Jesus & Politics

Stand Alone: Jesus & Politics

October 20th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Disclaimer:

1. I’m not going to be endorsing a candidate – legally, I’m not allowed to do that from this platform, nor would it be my desire to do so.
2. I’m not going to be endorsing a political party – again, this is not my desire. This approach could have two negative outcomes, it could create an echo chamber and it could prevent people with different political party affiliations from feeling welcome at Pinewood.
3. I’m not going to address current policies – Our beliefs and values have been faithfully taught over the last six years as we’ve expositionally preached the Word of God and prophetically addressed cultural realities. If you want to know our convictions as a church, we have a beliefs page on our website and over six years of sermons on YouTube. This is not my aim for today.

My heart is never to be controversial for the sake of clout. Nor polarizing for the sake of popularity. Quite the opposite, my heart and desire is to teach the Word of God and faithfully shepherd the flock to which I am accountable. The motivation being that we would be more conformed into the likeness of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

This morning I am going to talk about…

1. How followers of Jesus are to understand the government's role in society from a biblical perspective
2. How followers of Jesus are called to engage and contribute in politics and should Christians vote
3. How followers of Jesus are to build convictions and have better conversations around the subject of politics
4. And I’m going to attempt all of this, in the next 33 minutes… this isn’t true, but I’ll do my best.

The goal of this message is to help you better understand the Bible’s position on this topic. The second goal is to help you see that your primary allegiance is to the Kingdom of God. And finally, I want to point you to Jesus as our ultimate source of hope and freedom.

Some of you are incredibly disappointed right now, some are relieved, and the rest of you have no idea what you just walked in to… but we’re so glad all of you are here. 🙂

Title: Jesus & Politics

Main Points:

1. A Biblical Perspective On Government and Politics

   1. Kingdom of Heaven | Kingdom of Earth
      1. We are citizens of two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the nation we belong to.
      2. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” - Philippians 3:20
      3. No political party perfectly aligns with Christianity. Our goal is to filter politics through our faith, not the other way around. We cannot bury our heads in the sand; we are called to engage.
      4. Mark 1:1 – “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” In first-century Rome, this was a politically loaded statement. Caesar claimed to be the "son of god," but Mark announces Jesus as the true King, challenging earthly rulers.
   2. Kingdom Citizen | American Citizen
      1. Big R’s and little c’s or Big D’s and little c’s: As Big “C” Christians, we are living for King Jesus above all else (Matthew 6:33).
      2. We don’t deify (Herodians), destroy (Zealots), or disassociate (Essenes) from government, but we engage through the lens of discipleship.
      3. Jesus is King of a new Kingdom: Our ultimate allegiance belongs to Him, not Caesar or any political figure.
      4. “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” - Revelation 19:16
   3. King of Kings | President of the USA
      1. Earthly leaders are temporary, but Jesus’ reign is eternal. We respect the government but remember our ultimate King.
      2. For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7
   4. Obedience to God | Obedience to Laws:
      1. We are called to submit to authorities, even when the government is corrupt (e.g., Nero in Paul’s time).
      2. “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.” - Romans 13:1-2
      3. However, when the government conflicts with God’s Word, we follow God first.
      4. “After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” 29 Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people.” - Acts 5:27-29
      5. In Mark 12:13-17, Jesus teaches the balance: “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” We participate in government but understand God’s ultimate ownership.
      6. There is a time for civil disobedience. How do we know? It’s simple and it’s complex. When the government commands something that is morally wrong, the Christian has a moral duty to resist it.
      7. “Civil disobedience is a thoughtful, theologically informed, willingness to suffer the punishment for the disobedience, based in humility and Christ likeness and conviction.” - Jon Tyson
      8. In the spirit of resistance, we have lost the posture of ones like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
   5. Who Established Governments?
      1. Governments are established by God to maintain order and justice. I’ve also heard it said that the Government is a gift from God to promote human flourishing. (Romans 13:1-7)
      2. “Governments are part of God's common grace for a broken world, and their main job is justice: to punish wrongdoing and promote the common good.” - Timothy Keller
      3. Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world, but He cares about how we live in it. He didn’t just come to save our hearts—He came to establish His reign over all of creation.
   6. Goals of Government:
      1. The government’s responsibility is to constrain evil and promote good, ensuring justice and peace.
      2. “Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the emperor as the supreme authority 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good.” - 1 Peter 2:13-14
      3. Government is flawed because of human sin.
      4. "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary." James Madison's Federalist No. 51.
      5. Our Theology: We believe man is sinful, therefore man should be governed. Also, because man is sinful, therefore we believe governments should be constrained.

      6. So what then is the role of the government? These thoughts taken from the book City Of Man (Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner) and Ps Jon Tyson, here’s 5 things that government exists to facilitate:

         1. Order - Government is necessary to maintain public order and prevent chaos. Without order, society would descend into anarchy and violence, as human beings are flawed and prone to disorder without rules and enforcement mechanisms.
         2. Justice - Government exists to promote justice by rewarding good behavior and punishing wrongdoers. A just government seeks fairness, ensuring that people are treated with dignity and that laws are applied equally to all.
         3. Virtue - Governments, while not responsible for dictating religious beliefs, should seek to uphold moral laws that reflect the well-being and flourishing of society. This includes laws that protect life, human dignity, and rights.
         4. Prosperity - While government is not the source of personal wealth or well-being, it is responsible for creating an environment where people can thrive economically and socially. Good governance facilitates the conditions for prosperity by protecting property rights, enforcing contracts, and encouraging free enterprise and innovation.
         5. Safety - Government has a responsibility to ensure domestic tranquility and maintain peace both within its borders and through diplomacy with other nations. It should protect its citizens from internal unrest and external threats.

2. A Believer’s Contribution to Government and Politics

   1. Should Christians Vote?
      1. God told the exiles in Babylon to seek the welfare of the city where they lived (Jeremiah 29:7). I believe that applies to us too. Voting is one way we can influence society for good.
      2. Our engagement should be driven by our faith in God, not by merely an allegiance to any political party.
      3. “9 “Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” - Matthew 6:9-10
      4. There is a work God wants to do on this earth, we get to pray for it, and participate in it.
      5. Jesus says to give Caesar what belongs to Caesar. (Mark 12) I take that to include our participation in government.
      6. And He upholds God and His Kingdom as our ultimate allegiance. Not one, not the other, but both in proper order.
      7. We are called to participate in it with a proper perspective.
      8. Everybody’s imperfect… you think Caesar is good?
   2. God gave 3 institutions to govern His world:
      1. Family – God places a high value on family, which is responsible for teaching values, education, and health (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
      2. Church – The church is the guardian of the Word and sacraments, with a mission to disciple people and promote spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:11-12).
      3. Government – The ministry of justice, tasked with punishing evil and rewarding good (Romans 13:4).
   3. Building Biblical Convictions
      1. Know the Word: The foundation for any conviction must come from a deep knowledge of Scripture. Meditate on the Word, and allow it to guide your heart and mind (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
      2. Obey the Word: Forming godly convictions requires obedience. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey His commands (John 14:15).
      3. Articulate Your Convictions: Christians need to know what they believe and why they believe it (1 Peter 3:15).
   4. Christians can bring unique perspectives and contributions to government and public life, grounded in their faith and biblical principles. Here are 5 things that Christians can offer when engaging in government:
      1. A Commitment to Human Dignity:
         1. Christians believe every person has inherent worth because they are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). This understanding motivates policies that protect life and honor the value of every individual, regardless of status or background.
         2. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." - Genesis 1:27
      2. A Heart for the Poor and Vulnerable:
         1. Rooted in biblical compassion, Christians are called to defend and care for those who are marginalized, oppressed, or in need. Here's how I'd apply that: this concern can shape government policies that uplift the weak and promote justice for all.
         2. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25:40
      3. A Realistic View of Human Nature:
         1. Understanding the fallenness of humanity, Christians bring a cautious view of power and authority. Recognizing that people are prone to sin and corruption, they support checks and balances that prevent the abuse of power.
         2. "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9
      4. A Call to Love and Serve Others:
         1. Christians are commanded to care for their neighbors, including those who are different or outside their own community. This principle encourages policies that foster compassion, hospitality, and justice for "the other."
         2. "Love your neighbor as yourself." - Mark 12:31
      5. Trust in God’s Sovereignty and Guidance:
         1. Christians approach governance with the conviction that ultimate power and wisdom come from God. They believe that leaders and nations are dependent on God’s favor, and prayer and humility should guide public decision-making.
         2. "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." - Proverbs 2:6

3. Pastoral counsel on how to approach an election

   1. How Not to Approach an Election:
      1. Using Social Media as Your Primary Means of Understanding Policies
         1. Social media platforms are often filled with misinformation, biased perspectives, and emotional arguments. Relying solely on these for political insights can lead to skewed views and uninformed decisions.
         2. "The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." (Proverbs 14:15)
      2. Maintaining Allegiance to a Political Party Because It’s What You’ve Always Known
         1. Voting out of tradition or habit, without reexamining the policies and actions of the party in light of current issues, can prevent thoughtful, faith-driven decision-making.
         2. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
      3. Choosing a Candidate Based on External and Surface-Level Preferences
         1. Voting based on personality, charisma, appearance, or superficial characteristics ignores the deeper, more important issues at stake. When God chose David, He told Samuel:
         2. "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
      4. Blindly Following the Endorsements of Influential Figures
         1. While it’s good to respect leaders or celebrities, making voting decisions solely based on who they endorse, without personal reflection, can lead to unexamined choices. Paul wrote this about testing prophecy, and the principle fits here:
         2. "Test everything; hold fast what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
   2. How to Approach an Election:
      1. List Out the Primary Policies of Each Candidate and Their Desires While in Office
         1. Instead of focusing on superficial elements, take the time to understand what each candidate actually stands for and plans to do while in office.
         2. Biblical Passage: "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." - Proverbs 14:8
      2. Examine Each Policy Through the Lens of Your Christian Worldview
         1. Consider how each candidate’s platform aligns with biblical convictions such as life, justice, mercy, truth, and care for the vulnerable.
         2. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
         3. The priority in every decision, including political ones, should be seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
      3. Pray for Wisdom and Seek Wise Counsel
         1. Rather than relying solely on your own understanding, seek God’s guidance through prayer and the counsel of trusted, wise individuals who share your faith.
         2. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." - James 1:5
         3. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14
         4. "The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him."(Proverbs 18:17)
      4. Stay Focused on God’s Sovereignty Over Politics
         1. Description: While elections are important, it’s essential to remember that God is sovereign over all leaders and nations, and His kingdom is not dependent on human political systems.
         2. Biblical Passage: "The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes." (Daniel 4:17)
         3. This verse reminds believers that God is ultimately in control of political outcomes and human leaders.
   3. Questions to overcome barriers in political isolation:
      1. Not “Who are you voting for?”
         1. Instead, ask “Are you going to vote?”
      2. Not “Are you Republican or Democrat?”
         1. Instead, ask “What policies are you most passionate about and why?”
      3. Not “How can you support _________ for president?”
         1. Instead, ask “What or who has most influenced your involvement in politics?”
      4. Not “I’ve already made up my mind, you’re either with me or against me.”
         1. Instead, ask “Would you be willing to sit down and have a conversation about policies so that I can hear how you’re processing all of this?”

      5. Not: "Do you even know what’s happening in politics?"

         1. Instead: "How do you stay informed about political issues and policies?" 6. Not: "How could you support a policy like that?"

         2. Instead: "I’m curious, what do you think are the benefits of that policy?" 7. Not: "Don’t you see how wrong that position is?"

         3. Instead: "What perspective or experience led you to hold that position?" 8. Not: "Your political party is ruining everything."

         4. Instead: "What do you think your party gets right, and what would you like to see improved?" 9. Not: "Why don’t you just listen to the facts?"

         5. Instead: "What sources do you trust for political information, and why?" 10. Not: "I can’t believe you’re still undecided."

         6. Instead: "What factors are you still weighing as you make your decision?" 11. Not: "You’re wrong, here’s why..."

         7. Instead: "I’d love to understand your thoughts better. Can you explain how you arrived at that viewpoint?"

Challenge:

1. As you go, may you seek God, study His Word, and form biblical convictions. Politics through the lens of your faith and Christian worldview, not your faith through the lens of your politics.

Benediction Prayer:

"Lord, as we navigate our role as citizens of this country, may we never lose sight of our true citizenship in Your Kingdom. Guide us with wisdom and courage as we seek to reflect Your justice, mercy, and truth in all we do. Help us to honor You above all else, and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation