1. Introduction
1.1. Disclaimer:
1.1.1. The thoughts expressed in this sermon do not necessarily represent the thoughts of First Christian Church of Pulaski, the Virginia Region of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), or The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in general.
1.1.2. This sermon, while being given to a congregation of believers, should be viewed from the standpoint of the individual and not the group.
1.1.3. The intent of this sermon is to make you think about the relationship between Christianity and Politics.
1.2. This relationship cannot be tied up in a neat bow in a single sermon.
1.3. So, I would like us to consider the following questions this morning:
1.3.1. What is the relationship between Christianity and government?
1.3.2. What responsibilities does the Church have regarding government?
1.3.3. What responsibilities do individual Christians have regarding government?
2. Christian Relationship
2.1. Our passage today is Paul writing to the Christians in Rome.
2.2. Rome is the capital of a vast empire that includes the Holy Land of Israel, and many other parts of the world.
2.3. What does Paul say?
2.4. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God.”
2.5. Christians throughout the world need to have respect for their nation’s government and comply with its laws and precepts.
2.6. Christians need to work within and according to the law.
2.7. We may not like some of the laws, we may not like some of the leadership, but we need to be respectful.
2.8. For God is the ultimate authority in the universe.
2.9. A nation’s governing authority is there by the grace of God.
3. The Church’s Responsibility
3.1. The Church as an entity has no responsibility regarding government.
3.2. I have looked, but I can’t find scripture that would support an individual church, or a denomination sticking its nose directly into politics.
3.3. The Church’s responsibility is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.
3.4. To enlighten people on who Jesus is, what He offers to them, and how He wants us to treat each other and the world.
3.5. The Church’s responsibility is to equip people to be able to go out and do the Will of God for the world.
3.5.1. That includes deciding upon who to vote for and how to vote on ballot requests.
3.6. It is not the Church’s responsibility to endorse a political party, or a particular candidate nor to tell people how they should vote.
3.7. If Jeff were to run for Pulaski Mayor again, it would be inappropriate for First Christian Church or I as its Pastor to public say anything for or against his candidacy.
4. Individual Christian Responsibilities
4.1. The highest responsibility that a Christian has is to fulfill God’s Will here on Earth.
4.2. Way back in the Garden of Eden, God made Adam and Eve the stewards of the Earth.
4.3. God’s Will was the care of the Earth be given to Adam and Eve and all of their descendants.
4.4. Genesis 1:28 (NRSV)
[28] God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”
4.5. Genesis 2:15 (NRSV)
[15] The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
4.6. Faithful stewardship starts in one’s home with the caring for our spouses and our children.
4.7. Expands to our extended family, then to our community, our neighbors, our church, our state, and our nation.
4.8. Because we are a nation that is a republic, we elect representatives to local, county, state, and national offices.
4.9. It is a Christian’s responsibility to make a careful choice of who they vote for to represent them.
4.10. Our Christian values need to be considered when deciding upon the different candidates.
4.11. It is a Christian’s responsibility to speak up concerning any governing body’s actions that is not in line with our Christian values.
Ephesians 5:6-11 (NRSV) [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be associated with them. [8] For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— [9] for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. [10] Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
4.12. Don’t like what City Council is considering?
4.12.1. Speak up.
4.13. Don’t like what The State House is considering?
4.13.1. Speak up.
4.14. Don’t like what The House or Senate is considering?
4.14.1. Speak up.
4.15. Christians need to be praying for their elected representatives.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NRSV) [1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. [3] This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
4.16. There is nothing in the Bible that says that a Christian cannot run for elected office.
4.17. There is nothing in the Bible that says a Christian in elected office cannot be guided in their work by the values they hold.
4.17.1. I would go as far as to say any Christian that is not guided by their values, no matter what they do, or candidates/officials who claim to follow Jesus just for votes, have no business claiming Christ.
5. Final Thoughts
5.1. Lastly, I want to make it clear that God and Jesus do not belong to a particular political party, group, or nation.
5.2. There are groups that have made claims that Jesus is only present in their little circles.
5.3. That Jesus has excluded this group or that group from His presence.
5.4. This is rubbish.
5.5. Jesus does not belong to anyone or anything.
5.6. We all belong to Jesus.
5.7. It is our responsibility to take His teachings and use them to bring about the Will of God the Father everywhere and in everything.
Amen
