Sermon Tone Analysis

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?

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?

The body of persons that constitutes the governing authority of a political unit or organization.

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?

rom 13

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.

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?

prov 2 6-

God established Government/Authority.

Who Must Obey Government/Authority?

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?

While God is not the author of confusion, he can use it for the means of his good will.

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?

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?

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.

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?

We are to give what is owed to authority.

We are to be obedient.

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?

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.

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!

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?

Every law, speed limit sign, new tax, etc THAT DOES NOT IMPEDE UPON THE WILL OF GOD.

act 25 11

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!!

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.

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.

ats 4

kk

Obey God.

Our role as Christians within society is to obey authority under the leadership of God.

Why is Government/Authority Important/

Government regulates authority and rules.

If there were no laws about speed and other traffic violations would you follow the ones currently in place?

The purpose of government is to establish the land in which they govern.

Bad leadership destroys.