Bible Study - Special Lesson - How Should I Respond to Politics -

Bible Study – Special Lesson – How Should I respond to Politics – July 19, 2020

This is a single lesson on this subject. Next week we begin a six-week series entitled "Why Do I Need the Church?

Our focus scripture is Romans 13:1-10.

Reflect CHRIST in how you interact with politics and government.

This is a special lesson on the place for politics in the lives of people, especially Christians.

We have 435 seats in the House of Representatives which come up for election every 2 years. The creators of our political (bicameral – House and Senate) system wanted the citizens of the United States to have the opportunity to elect new House representatives every two years. They framed our Senate such that every Senator would have a six-year term with one-third of the Senate seats up for election every two-years.

The intent was for the rotation of representatives every 2 years and senators every 6 years. Once we elect a representative or senator, often, they become intoxicated with the power of the office and we like to re-elect those we think will best represent our wishes regarding governance. Both offices can become bastions of power or they just abide the time they are in office. Some who are elected become disenchanted with the office once they encounter the system.

So, the question for us as Christians is how are we to respond to our political system? The Apostle Paul gives us some insight. Let’s explore!

Often we become disenchanted with all the political wrangling we see on the news. We may say, “I will not vote.” Bad choice! As a citizen of the United States you have the right to vote and you should do so. You should listen, read and study the various choices you have, pray and seek GOD’S guidance on who you should vote for. Then vote.

You should not only vote but financially support and work for the candidate of your choice. Why is this important? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Romans 13:1-4:

A Christian’s Duties to the State

13 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. 

The Apostle Paul stated that every governing authority has been established by HIM. How can that be when we know of governing authorities who are against the One True GOD and Father of JESUS. We live in an imperfect world. Sin abounds and all people need salvation from the consequence of sin, which is eternal death. GOD establishes order even among those who do not look to HIM for the sake of human existence run by ungodly authorities. Why? GOD works through the Holy Spirit to reach every heart even in ungodly systems.

GOD will hold those in government accountable for their actions.

Many years ago, we heard stories of Communist Governments telling the school children to pray to God that He would provide pencils. No pencils. Then they would ask them to pray to the Communist Government for pencils. The teachers would hurry around the classroom and scatter pencils on the floor of the classroom. Teaching the children to trust in the communist system rather than GOD.  

Several years ago, my wife and I were on a tour in Russia. The Russian young lady tour guide was a school teacher. She said that she and her husband were delighted with their life in Russia but their grandparents felt betrayed by the government. Why? The Government had told their grandparents when they were young that the government would take care of them from cradle to grave. But now the Russian government reneged on that promise and the elderly were having to fend for themselves. Was this GOD’S way of waking the people up to show them that the government had lied to them in the early days of the communist society? Their trust must be in GOD and not the government.

Romans 13:2:

² So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 

Certainly, when citizens resist authority there will be repercussions. We can look at Hong Kong. Those living in Hong Kong have tasted freedom while its citizens were under British rule. Now having the Chinese ruling and the government reining them in to be under government authority is painful. The citizens in Hong Kong could be less combative and attempt to try to seek common ground with the Chinee Government. Why don’t they try to negotiate? Is it a matter of trust? China is the government in charge of Hong Kong. GOD has allowed them to be in charge. The citizens of Hong Kong have a decision to make.

Romans 13:3-4:

³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 

Just a few years ago, Tiananmen Square in China is an example of government using its military power to control its people.

When we are in another country, we must abide by its laws. When we do, we dwell in harmony with the rulers of that country. Thus, “For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad.”

What is Paul’s advice? “Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong.”

Suppose the governing authority directs a Christian to do something contrary to GOD’S Word? Let’s read Acts 5:25-29:

²⁵ Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. ²⁷ 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. 

This is where the rubber meets the road in our walk as Christians. Even in pagan societies Christians can function until they are demanded to disobey GOD’S Word. Then, what happens? GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is our strength and guides us regarding the next steps in our walk with CHRIST. These are the times we must rely upon GOD and HIS leadership. Who do you think wants there to be racial chaos? It is those who want to take over and run our government like they desire. Is it perfect? NO! But we have the basis to work together to make it stronger. But as long as we have those in power pulling in different directions there will be chaos. Who likes chaos? Satan! Why? It is because America is a leader and honors GOD.   

Let’s read Romans 13:5-7:

⁵ Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. ⁶ And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.^[a] 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.

Christians are to be model citizens. Why? It is because submitting to the jurisdiction’s rules and regulations saves you from the wrath it can bring upon you. It also avoids you being singled out and made an example of as a Christian. So, Christians pay your taxes and tolls and do so realizing that those to whom you pay the tax or toll are just doing their job. Be gracious to those doing their jobs even if you do not like the function they are performing.

Let’s read Romans 13:8-10:

Love, Our Primary Duty

⁸ Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;^[b] do not covet;^[c] and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.^[d] 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

This is an issue many Christians struggle with “Do not owe anyone anything.” Should they purchase a house or auto borrowing money from a financial institution? If you do so, not knowing how you are going to make the payments, the answer is “Do not do it.” If the payments can fit into your budget then go for it.

What if something happens and you lose your source of income or your income source is modified and you see that you will not be able to make your payments? Pray and seek the wisdom of our LORD. Go immediately to the place you owe the money and tell them your financial situation. Ask them to help you manage this issue until your situation can be resolved. Money lenders want to work with you and they want to know what is going on as it relates to them.

Often, your church can be a source of help and advice. Check with your pastor.

As you recall, Satan is like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. Financial stress can lead us to making bad decisions. Always keep the eyes of your heart upon the LORD JESUS.

Paul wrote that Christians are to “love one another.” The word Paul used for love is “agape,” which is self-giving love that does not demand something back.

The Apostle Paul ended this portion of his advice to fellow Christians:

⁹ The commandments, Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;^[b] do not covet;^[c] and any other commandment, are summed up by this commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself.^[d] 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor. Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.

So, what does this have to do with politics? We should be active in the political arena but Christians must keep in mind that we are the “salt and light” representing JESUS to others. In Ephesians 4:11-15 we read:

¹¹ And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. ¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 

Speaking the truth in love is vital as we journey through life upon earth. As we speak “truth in love,” Christians must be mindful of our tone.

-         Love for other people should guide all our relations.

-         Christian love should be manifest in our thoughts, words, and actions.

-         Civil speech is part of an authentic Christian witness in the political arena.  (Page 97 – Advanced Bible Study. Summer 2020, Dr. Warren McWilliams – LifeWay, Nashville, TN, the bullet portion.)

It is vital for you to vote in this upcoming election. If you remain silent, then others will rule and you could regret it.

Blessings!!!