Hope Reigns Series

Intro: Something has been weighing heavily on me as November quickly approaches like a growing storm. It is often said that this is the most important election of our nation’s history. What we have to do is look at the elections that are upcoming with a fresh and new set of eyes.

The election must not become about getting our man in place to run things our way. This upcoming election is an opportunity for us to obey God and submit to His will for the next President the United States of America.

Leadership is crucial to the protection, direction and future of this country. We must be careful as we pray and seek God’s face for this next election that we don’t superimpose our desires and our designs for the President of the United States.

God wants us to understand no matter who is in the white house He will move and work according to His will and His plan. Even though God is in control we are called be involved!!

He gave us clear instruction to pray leaders in authority in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (read)

He directs us to pray for our leaders so that we can live a quiet, tranquil and godly life.

Also it pleases God that we trust Him enough to ask Him to direct the dreams, decisions, and policies of our political leaders.

If our lives as a country are in turmoil and craziness what do you suppose is the problem?

1) A lack of prayer for our leaders

2) A lack of Godly leaders

God made clear how he expects us to respond to governing authorities. Romans 13:1-2 “Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves”

Why on earth would God say all authority comes from Him and then expect us to have no involvement or impact on the governing authorities of this country?

One of the worst statements we make in regards to politics is what does character matter if they can lead. We must understand what we are saying with statement like that.

When you say character doesn’t count you are saying, “God doesn’t count.”

Character is rooted in God’s persons and principles. We might as well say God I don’t want your blessing on our country, county or city if you think character is that unimportant.

We as a country are saying, “God we are skillful enough to handle this on our own.” If skill were enough then what do you think about a surgeon who doesn’t wash his hands before operating.

What should we be looking for in our leaders? God gives us a very clear voter guide for the upcoming elections.

I. The character God requires of leaders

A) Leaders should be godly and righteous

We do not want the leaders to be simply religious. Satan is religious. Tyrants and terrorists are religious. We should want our leaders to have a relationship with Jesus Christ that makes an impact on how they act in and out of office. This is why we must pray desperately for our elected officials.

Proverbs 16:12 “Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness.” According to God’s word and ungodly immoral man is not qualified to lead.

Can you think of any candidates we have running in November that fit this bill?

B) Leaders should have godly wisdom

Wisdom was illustrated by Solomon’s decision between the two mothers. Both claimed the child so he wisely said, “Cut the living boy in two and give half to one and half to the other.”

By the wisdom he requested from God he drew out the true mother.

Wisdom is the ability to see God’s solutions to life’s problems. This wisdom from God helps us to judge between good and evil, take the right course, see beyond the outward appearance, and exercise judgment to rule.

This wisdom only comes from above James 3:17. If our leaders are going to have this type of wisdom they must be under the rule and leadership of God.

Proverbs 8:16-11 “I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. 14 I possess good advice and competence; I have understanding and strength. 15 It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law; 16 by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges

C) Leaders should be honest and have integrity

Proverbs 17:7 “Eloquent words are not appropriate on a fool’s lips; how much worse are lies for a ruler.”