How should a Christian view politics? Should believers participate or not? Joel Hynes joins Tim Young on this episode to explore what the Bible has to say on this subject of citizenship by breaking down one answer at the Got Questions website. Can we mix our religion and politics? The answer may surprise you.
Key Verse:
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)
Video Presentation:
https://bookroadchristadelphians.ca/media/video/1079204007
Outline:
Introduction
- The current political climate and the mix of Christianity and politics
- Got Questions web site
God’s Will and Sovereignty
- Got Questions web site first point about God’s will
- What is God’s will (Matt. 6:10)? The context of the Daniel passages ( 2:20-21; 4:17,25,32,34-35; 5:21) concerning God’s Kingdom to come.
- What is God’s will for leaders? God sets up evil men – Pharaoh (Ex. 9:16), Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 27:4-6), Cyrus (Isa. 45:1), Alexander (Dan. 5:5-8,21), Pilate (John 19:10-11). So what about Constantine, Napoleon, and Hitler (Prov. 16:4)?
The Teaching of Jesus
- Got Questions second point about the absence of Bible teaching on voting
- Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:38-42; Matt. 5:43-45 cp. Rom. 12:19-20)
The teaching of the Apostles
- Got Questions third point about being a good citizen
- A royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9-10)
- Strangers (foreigners) and pilgrims (resident aliens) (1 Peter 2:11-12)
- Our duty to magistrates now (1 Peter 2:13-17; Rom. 13:1-7)
Citizen vs non-citizen status
- What is missing from the Got Questions video? What about God’s kingdom to come? We are citizens of our nation by natural birth but citizens of God’s kingdom by choice and spiritual rebirth.
- Non-Citizen Restrictions. You have to be a citizen to vote (or hold political office), serve in the military (including police) or on a jury (or be a judge or certain types of lawyer). This is the wisdom of the world!
- Non-Citizen Obligation. Obey the laws of the land and pay your taxes (Rom. 13:6-7; Matt. 22:21). Also, pray for and respect the leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-3; Tit. 3:1-2)
Conclusion – Seeking first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33)