Christian Citizenship

07/08/20 • 76 min

Christian Citizenship (2080) What does the Bible say about Christian citizenship? What are our responsibilities, duties, and rights? What are Christians to do, to think, and how are we instructed to behave? Many Christian citizens shy away from political involvement for various reasons. Some are discouraged, others are intimidated or annoyed. But Romans 13:1-7 encourages us, first, to look at the reasons for human government. The Bible tells us that human government is ordained by God. Daniel 2:21 says, “He (the Lord), removeth kings and setteth up kings.” God ordains human government for two reasons: to restrain evil and to reward good. Romans 13 also outlines the requirements for human government. In Matthew 22, Jesus tells the people, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.” As Christians, our responsibility is, first and foremost, to God; but we do have a responsibility to human government. Adrian Rogers says, “Separation of church and state does not mean the separation of God and government.” The government is here to restrain evil. The church is here to preach the Gospel. The state is not the master of the church, and the church is not the master of the state. The church is the conscience of the state. We are here to hold up a standard of truth. There are six duties Christian citizens have concerning our government. 1. Pay our government: Jesus paid His taxes; we ought to do likewise. 2. Pray for our government: Adrian Rogers says, “The greatest responsibility in America is not in the White House but in the church house.” 3. Praise our government: We are to give honor to whom honor is due. 4. Preach to our country: Adrian Rogers says, “We dare not identify the Christian faith with the Democrat or the Republican Party. We need to be free to tell both parties to repent and get right with God.” 5. Participate in our government: Christians are to participate, not on the basis of parties, but principles. We are to be informed. 6. Persuade our government: Our hope for America is to change public opinion. The Great Commission remains the same: we are instructed to win souls for Jesus Christ. Apply it to your life Have you been a good steward of your Christian citizenship? Are you involved? Get informed and pray for our government.

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The Leadership Crisis in America

The Leadership Crisis in America (1939) God has ordained our government and commanded us to get involved in the decisions made for the leadership of our country. Adrian Rogers says, “Leadership is really stewardship, because the leader acts for God.” Jesus taught us to participate in government when He said We are to render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s. We’re to render to God the things that are God’s. (Matthew 22:21) There are four basic principles to consider when responding to the leadership crisis in America. Think first about the character that God requires in leadership. God blesses good character over ability. When you go to vote, consider the following qualities that God requires: Godliness: Nobody is fit for leadership who is ungodly or unrighteous. Wisdom: Does your candidate have the wisdom that can only be given by God? Honesty: Proverbs 20:28 says, “Mercy and truth preserve the king.” Discernment: Someone who is able to distinguish between good and bad. Sexual Morality: If a man has no moral standard of his own, he can’t set a moral standard for the nation. Sober: Look for a leader who is not only sober-minded, but simply sober. Protective: A good leader protects the weak and defends those who cannot defend themselves. Secondly, remember the choice that God respects. God allows us to choose against His will, and that is the reason we receive the poor leadership we deserve. Adrian Rogers says, “Wicked rulers are God’s reward for wicked people.” Third, see the consequences that God reveals. It is deeply disturbing to consider that America doesn’t know the trouble she’s in on the path she’s currently walking. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice, but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” But ultimately, remember the control that God reserves. Even if wicked men make wicked choices for wicked rulers lead, God has forsaken control. God is still the King of kings. Adrian Rogers says, “If we do not allow God to rule in America, God will still overrule.” Apply it to your life What should we do about the leadership crisis in America? 1. Pray for revival. 2. Prepare for suffering. 3. Prepare for His arrival. Let the voting polls be a reminder: Jesus is coming, soon.

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The Politics of Pilgrims

The Politics of Pilgrims (2133) As Christians of this day and age, our greatest need is to realize that we are pilgrims heading to a home which is not of this world. The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Philippians from a prison in Rome; a city of great hostility toward Christians. It was in this prison cell he told the church of Philippi: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” (Philippians 3:20) He points out the politics of those once born and of those twice born. We notice there is a great contrast in their affections, allegiance, and aspirations. In order to understand the politics of pilgrims, we must first: - Remember our mandate. Our mandate is still the Great Commission, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. - Utilize the right method. Our ally is the Holy Spirit. Our source of supply is Almighty God. Our Commander in Chief is Jesus Christ. And our battle ax is the Word of God. - Have the right mindset. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.” It’s easy to become bitter about what wicked people in power are doing. But we are supposed to keep our eyes on Jesus and rejoice always. Knowing our politics, we can commit to the Pilgrim’s Resolution: 1. “I will not despair.” Adrian Rogers says, “It may be possible for some earthly kingdom to be in decline and God’s kingdom to be doing quite well.” 2. “I will not be intimidated.” Be encouraged when the polls do not turn in our favor: we belong in the minority. Jesus says in John 15:18, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” 3. “I will not be bitter.” Philippians 4:8 encourages us to dwell on “...whatsoever things are true… honest… just… pure… lovely… of good report… of any virtue… of any praise.” 4. “I will not compromise.” Don’t stop voting or participating. Adrian Rogers says, “We must hold high the flag of Jesus Christ, the blood-stained banner of our Prince and King and never compromise Jesus Christ.” Apply it to your life As Adrian Rogers says, “Let the Congress make the laws. Let Hollywood run their garbage pit. Let Wall Street take care of the economy. And let’s tell this world about Jesus.”