Political Influence
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Series: Citizen Christians
DescriptionCitizen Christians #2 “Political Influence” Romans 13: 1-7Intro: Two things you should not introduce in polite conversation: Religion and Politics. • Reason – divisive! (Warning!) • I am going to talk about both…. Christian obligation to exercise Political Influence. Review: Called to Influence – Matthew 5: 13-16 Personal, Cultural Influence (next week) Proclamation of the Gospel (Power to save) Good news of Jesus Christ packs the power to change our Nation by changing the lives... Today, Political Influence. Should Christians be involved, active…?? ILL – Yard Signs in Parsonage Yard … Preacher…No Political Opinion! The Intersection of Religion & Politics has always been a challenge! Tell Story of Jesus, Pharisees & Herodians (Mark 12: 13-17) “Render” = Pay what you Owe… We have a civic duty A Political Obligation. Government Authority not Ultimate, but is Legitimate! t/s – Paul picks up on word, “Render” in his treatment of Christian Civic Duty… Responsible Citizens of any State. Romans 13: 1-7 Note: Paul speaks to Christians under Roman Authority; but he Has a strong Message for the Romans Authorities! ILL – Julie speaking to our young sons a table Dad is going to spend the whole day with you… … play, watch carefully, have lots of fun…till dark! • Got feeling talking to me, not just boys. READ To Citizens: Render what you owe… Fulfill Obligations Taxes; cooperation; obedience; Respect; Gratitude; Support… No aspect of our Lives is “Secular” All life lived under Lordship of Christ… Vs. 5 – “Conscience” = bringing all we know together --- Knowing what is Right Our Faith in Christ, Biblical Worldview Impacts Citizenship! To Authorities: Exercise Your Authority as One Under God! Authority given by God (not yourself) Expectation to do “Right” (good…Evil) “Servants of God” (3x) ILL – Clement prayer for Rulers (end of 1st C) That they may administer with piety the authority Given to them. App – Authority is a Stewardship! Thesis: We are Accountable to God for How we Exercise Political Authority. Who exercise Political Power in our Nation? We the People! God has given us political authority or Influence. Independence Day Privilege Is Responsibility. We will give an Account to God for How we Exercise Our Political Influence! How We Exercise Political Influence Vocation or Calling (for some) Exp – A Political; government; civil service… God Calls some to Serve as Government Authorities! “Devoting Themselves” = being diligent & persistant • Joseph; Daniel; Nehemiah; Esther…. Political Leaders! Ill - We Pursue what we Praise… Inspire our children… App – God give us Godly Political Leaders! Voice Exp – We must speak clearly in the public arena…marketplace of Ideas! To withdraw is to be Irresponsible! Vote Exp – Do you pray about how you will vote? On the Day you give an account… Will God ask about your Voting Record? Values Exp – We Believe there is “Right and Wrong” “Good and Evil”. • The Revealed Truth of God informs what we Value. • Our Values inform our Voice and Vote! ILL – “It’s the Economy, Stupid!” (political by word) --- What the voters really care about… Their Core Value … Money! App – Justice; Freedom; Truth; Mercy… People; Family We are Accountable to God for How we Exercise Political Authority. • One of the Tools of Influence He has given to Us. |