Sermon Central
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Elections,politics, And Chistianity: Hot Topics 2004 Series
Contributed by Greg Buchner on Aug 9, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: What are the five characteristics of a Christian voter? Check inside.
Hot Topics 2004
“Elections, Politics, and Christianity…”
Deuteronomy 17:14-20, James 1:21-27
August 8, 2004 – Wakelee Church
(All verses are NKJV unless otherwise noted)
Theme: Christians are supposed to get involved with politics! [Especially when God’s values are at stake.]
Please understand, we are not "preaching politics." Neither, will I be preaching about politicians (much!). This morning, I want to turn the direction back to us…the voter…and especially, those who claim Christianity.
Ultimately, politics offers little change, but genuine change comes through changed hearts, which only occurs as people respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
But we still have polticis. And our Bibles tell us that God has ordained the system of civil government to protect the innocent, and to maintain proper order.
For our part, the Christian life carries a prophetic voice that calls us to shine light into dark places.
Jesus’ call for His people to be salt and light to a dying world covers every aspect of life (Matthew 5:13-14,) including how we vote and relate to our government.
Christians are to be peaceful, law abiding citizens, (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-15.)
We are to pray for and honor our government leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3,)
Faithfully pay our taxes (Matthew 22:21,)
and to work for the highest good of all people (Proverbs 3:27; Galatians 6:10.)
This includes working to promote Godly principles in politics and government
How do we do this? This morning we’re going to look at five characteristics of a Christian voter.
I. The Christian voter recognizes that God ordains leadership.
Romans 13:1-7 – “…For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God…”
As Christians we live in a theocracy…we follow one God, through one faith, and one baptism.
As Americans, we live in a democracy…actually more of a representative republic…where the will of people drive policy.
As Christians, we need to be a vital part in changing what it means to be American.
But as Americans, we have no power to change the basics of Christianity.
Its God who ordains. Paul goes as far as to call political leaders ministers of God. And even though there are times when our leaders fail short of their Biblically mandated call, God still calls the leaders to lead.
He calls them to speak out for the innocent (Proverbs 31:8),
To confront sin and moral decay (Proverbs 14:34)
To defend the poor and oppressed (Isaiah 10:1-2, Psalm 10:2)
To work towards the peace and justice that only comes from God. (Psalm 122:6, Genesis 12:3; 27-29)
It shouldn’t surprise us then, that in Deuteronomy, we hear Moses tell the people that the leaders should be in God’s Holy Word daily.
We, as Christians, are called to be good Americans, to follow and obey our government as long as what we are asked to do does not violate the laws and commandments of God. (Acts 4:19). God ordains our leadership.
2. The Christian voter gets involved!
James 1:21-22 – “…but be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”
Many don’t want to get involved, but we have plenty of Biblical characters that were involved in changing the political environments of their day…
Just taking a casual glance at the Old Testament alone, we have people like…
Joseph (Genesis 41:39-41)…whom the Pharaoh gave political control of all Egypt.
Moses (Exodus 5:2-4)…who faced Pharaoh as a messenger of God and won freedom for God’s family.
Deborah (Judges 5:1-7)…a prophetess and judge who helped destroy the Lord’s enemies.
Gideon (Judges 6:11-14)…who became the mighty warrior for God’s cause.
Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-19)…a prophet and judge who choose Saul as Israel’s king.
David (I Samuel 16:1-13)…from fight against Goliath to leading the nation of Israel.
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:1-11)…stood firm for the rebuilding of the temple.
Esther (Esther 1-10)…who for such a time as this saved the whole Jewish nation.
Daniel (Daniel 1:4-6; 18-21)…who served the king, while obeying God.
And, of course, in the New Testament, we have a man named Jesus from Nazareth, who was one of the most political characters of his day, among many others.
A Christian voter does get involved in politics.
3. The Christian voter votes!
Deuteronomy 17:14-20 – “…you shall surely set…” vs. 15
Exodus 18:21-22 gives us a good model to follow. These passages show us that civil leaders are to be "...able men who fear God...men of truth, hating covetousness (greed)".
The Bible describes leadership as being a sacred trust, and placing a person in such a position is a very serious thing. For example, in 1 Timothy 5:22, Paul instructs the young Pastor Timothy to "Lay hands suddenly on no man (to ordain him into the ministry,) neither be partaker of other men’s sins" In other words, if we hastily put a person into leadership who is not worthy of it, we risk bearing the guilt of that person’s sin.
