THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT FREEDOM:
THE FREEDOM, THE RIGHT AND THE RESPONSIBILITY TO VOTE.
-- The freedom to vote.
-- The right and responsibility to vote.
-- The necessity (obligation) to vote rightly (righteously) and responsibly.
Text: Proverbs 29:2; Isaiah 10:1.
When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice:
but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Proverbs 29:2
Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees,
and that write grievousness which they have prescribed. Isaiah 10:1
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 10 KJV
1 Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;
2 To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!
3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?
4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
Matthew 10:32-42 KJV
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Introduction:
In America we enjoy the freedoms of democracy through a form of government known as a republic. The term “republic” simply means a representative form of democratic government. We the people elect representatives who participate in governmental processes on our behalf. This occurs at every level from the federal, national, level down through the state, county, city, and neighborhood community levels. And it has worked very well for over two and one-quarter centuries.
Our present form of government has been based upon the freedom document called the Constitution of the United States of America. The framers of this incredible document did their best to author a document that would compel government agencies and officials to fulfill their functions in such a way as to avoid the evils of corruption and tyranny so prevalent among the rulers and leaders of the world. However, they could not foresee all the changes that would come to pass in our nation and in the world during the intervening decades between then and now. And they realized that. So provision was included for the due process of amending the document as necessary. It was not a perfect document, but it provided a foundation so stable that in 228 years only 27 amendments have been deemed necessary. Some have been minor adjustments, some have been major corrections. But this freedom document has insured the rights of American people as no other document has been able for any other nation.
Many have gone before us to win, defend and preserve the freedoms we enjoy in our nation today. Many continue to defend and preserve these freedoms at the present time. We must continue to bear this in mind and perform diligently our responsibilities as good citizens. We dare not consider lightly our rights and responsibilities, among these the right to vote, and the serious responsibility to vote conscientiously.
My purpose in this lesson is not to issue an endorsement of any political party or particular candidate running for office. To do so would be an abuse of my station of trust as a minister of Christian education and position as a teacher in the Church of God. It might also create a problem concerning tax-exempt status, which could have implications for this ministry as well as your own financial contributions. Although some may have expressed such endorsements, either explicitly or implicitly, I will not do so from this teaching station. I would be willing to discuss my personal positions and beliefs on some of these issues at another time and place in private conversation. I am well aware that there is a wide variance of opinion within the Church regarding political, social, economic and other issues and there is serious danger of causing divisiveness or discord if discussion of them is not carried on in the proper spirit. My purpose in this lesson is not to promote one particular position as “THE Christian position”, but to encourage us to think carefully and biblically about these issues. It is of great importance to consider carefully the issues and candidates involved in any election and to make decisions which we as Christians could in all sincerity, integrity and good conscience submit in righteousness before our Lord.
Let us therefore continue, asking that the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, our strength, and our redeemer. Amen.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I. KNOW THE PROCESS
A. Representative form of democratic government -- republic. Government is of the people, by the people and for the people. The government is managed by those people who live under it, either by their direct participation in community assemblies such as town meetings or through representatives duly elected by the people to act on their behalf and for their benefit.
B. Registration. The process by which a citizen’s place of residence is recorded officially to insure that person’s eligibility to vote for candidates and issues associated with the district in which the citizen resides, from the local level to the national level.
C. Ballots, primaries, elections, electoral college.
II. KNOW THE CANDIDATES
A. Personal integrity. Contrary to what may have been promoted by various individuals or groups, and particularly the media, in recent years, personal integrity is especially important in those who serve in public office. They have been granted the peoples’ trust to perform in the best interest of the people and to represent them honestly. They have also been entrusted by God and are held accountable by Him to fulfill their duties according to His will.
Exodus 18:19-23
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
Proverbs 14:34
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
B. Beliefs and principles. Be familiar with the personal beliefs and principles by which the candidate governs his/her own personal daily life as much as is possible. Be familiar with the beliefs and principles by which the candidate has conducted the business of public office.
C. Voting record. Check the voting records of the candidates. Campaign rhetoric and promises are one thing. The voting records show how the candidate really performs in office, what the candidate really supports and works for. Sometimes the voting record shows that the candidate hasn’t voted at all, which shows a lack of properly representing the people who elected him/her.
III. KNOW THE ISSUES
A. Current issues and events. What are the issues before us? How have current developments in the international scene as well as national and local events affected the issues? What is the public stand of the candidate on the issues at hand? Does the candidate truly represent what you believe and stand for? Will the candidate truly represent your interests and the best interests of the community and work toward those ends?
B. Careful attention to wording. Be sure to read carefully written material and to listen carefully to spoken communications. Sometimes “legalese” needs to be translated into everyday English.
C. Clarity in understanding. Be sure that you understand the issues and your own stance on the issues clearly. Some folks will support one thing or another very strongly, but will not be able to explain exactly why they do so. Be sure you know your own mind and those things that influence your thinking. Vote intelligently, not ignorantly. Vote according to your convictions, not someone else’s.
IV. KNOW THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
A. Scriptural statements. On many issues there are clear and concise statements in Scripture to show us how to proceed as a Bible believing follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
B. Scriptural principles. On many issues the Bible does not make a concise or literal statement, particularly on things peculiar to contemporary times. However, in cases like these, Scripture does provide for us definite principles to guide our thinking to enable us to make wise and godly decisions.
C. Scriptural applications to contemporary issues. “Study to show thyself approved . . . “ One of the best ways to determine how to apply God’s Word in contemporary circumstances is to see how the people of God applied His Word in similar circumstances. Science, technology, society, education, politics, fashion, customs, culture: many of these aspects of life have undergone great changes over the centuries. The fact remains, however, that people really haven’t changed all that much throughout the millennia. We still have pretty much the same problems, the same joys, the same desires, the same needs, the same relationships, the same mistakes, the same sinful nature that folks have had since the beginning. Details may vary according to the times, but as Solomon expressed it long ago, there is really “nothing new under the sun.” The Word of God is eternal and applies equally at all times, to all people, for all cases, in all places.
D. Scriptural mandates for government. Be aware of what God’s intention for the institutions of government involve, among which are included:
Speaking out on behalf of the innocent and helpless: Proverbs 31:8; Psalm 139:13-16;
Isaiah 44:2, 24; 49:1-5; Jeremiah 1:5.
Confronting sin and moral corruption: Proverbs 14:34; Isaiah 5:20; Jonah 1:2.
Defending the poor and oppressed: Psalm 10:2; Isaiah 10:1-2; Amos 2:6-7.
Working toward the peace and blessing of Israel: Genesis 12:3; 27:29; Psalm 122:6.
E. There is much controversy over the concept of “separation of Church and State.” Often Christians who become active in the political arena are criticized as being “worldly.” These folks in turn often accuse their critics of being uninvolved, uncaring. A study of the history of the relationship between spiritual leadership and political leadership in the Bible provides clarification for us in this issue. Pastor James Boyd described this concept: “While it is true that the Bible teaches that spiritual government (the Church) and political government (the State) are two separate institutions, they are to function in ways that are complementary to each other. For example: In ancient Israel, Moses was the political leader (Exodus 18:15-16), while his brother Aaron served in the Priesthood as the spiritual leader (Exodus 28-29). A similar relationship is seen between King Josiah and Hilkiah the Priest (2 Kings 22). Another example would be Nehemiah the Governor (Nehemiah 7:1-7) and Ezra the Scribe (Nehemiah 8:1-8). Above all, the highest law is God’s Law, and He expects all human governments to be subject to it (Psalm 2:10-12; Isaiah 8:20).”
God has ordained governments to protect the innocent, to punish the guilty, to maintain the proper order in the community. However, living as we do in a fallen, sinful world, we must acknowledge that human beings, including us as well as those who serve in government, do not always obey the highest good and intention of God. True and lasting change in this world occurs only as people respond to the Gospel of God, repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, and are transformed by His grace, mercy, love, wisdom, holiness and power. The Christian life carries with it responsibility not only to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ but also to be good, responsible and productive citizens. To be good stewards of our citizenship includes working to promote godliness and righteousness in politics and government as well as in our private lives.
V. KNOW WHAT TO DO
A. Prayer -- always the first step in decision-making.
1. Understanding and wisdom.
2. Guidance and help of the Holy Spirit.
B. Discernment.
1. What precisely is the issue?
2. What is the biblical perspective?
C. Courage.
1. Vote according to your convictions.
2. Do not vote according to popular opinions, peer pressure, TV, other media,
campaign rhetoric, emotional manipulation, physical appearance, personal charisma, number of signs along the street, unfounded rumors, etc.
D. Action.
1. Exercising the right and responsibility to vote rightly and responsibly involves much more that just going with the flow, being blown to and fro by every wind of political doctrine that comes along. It involves hard work, difficult decisions, and personal challenges. We owe it to those who have gone before us who have worked so hard, fought so hard, sacrificed and gave their lives that we might enjoy the fruits of freedom in our daily living today. We owe it to those who continue in these things to preserve our freedom in the current age. We owe it to those who will come after us, our children, our children’s children, and our children’s children’s children, etc. We owe it to ourselves. And we owe it to God to take this freedom and right seriously and as a sacred trust.
Conclusion:
When someone perceives that an injustice has been committed or even suggested by some government agency or official, the cry rings out, “That’s unconstitutional!” And that is supposed to be the basis upon which a judge or panel of judges decides the issue: whether or not the action violates the principles established by the Constitution. Unfortunately some feel that they are justified in overstepping their proper function and authority in interpreting the law to change and even make law outside of the due process established by the Constitution. These actions violate the very fundamental principles of the system of checks and balances that was intentionally and wisely built into our government. Some have even expressed the desire to do away with the Constitution altogether. We must be ever vigilant to insure that this first step on the road back to unchecked tyranny never happens. Furthermore, as citizens of the United States of America, as children of God and as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, our thinking process must not be suspended at the point of the critical question, “Is it constitutional?” but continue through to be more deeply rooted in the foundational standard, “Is it biblical?”
Proverbs 29:2 KJV
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
“The Church must take right ground in regards to politics . . .
God will bless or curse the nation according to the [political] course Christians take.”
-- Charles Grandison Finney.
Psalm 33:12 KJV
12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
Paul cautioned a young pastor in the early church to “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22).
The Apostle John warned the church to be careful about supporting those who support ungodly teachings and practices. To bid a person “God speed” involved in those things is to participate in them. To bid someone “God speed” in his sin is to become a partaker of that same sin.
2 John 10-11 KJV
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Therefore we need to be very careful and thoughtful about whom we support as candidates for office and which issues we support for legislative action. If we support those who promote unrighteous decrees (Isaiah 10:1-2) we are responsible as partaking in that unrighteousness. One pastor (Dr. Ronald Shultz) wrote, “I had several coworkers say that they did not care anything about abortions or homosexuality as long as they could get cheaper gas.” He further commented, “I have been puzzled though by the politics of my fellow preachers. Many of them will preach a hot hell and biblical standards and then vote against their convictions and encourage their people to do the same. . . . Careful, preachers! Look through the proper glasses. I don’t want to stand before God and say that I voted to support unrighteous decrees because those who wrote them promised me some carnal benefit. I have enough to answer for; I don’t need the added load of that.”
One thing we must be very careful to keep in mind is that the abuse of liberty leads to bondage. Our studies in Scripture reveal this principle to be true as evidenced in the history of Israel. Our observations of contemporary life experiences, not only those of others, but of our own as well, support the validity of the application of this principle and warning today.
Galatians 5:1, 13
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Another principle that we must keep in mind as well, especially in the present times of political focus and activity, is that no matter what happens, no matter who is elected to whatever office, nevertheless, God is still in control. One pastor (Alan Perkins) preached a sermon entitled “We Vote - God Decides”. His text was Proverbs 21:1 which says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will”. Governments and political leaders exist only as God permits and can do nothing that He does not allow them to do. However things may appear, God will bring about His will through or in spite of human agency. God’s authority is absolutely sovereign and rules over all. He is in control over the President, the Congress of the United States, even the Supreme Court, (whether or not they acknowledge it), the governments of whatever form of all the nations. He is the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. We may not always completely understand why certain things may come about, but we must always trust that God is in control in any case. And our trust must always be supremely in God, not in politics, not in economics, not in science and technology, not in philosophy, not in psychology, not in education, not in any single man or agency of man, not in a political party, but in God. All these other things God can raise up or set down according to His purpose. We also need to remember that God’s purpose may include blessing or it may include judgment and chastisement for the time. In any case, God’s wisdom is greater than ours and our faith must be in Him.
There is much in Scripture to guide our thinking. Consider the following passages:
Proverbs 21:1-4
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.
Daniel 2:21
21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Daniel 4:17
17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
Romans 9:17
17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Romans 13:1
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Psalm 103:19
19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Psalm 118:8-9
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
Psalm 146:3-5
3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.
4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.
5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
1 Peter 2:13-16
13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.
17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Acts 5:27-29
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Isaiah 5:20-21
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
Isaiah 55:6-9
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Proverbs 12:15; 14:12; 16:25
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Mark 8:38
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Lu 9:26
26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.
Let us therefore obey Paul’s instruction:
1 Timothy 2:1-4
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Amen.
(Many sources have contributed to the formation of this lesson, some from SermonCentral. I freely and humbly acknowledge that I have depended upon the clarity of expression of others where it was superior to my own in this critically important lesson.).
