THIS SUNDAY: A Christian's Engagement in Government and Politics - Part II
Recap of the current series: A Theology of Government and Politics
We spent the last two weeks focusing on the biblical fundamentals of government and politics:
We explored God's creation of authority and power and the role of governing authorities in bringing justice, order, and peace to a sin-filled world.
Earthly governments are a temporary solution with limited power and capability over a world that is passing away.
While earthly governments restrain sin by punishing the wrongdoer and rewarding those who do good, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the good news of the government of the messiah which has come and is increasing. Its purpose is to eradicate sin in this world forever. "... of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isaiah 9:7a)
All people are commanded by God to submit and honor the governing authorities for the sake of justice, order, and peace.
The Bible grants that there are times we must disobey the governing authorities if they command us to do something contrary to God's commands.
Focus this week: How Ought Christians Participate in Government and Politics?
The shortest and most simplified answer to this question is with a biblical worldview.
What does this mean? It means the scriptures shape the way you view the world and how you live in the world, informing every aspect of life, with no exceptions. Which parts of the bible are to play a part in our thinking and living? The whole counsel of God. But we can start with two short passages:
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
He is not here, for He has risen. Matthew 28:6a
These two verses establish the foundation for all Christian thinking. God is the creator and ruler of all things, and Jesus Christ, His Son, became man and conquered sin and death and has been exalted with all authority in heaven and on earth above all men and kings of this world.
Other Key Passages that Guide A Biblical Worldview
Colossians 1:15-23
Matthew 6:33,
1 Corinthians 10:31
Mark 12:28-34
All of the Bible is wisdom and truth that should inform and shape our decisions because our lives are a series of decisions: what time to wake up, what to eat for breakfast, where to work, where to worship, what to say to your coworker, how to deal with your difficult neighbor, how to vote.
Prepare this week by considering what is informing your decisions. How is the world influencing you? Do you even realize what is influencing your decisions? Can you work back from your decisions and highlight the biblical principles and ideas to support your decisions?
First essay: Why Preach on Government and Politics?
Click on the hymn playlist below and fill your home and vehicle with hymns that beautifully portray the glory of Christ.
DAILY PRIVATE/FAMILY WORSHIP
Seek daily communion with God through scripture reading, prayer, and singing. Click on the resources below.
*This Week's Hymns Playlist - Spotify
*This Week's Hymns Playlist - YouTube
"I feel it is far better to begin with God—to see his face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another." - Robert Murray M'Cheyne
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