TITLE: “Six Biblical Principles For Christian Voters”
TEXT: Matthew 5:13-16
ETS: Believers are to influence their society for Christ.
ESS: Believers should follow Biblical principles in fulfilling citizenship duties.
OSS: Believers will commit to vote on election day based upon Biblical standards.
UW: Principles
PQ: What are some Biblical principles I can follow that will bring about God’s blessings on our country?
INTRODUCTION:
T.S.: What are some Biblical principles I can follow that will bring about God’s blessings on our country?
I. CHRISTIANS ARE TO INFLUENCE THE SOCIETY THEY LIVE IN
( Mt 5:13-14; Matt. 22:21).
A. Believers are to influence the world around them as salt does food (Matt. 5:13) . “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
B. . Believers are to illuminate the path of righteousness just as light does a physical pathway (Matt. 5:14) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
C. One of the responsibilities Christians have is to fulfill civic responsibilities (like voting) (Matt. 22:21) . “And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
II. CHRISTIANS ARE TO PRAY FOR THEIR GOVERNMENTAL LEADERS (1 Tim. 2:1-3).”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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior”
A. Notice the types of prayer to be offered:
1. supplications - entreaty to God
2. prayers = prayer addressed to God
3. intercessions - a petition, supplication
4. giving of thanks
B. Notice the objects of prayer:
1. all men
2. kings
3. for all that are in authority
C. Notice why these prayers are offered:
1. that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
2. in all godliness and honesty
III. CHRISTIANS ARE ADMONISHED TO RESPECT AND OBEY THEIR GOVERNMENTAL LEADERS (Rom. 13:1-7).
“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. 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. 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. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. 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.”
A. The admonition is to submit to civil authorities (v.1a).
B. There are reasons for this submission (v. 1b-5).
1. The powers that be are ordained of God.
2. for conscience sake.
C. The extent of our submission is clear.
1. Pay taxes
2. Respect leaders
3. Obey laws
4. We can only refuse when obeying civil authorities would cause us to disobey God.
a) Example: Daniel & Friends (Daniel 3, 6)
IV. CHRISTIANS SHOULD ELECT TO OFFICE THOSE CANDIDATES WHO WILL UPHOLD AND MIRROR, IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES, BIBLICAL RIGHTEOUSNESS (Exodus 20:1-17;).
A. Reflecting a Christian lifestyle and Character (Eph. 4:24-28).
“and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.”
1. Ask some questions about their lifestyle:
a) Who does this prospective leader worship?
b) Does this prospective leader recognize God in His proper place in his life?
c) Does this person exercise his right and duty to worship the living God?
d) Does this person take seriously his family
relationships?
e) Does this person value all human life?
f) Does this person take marriage seriously? Are they faithful to their spouse?
g) Is this person a person of integrity?
V. CANDIDATES SHOULD MIRROR BIBLICAL STANDARDS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN POLICY POLICY ENACTMENT. (Prov. 14:34).
A. Concerning the Biblical family structure (Gen. 1:26-28).
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
B. Concerning the sacredness of human life from conception to death (Ps. 139:13-16). “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. “
(Jer 1:5) “Before I hformed you in the womb iI knew you; Before you were born I jsanctified 1you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
C. Concerning the importance of a God-centered world view
(Prov. 14:34).. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”
(Isa. 5:20) “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”
• Ask some questions about this person:
1. Does this person uphold the Biblical definition of marriage in public policy?
2. Does this person defend the right to life of the unborn, the sick and the elderly?
3. Does this person seek to follow the leadership and standards of God in governing, or do they seek to compromise to the desires of those who reject God’s standards and leadership?
VI. CHRISTIANS SHOULD ENDEAVOR TO LIVE THEIR LIVES SO THAT GOD CAN AND WILL BLESS THEM AND THEIR NATION (EPH. 5:1-13).
A. Follow God
B. Walk in love
C. Avoid immorality
D. Reject deception
E. Live separated lives
F. Expose the works of darkness
CONCLUSION:
