Famous Last Words On Politics Series

HoHum:

This is an election year so we need a sermon on the famous last words on politics. Eugene Peterson said, “There is no avoiding politics. The moment one life touches upon another politics begin. And our lives do touch on others whether we will it or not. We are centers of power- power that can curse or bless- and we are responsible for managing and directing that power.”

WBTU:

Oxford Dictionary “Politics- the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area (such as a church), especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.” Often think of government. We need government as the Bible makes us aware. Romans 13 tells us that God has established the governing authorities to commend those who do right and to condemn those who do wrong. Without government there would be chaos and a complete breakdown in law and order. There would be no politics because people would struggle to live together in groups- every person for himself. Some might think this would be perfect but we cannot survive without the rule of law. No one is above the law

In Revelation 12 we are given the Christmas story Revelation style. Looked at this for Mother’s Day- read it when get home. Stopped at vs. 6- start with vs. 7: “There was war in heaven.” The Dragon loses and is hurled down to the earth (Vs. 9). The devil lost against Jesus so he tries a different tactic. He goes after the church (the woman). Read Revelation 12:17

Read Revelation 13:1- The dragon calls up other beasts for help. The beast out of the sea- Read Revelation 13:2-10. Vs. 2- In Daniel 7 we are introduced to 4 beasts and they have descriptions like this. Daniel interprets this for us and these 4 beasts stand for 4 kingdoms. This beast is a symbol of the kingdoms of this world. Vs. 3- Like Jesus this beast appeared to die but was resurrected. One kingdom arises, appears to fall but arises again out of the ashes. One ideology is taken down but it arises in some other place. One ego driven ruler is killed but another one takes his place. Much like Nero and Domitian. Nero committed suicide but he was so feared that a myth arose that he would rise again. Some believed that Emperor Domitian (30 years later) was the incarnation of Nero. Both killed Christians because they believed that they were sovereign. Yes, this beast is symbolic of evil Roman Emperors but is also talking about any evil politician. Billy Joel- We didn't start the fire, It was always burning, Since the world's been turning, We didn't start the fire, No, we didn't light it, But we tried to fight it.” Yes, Christians are to do what we can to oppose arrogant and blaspheming governments. Unlike the days of the Roman Empire, we have a say- we can speak out- we can support the candidate of our choice- we can vote. Beyond this we have spiritual weapons such as prayer. We are commanded to pray for people in our government, for politicians. 1 Timothy 2:1-4: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of truth”

Not satisfied with that the dragon summons another beast. Read Revelation 13:11-17. This is talking about the imperial cult that brings about economic suffering. Must confess “Caesar is Lord” instead of “Jesus is Lord.” Many Christians went into hiding which made them poor and had no part in the politics of the day. For over 200 years the Christians were paraded out and forced to blaspheme. When they refused to say “Caesar is Lord” they were killed publicly, bodies used to satisfy the blood thirsty crowds. More Christians killed for Christ in last 100 years than the previous 1,900 hundred. True, but today martyrs are killed in private mostly.

Vs. 16-17 much debate about what this mark is. Lots of discussion about this but we have been talking about the mark (seal) of the Father for several chapters now in Revelation. Revelation 7:3: Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God. During the 5th trumpet we find in Revelation 9:4: They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Everyone is marked or sealed- what mark do you have? Come forward and make Jesus Christ Lord by confession, repentance and baptism. Change mark, seal