rules.
If there were no laws about speed and other traffic violations would you follow the ones currently in place?
4 The king establishes the land by justice,
But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
The purpose of government is to establish the land in which they govern. Bad leadership destroys. It is important that we do our best to elect men who are led by the wisdom of God.
God has established government/rule for the purposes of his will. At times those led by His will, will do as God sees fit. At other times the chaos created by evil men will still be used by the will of God for his good.
Conclusion
Conclusion
In the early nineties, the leaning Tower of Pisa began to lean too far. Seeing that the 180-foot-high tower would soon become dangerous, engineers designed a system to salvage the twelfth-century landmark by holding the lean constant.
First the engineers injected supercold liquid nitrogen into the ground to freeze it and thereby minimize dangerous ground vibrations during the work that followed. Then they plan to install cables to pull the structure more upright. Engineers hope that the underground cable network will pull the tower toward center by at least an inch.
Left to itself, our world resembles the leaning Tower of Pisa: tilting and heading to catastrophe. To prevent total anarchy, God establishes governments to maintain order. Governments and their laws function like the steel cables that will hold the leaning tower. The tower still leans. It’s not perfect. But the cables prevent total destruction.[1]
[1] Larson, C. B. (2002). 750 engaging illustrations for preachers, teachers & writers (p. 211). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.