Introduction:
A. One day during the presidential transition, the “lame duck” President met with his successor in the Oval Office.
1. Near the end of the orientation, the outgoing President presented the incoming President three numbered envelopes, with specific instructions to open them, in order, when great difficulties arose.
2. After the new President completed his “honeymoon” period with the media and the public, the nation experienced an economic downturn.
3. The new President opened the first envelope and inside was a card that read: “Blame me.”
4. So he did. He criticized the former administration and things settled down.
5. After a while, social upheaval brought about a critical domestic crisis.
6. The President opened the second envelope and inside was a card that read: “Blame my party.”
7. He did so, in an overt display of partisan politics and again things settled down.
8. About a year later, his foreign policy resulted in serious problems and the President opened the third envelope.
9. Inside, the card read: “Prepare three envelopes.”
B. Thankfully, the 2016 presidential election and inauguration are now over, and, in what very few could ever have imagined, Donald Trump has become the President of the United States.
1. No matter what our differences politically or otherwise, surely we can all agree that this campaign has been demoralizing and even traumatizing for most of the country.
2. But unfortunately, the great divide in our country and the hostile feelings and reactions that swirled around this election are not easing up.
3. Since the inauguration and some of the new administrations first moves to put a cabinet in place and begin policy changes, there have been protests and violence.
4. It feels a little bit like the world has gone crazy!
C. For several weeks now, I have felt compelled to try to bring a message of wisdom and peace for our congregation in the midst of the chaos and unrest around us.
1. As you know, I don’t like to talk about politics, and actually this sermon is not about politics.
2. This sermon is about how we, as Christians, should conduct ourselves in the midst of a fractured nation.
3. So, initially, I thought of this sermon as a break in my Transforming Truths series, but then I realized that I didn’t have to break into the series I had planned, because today’s lesson is another important truth that needs to be added to the series.
4. Today’s transforming truth is the fact that we can be good citizens, and that ultimately, God requires that we strive to be good citizens.
5. What I hope to do in today’s sermon is to give us some perspective on God’s principles for citizenship and to help us apply them to our present situation and always.
D. The first thing I want to emphasize is a truth that I point to anytime I discuss politics and elections, and it is the truth that God is in control.
1. When Jesus’ life was in the hands of Pilate, He made this important point to Pilate.
a. The conversation went like this, “Pilate said, ‘Do you refuse to speak to me? Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?’ Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’ ” (John 19:10-11)
2. Psalm 22:28 says, “For dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.”
3. And Daniel 2:20-21 says, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.”
4. What a blessing it is to know that no matter who is President that God is in control and He is working things out for His purposes.
E. So, what then are we to make of the fact that Donald Trump is now the President of the United States of America? What are God’s purposes for a Donald Trump Presidency?
1. My honest answer is: “I don’t know.”
2. As the political pundits weigh in on the many sociological and ideological factors that contributed to Donald Trump’s stunning victory, we must keep in mind the spiritual side of things.
3. As I said earlier, God is in control – He sets up kings and deposes them – therefore, Trump is President because God has allowed it.
4. So if God has raised up Trump for certain divine purposes, then we might wonder what those purposes are.
5. To be sure, some will say, “Yes, God has raised up Donald Trump, but it is to judge America, not bless America. He has given us what we deserve, and it is not good.”
a. God certainly did that when Israel clamored for a king and God tried to warn them against it, but in the end, God gave them what they asked for, and Saul became the first king of Israel.
b. Saul proved to be a less than ideal king.
6. But there are certainly, many other purposes that God may have for a Trump Presidency, and we will have to wait to see what materializes.
a. I hope God’s purposes are for our prosperity and not for our punishment.
7. I read something interesting from a minister named Jeremiah Johnson, about the sense that he has about what God may do through a Trump Presidency.
a. Johnson wrote these words back in July before he knew very much about Trump, but this is what he sensed God was telling him: “Trump shall become My trumpet to the American people, for he possesses qualities that are even hard to find in My people these days. Trump does not fear man nor will he allow deception and lies to go unnoticed. I am going to use him to expose darkness and perversion in America like never before, but you must understand that he is like a bull in a china closet. Many will want to throw him away because he will disturb their sense of peace and tranquility, but you must listen through the bantering to discover the truth that I will speak through him…” (article by M. Brown)
8. Consider also the perspective of Dr. Lance Wallnau, a Christian speaker and leadership coach who often thinks outside the box. (article by M. Brown)
a. Wallnau believes that God is using Trump as a “wrecking ball to the spirit of political correctness,” claiming, “His emergence is such a destabilizing threat to the vast deal making machinery embedded in both parties that he has the unique distinction of being rejected by both liberal Democrats and establishment Republicans at the same time.”
9. I find those to be very interesting perspectives, but let me say it again: I don’t know what God is going to do or how God might use the Trump Presidency.
10. What I do know is that God is in control and that God’s purposes cannot be hindered.
F. Allow me to speak to those who may be very unhappy and worried because Donald Trump is our President.
1. There have been seven different Presidents during my adult life, and about half of that time, the President has not been the one that I wanted.
2. I thought the world was coming to an end when Bill Clinton was elected – I just couldn’t believe that the majority of Americans would elect someone with such poor moral character.
a. I was truly scared about what would happen to our country with him at the top.
b. Well, we survived Clinton and all the other Presidents we have had, because the country is bigger and stronger than one person at the top.
3. But even though half of the Presidents weren’t the ones I wanted, I have never had the attitude of “Not my President.”
4. I have never wanted any U.S. President to fail, because if our President fails, then our nation fails, and we citizens of the U.S. are hurt by it.
5. I like this cartoon that shows a hole in the boat with people at one end of the boat saying, “Sure glad the hole isn’t at our end.”
a. If the hole causes the boat to sink, then it doesn’t matter whose end the hole is in, right?
6. The same is true with our country – we only have one President at a time, and he is president of us all.
a. If he leads the country well, then we all are blessed, but if he sinks, then we all sink.
I. Do’s and Don’ts for Christian Citizens
A. So what are some “Do’s” and “Don’ts” for us as Christians that will help us to be good citizens?
B. First, as Christian citizens, we must obey the law.
1. Something that helps me to have spiritual perspective about citizenship is to realize that Christianity has been around for a long time, and that Christians have lived in every country of the world, and have had to live out their Christianity under all types of kings and governments.
2. God’s command for us, as Christians, is to strive to be law-abiding citizens of whatever country we live in and whatever governmental system we live under.
3. To the Christians living in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote: Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. (Rom. 13:1-2, 5)
4. To the Christians scattered about the Roman Empire, the Apostle Peter wrote: Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter. 2:13-17)
5. The Roman Emperors who served during the time of the early church include Nero (54-68 AD), Vespasian (68-79 AD), Titus (79-81 AD), and Domitian (81-96 AD).
6. Those were some brutal, unethical, self-centered, delusional dictators and yet both Paul and Peter say that they were in power by God’s establishment and that they must be submitted to.
7. The only time God’s people are not to submit to the governing authorities is when those authorities command us to do something that violates God’s commands.
a. When the King that Daniel served under ordered that no one was allowed to pray to God, Daniel disobeyed the King and kept on praying.
b. When the King that Shadrach, Meshack, and Abendigo served under ordered them to worship an idol, they disobeyed their government and obeyed God.
c. When the officials told the apostles to no longer preach about Jesus, they replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
8. But unless obeying the government would cause us to disobey God’s commands, we must submit to the governing authorities and live according to the laws of our country.
9. We are good citizens when we submit to those in authority and obey the law, and we are called upon by God to do so no matter who is the President – even Nero, or Domitian.
C. Second, as Christian citizens, we can pray.
1. The Bible says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (Jms. 5:16)
2. When Paul wrote Timothy, he instructed him: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).
3. Concerning the nation of Israel, God said, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
4. I believe that God will do the same for the United States of America if we will humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways.
5. Many of us have deep differences with our new president, and would have no matter which candidate had been elected, but we must pray that he will succeed in leading our country with wisdom and justice.
6. And let’s pray for all our elected officials – let’s pray that they will humbly look to God for direction and that they will not pursue party or personal goals, but will do what is best for all the citizens of our country.
D. Third, as Christian citizens, we should not argue, complain, judge or condemn.
1. Paul wrote: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life… (Phil. 2:14-16)
2. Interaction in social media and in face to face conversation has gotten so negative and combative, but this should not be the way for Christians.
a. We must avoid complaining, arguing and being condemning about people and policies.
b. We must be very careful about how we represent ourselves and Christ as we communicate.
3. If we need to enter into the arena of ideas and try to change people’s thinking, then we must follow God’s guidelines.
4. Look at the instructions that Paul gave Timothy: “And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…” (2 Tim. 2:24-25).
5. We can certainly exercise our rights as citizens and contact our elected representatives with our ideas and wishes for our country, but we must do so with respect and dignified communication.
6. Facebook and Twitter are likely not the best place to arguments and dialog on important matters.
E. Fourth, as Christian citizens, we can love our neighbor.
1. Regardless of the words or actions of our government, we can show God’s love to everyone.
2. We can show kindness and build relationships with all kinds of people, whether they are different from us in color, country of origin, religion, orientation, education or economic status.
3. We can love and serve refugees, unwed mothers, widows, orphans, the poor and the homeless.
4. Rather than depending on the government to do those things, or being angry when they don’t, we must ask ourselves, “What am I doing to love my neighbor and be a good citizen?”
5. Jesus teaches us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:39)
6. And “do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Mt. 7:12)
F. Fifth, as Christian citizens, we can give the kingdom of God our highest allegiance.
1. Jesus teaches us to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.” (Mt. 6:33)
2. Paul reminds us: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Phil. 3:20)
3. God’s Kingdom, the church, is made up of all kinds of people, brought together as one body.
4. We belong to each other because we belong to Christ.
5. We are not, first, Republicans or Democrats, or conservatives or progressives.
6. We are not even, first and foremost, citizens of the United States of America.
7. Most importantly, we are the church of the resurrected and triumphant Lord Jesus Christ made up of people from all nations.
8. The church has survived everything from the rage of Nero, to Communist oppression, to Middle Eastern terrorist cells, and will continue in spite of all of the attacks of Satan.
9. We will pledge allegiance to the flag, but we will pledge a higher allegiance to the cross.
10. Our rallying cry is not “Hail to the Chief” but “Jesus is Lord.”
11. And regardless of what happens to America, we must seek first the Kingdom of God.
G. Finally, as Christian citizens, we can put our trust in God.
1. Our trust should not be in our country or our President and other elected representatives, rather, our trust must be in God.
2. Psalm 20:7 says: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
3. Psalm 118:8 says: It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
4. Psalm 27:1 says: The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?
5. Psalm 146:1-10 says:
Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come
to nothing.
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - the LORD, who
remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free, the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD .
6. Our God is all-powerful, all-knowing, He is everywhere, He is perfect, He is good, He is merciful, He is faithful and He is just.
7. In a world full of evil and trouble and chaos, Our God is our rock and our refuge.
8. If our trust is in the Lord, then we have nothing to fear.
Conclusion:
A. In a speech in 1820, Daniel Webster, the former constitutional lawyer, U.S Senator, and Secretary of State said: “Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.”
B. As good Christians and good citizens…
1. We must obey the law.
2. We can pray.
3. We should not argue, complain, judge or condemn.
4. We can love our neighbor.
5. We can give the Kingdom of God our highest allegiance.
6. We can trust in God.
C. When we do so, we are good citizens, and good Christians, and God is pleased.
Resources:
Donald Trump, President of the United States by the Sovereign Intervention of God, Article by Michael
Brown, 11.9.16, https://stream.org/donald-trump-president-united-states-sovereign-intervention-god/
President Trump: Now What for the Church? Article by Russell Moore,
http://www.christianity.com/blogs/russell-moore/president-trump-now-what-for-the-church.html
