{"id":1638,"date":"2024-05-29T16:19:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T16:19:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/?p=1638"},"modified":"2024-06-17T18:51:36","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T18:51:36","slug":"how-should-christians-engage-in-politics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.championforest.org\/articles\/2024\/05\/29\/how-should-christians-engage-in-politics\/","title":{"rendered":"How should Christians engage in politics?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This article has been adapted from a full sermon entitled, \u201cOur Place in Politics.\u201d We encourage you to listen to\u00a0the full sermon<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To what degree and how should Christians engage in politics?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Politics is a part of life, and as Christians, we have a part to play in it. Not just a part, but, as we\u2019ll see from scripture, Christians have a divine responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, if you do any brief study of theology or the character of God, you\u2019ll learn very quickly that God is a God of order, not chaos. Even before politics existed, government was established because God is a God of order. Government was born out of a need for order in society. God has given us government for our good because man has a fallen nature and left to themselves, it would be anarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Hebrew nation, it was a theocracy; God was the head of the government. This situation was unique to the people of Israel because of the special covenant they shared with God. God gave them the Law\u2014the Ten Commandments\u2014which served as their parameters or the boundaries, guiding moral principles on how to interact, first, with God and, second, with one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For much of Israel\u2019s history\u2014and world history for that matter\u2014a monarchy form of government was in place. Just read 1 & 2 Kings and 1 & 2 Chronicles. We\u2019ve seen a small glimpse of what this form of government looks like recently as we witnessed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the proclamation of King Charles III. It\u2019s a hereditary monarch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, it\u2019s important to know that the Bible never puts forward or suggests what kind of government is best. There are certainly biblical principles we could apply to try and determine it and debate about it. As Americans, we certainly lean toward and love a democracy that is marked by the rule of the people, for the people, and by the people. The Bible does tell us, however, that whatever government we live under has been established by God for our good, and we are to honor its authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Governing Authority is Placed by God<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Paul wrote Romans 13:1-7 in 57 AD. Nero was emperor at the time and was focused on expanding his rule, strengthening his empire, and consolidating his power. It\u2019s in this context that Paul writes about the establishment of government and our role and responsibility within that government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In these verses, we learn what government is for (God\u2019s order and our benefit) and how it should operate (promote good and punish bad).We also see our role and responsibility within the governmental authority:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submit and Obey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The only responsibility given to those under authority in Romans 13 is to be subject to it! Not to do so is to incur judgment (v. 2). We honor God\u2019s order when we respect the authority he has placed over us through submission and obedience. Peter wrote the same in 1 Peter 2:13-17:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBe subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, we Americans don\u2019t like this \u201csubmission\u201d and \u201cobedience\u201d stuff. After all, rebellion is in our DNA, not just in our sinful nature, but there is a reason it was called the \u201cAmerican Revolution!\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Really, the only time according to scripture that we are not to submit to a legitimate governing authority is if they ask us to do something that is contrary to God\u2019s Word. This is where Acts 5:29 draws a line in the sand, so to speak. It states, \u201cWe must obey God rather than man.\u201d We can never honor and come under authority that demands we dishonor Jesus and\/or disobey his Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pray and Preach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We are commanded in scripture to pray for those in authority over us. Now, I understand there are some of you praying for leaders to change and change soon, and you can, of course, pray for that. The call of scripture, though, is to pray for those you are currently subject to (1 Timothy 2:1-3). We are to pray\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. That God would grant our leaders wisdom and strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. That our leaders would rule and govern in righteousness and with justice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. That God would put people around our leaders who have sound judgment and skillful experience.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Keep in mind that God is sovereign and in control. Daniel 2:21 teaches us that he changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings. Psalm 75:7 says, \u201cGod executes judgment putting down one and lifting up another.\u201d Don\u2019t let a leader in power give you heartburn. Instead, pray. I wonder what kind of officials we would have if we spent as much time praying for our officials as we did complaining or trying to replace\/keep them in office. Our lack of prayer is an indictment on all of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We are also to preach! One of our first responsibilities and major priorities as Christ-followers is to proclaim his gospel. Disciple-making is what should define us! Jesus and his way of living (death to self, loving others) is who we lobby for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    God\u2019s Kingdom rule and reign on earth should be our main concern and priority. I\u2019m not saying what happens in the political realm is not important, I\u2019m just saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. If you find yourself advocating for a certain political candidate or party more than you advocate for Jesus and his Church, you may have misplaced priorities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. If you are giving more to a political party than you do the Kingdom, that alone reveals where your heart and passion lie.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. If you spend more time listening to Fox News or CNN or listening to talk radio than you do reading your Bible, that\u2019s a problem because you are being discipled by the wrong voices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. If you find your identity more in being red or blue or with an elephant or a donkey than in being a new creation in Christ, then you need to take a step back.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      A ballot or office change without a heart change equals no change at all! Let\u2019s not forget the mandate Jesus gave when he left this earth. It was not about preserving the culture (a topic we will get to in just a minute), it was about evangelism and discipleship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Influence and Advocate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      As noted previously, our form of government is a democracy, and because of this, we, as citizens of the United States, have a voice in our government. We get to participate, which is a great honor and privilege. Because we live in a free country, we are granted certain rights and privileges, including participation in our government. This is where politics comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Politics, as defined by Oxford Languages, are the \u201cactivities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.\u201d As I consider these \u201cactivities associated with governance,\u201d I see two primary ways Christians should work and participate in society. These are (1) influencing and (2) advocating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Influence<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

      I can\u2019t think about influence without thinking about Matthew 5. Jesus is speaking the Sermon on the Mount and addressing citizenship in the kingdom\u2014it is essential to understand this! Yes, we are citizens of the United States, but we are, more importantly, \u201ccitizens of heaven.\u201d Meaning we hold dual citizenship (Philippians 3:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There is nothing wrong with being a patriot. Patriotism and love for your country are good things. We ought to all be patriots! But, like many good things, our love for our country can become an idol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      America is exceptional in its founding and in the ideals we have stood for and embraced over time, but it is not superior. Americans are not better than people from other countries, and any worldview that suggests that Christian Americans are God\u2019s chosen people is not one that you want to be a part of. We cannot put our love for country\u2014or anything else, for that matter\u2014above our love and devotion to God! Our Kingdom citizenship is the priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In Matthew 5:13-16, we are instructed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cYou are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. \u201cYou are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the
      house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In a word, Christians are to influence <\/em>people for Christ. This is what it means to be salt and light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Salt, during this period in history, was mainly used as a preservative. Refrigeration was yet to exist, so people would take salt and rub it into meat or fish in order to keep it from rotting or wasting away. The parallel, of course, is that Kingdom citizens should act as salt to preserve society from the decay of sin. We should not be contributing to the decay of this world\u2014that kind of salt, according to the scripture, has lost its taste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It’s the same with light. Light, by its very nature, is meant to be displayed. Light shines! Both salt and light speak of influence. Salt preserves from decay, and light shines and exposes darkness. This is how we should live in our society, as salt and light. There are two specific ways Christians can influence in politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Run for Public Office<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        First, we need godly people to run for public office. This includes every avenue of every public office, from local school boards to a county or state level political office, and, of course, in national offices. We need people who fear God in positions of political influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I know that the right thing can often be the hard thing, and running for office or being in any kind of leadership as a Christian in a public setting can be thankless, dirty, lonely, and tough, but these roles and responsibilities are important. To those much is given, much will be required!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Vote<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Second, Christians need to vote! As citizens of this country, we have the privilege to speak via the ballot box, and we shouldn\u2019t take that responsibility lightly. I\u2019ll never tell you how to vote, but I will tell you that your vote should reflect biblical values and a biblical worldview. This is just part of what it means to be an influence in our culture, specifically as it relates to the political realm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Advocate<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

          We may not all run for public office, but we can advocate for people and programs that make a difference in people\u2019s lives or in our communities. In Jeremiah 29, the people of Israel are exiled and living in an unfamiliar land. Jeremiah breaks the news to them that they are going to be there for a while. Do you know what he tells them to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cThus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.6 Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. 7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare\u201d (Jeremiah 29:4-7).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In other words, make this home that\u2019s not really your home feel more like home. Jeremiah says, \u201cDon\u2019t sit on your hands waiting for deliverance…\u201d In our time, we could say, let\u2019s not just isolate ourselves in our homes and churches and wait for Jesus to return. Instead, we are going to get to work! We are going to build homes, build families, and seek the welfare of the city. Do good where you live while you live!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Christians historically have done this. Listen to how Dionysius, the Bishop of Alexandria, describes believers in the 3rd century:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cMost of our brother Christians showed unbounded love and loyalty, never sparing themselves and thinking only of one another. Heedless of danger, they took charge of the sick, attending to their every need and ministering to them in Christ, and with them departed this life serenely happy: for they were infected by their neighbors and cheerfully accepting their pains. Many in nursing and curing others transferred their death to themselves and died in their stead…\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This means specifically advocating for the down and out, the lost and lonely, the hurting and neglected. And think about this: The Red Cross, Ivy League Schools, Boy Scouts, Hospitals, Salvation Army, YMCA, Prison Reform, AA, and the Civil Rights movement all started because Christians decided to influence and advocate on behalf of those who needed it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Stand up and advocate for truth, righteousness, and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          We can\u2019t allow politics to divide us. While biblical values are pretty much straightforward and spelled out in scripture, how we are to deal with certain issues that arise in our culture and how we implement what we believe the Bible says isn\u2019t always clear. What is extremely clear, however, is how we should be engaging with one another in our differences, and that is with respect, love, kindness, grace, and civility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Remember, we represent Christ, and we live for a future Kingdom that is to come. Let\u2019s keep our eyes on Jesus, who, according to Revelation 19:16, is coming again to establish his reign, finally and fully, and he will take the title once and for all, \u201cKing of kings and Lord of lords.\u201d Soon, we will reign with him forever and ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          [1]<\/a> We can\u2019t do a deep dive into this, but the moral argument can be made that a tyrannical government is really no government at all, and just like our forefathers did, sometimes, as a last resort, it may be morally acceptable to take up for the people in your care because the government in place isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          This article has been adapted from a full sermon entitled, \u201cOur Place in Politics.\u201d We encourage you to listen to\u00a0the full sermon. To what degree and how should Christians engage in politics? Politics is a part of life, and as Christians, we have a part to play in it. Not just a part, but, as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1641,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

          Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I remember the first time I stood up to teach the Bible to a group of women in my local church. I was terrified. Yes, I studied the passage diligently and spent hours preparing pages of notes, but I wasn\u2019t sure if my preparation was effective. Is my teaching structured well? Will the women be interested or learn anything new? Have I interpreted this passage correctly?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Many women who are asked to teach a Sunday School class, speak at a Bible study, or lead a small group experience similar fears. They often have little or no training specific to teaching Scripture and feel unequipped and insecure in their preparation. Even so, the abundance of resources available on the subject of teaching Scripture can be paralyzing for a new Bible teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          That\u2019s why we need books like Empowered and Equipped: Bible Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures<\/em><\/a>. Julia Higgins, assistant professor of ministry to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, seeks to provide women with the tools they need to faithfully and effectively teach the Word of God to other women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

          Empowered and Equipped: Biblical Exposition for Women Who Teach the Scriptures <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cJesus commissioned disciples to teach the nations, and women of the church must take his call seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Men and women alike are given the spiritual gift of teaching, yet few resources are designed specifically for women who exposit the Scriptures. In Empowered and Equipped<\/em>, Julia Higgins steers women through the steps needed to faithfully interpret, apply, and teach a passage of Scripture. By examining both the principles and practices of teaching of Bible exposition, Higgins seeks to prepare women in the local church to make and mold disciples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          B&H Academic. 224 pp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Should Women Teach the Bible?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          First we must ask, Is a book that encourages and equips women to teach Scripture necessary or even appropriate? There\u2019s much discussion today about whether the Bible permits women to teach at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In an effort to submit to Scripture\u2019s teaching, many have unfortunately moved beyond what God\u2019s Word prescribes to impose unbiblical restrictions on women. To argue that women shouldn\u2019t teach Scripture in any formal setting misunderstands God\u2019s design for discipleship. Higgins argues that all followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Furthermore, as Higgins explains, \u201cSome may conflate the spiritual gift of teaching with the office of pastor\/elder and draw a false conclusion that only men are to exercise the gift of teaching. While qualified men are responsible to teach and oversee the local church, that does not negate the fact that both men and women are given the spiritual gift of teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          All followers of Christ, including women, are included in the Great Commission and its call to teach other disciples everything Christ commanded.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          Spiritual gifts, including the gift of teaching, are given for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7<\/a>) and for building up the church (1 Cor. 14:12<\/a>). It follows that women are not only permitted to teach in appropriate settings but are needed for the growth and maturity of the body of Christ. This pattern is exemplified in the women in Scripture who are called to teach and commended for their teaching ministries, many of which Higgins references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In light of the biblical call for women to teach, Higgins writes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          The end of the matter is this: women should be given a context where they can teach the Word in the local church. Why? Because Christ\u2019s church will grow and others will be discipled in the faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Her book, therefore, provides \u201ca pathway for women to exercise teaching gifts in the local church,\u201d and specifically focuses on training women to teach women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Helpful Foundation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Higgins provides an accessible yet substantial foundation for teaching Scripture. She incorporates principles and strategies from some of the most highly respected Bible teachers of our day, giving readers a well-rounded introduction to teaching Scripture without information overload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Higgins has a high view of God\u2019s Word and a Christ-centered approach that highlights the overarching storyline of the Bible. Readers will gain essential tools for expository teaching, learning to base the central teaching focus, supporting points, and application on the main point and structure of the text itself. Higgins even encourages this kind of verse-by-verse teaching for topical messages, so that the teacher is always communicating the text\u2019s intended purpose rather than taking passages out of context as proof texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Empowered and Equipped<\/em> walks teachers through the process of creating a Bible exposition, from understanding the nature of Scripture all the way to writing an expositional outline. Higgins covers a wide range of content from theoretical to practical, including information on biblical genres, basic doctrinal issues, and hermeneutics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          She spends a large portion of the book giving instruction on studying the Bible inductively, including specific strategies for observation, interpretation, generalization, and application and for how that study translates into instruction. The scope of the book makes it suitable for beginners\u2014although they may want to work through it more slowly\u2014as well as for those who have been studying and teaching Scripture for some time but are looking for a process to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          While Empowered and Equipped<\/em> covers an impressive amount of ground in a surprisingly manageable page count, readers may leave with unanswered questions. For example, the book includes almost no discussion of incorporating meaningful illustrations or transitions. On other topics, such as the discussion of genre or the overview of theological doctrines, Higgins gives only brief introductions. Anything more, however, would make the book overwhelmingly dense, and readers can continue to explore these topics in more depth as they see fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Empowered and Equipped to Teach God\u2019s Word<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u201cfemale-friendly\u201d topics stereotypical of women\u2019s conferences or retreats but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          The church needs gifted women who not only speak on a short list of \u2018female-friendly\u2019 topics but who teach the whole counsel of God for the good of the body.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          Higgins appeals, \u201cThis call for women to be teachers of the Word arises from a place of care and concern for over half of the body, so that the church might grow in love for God and his Word, passing it along to others, so that they too might go and make disciples of all nations to the end that Christ\u2019s commands are observed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          As this book makes its way into the hands of more and more women who treasure the Bible and long to see it elevated and proclaimed, I pray the church will be edified and God\u2019s glory made known. I pray the teachers it equips will grow in their love for Christ even as the women they teach develop new excitement for God\u2019s Word. I pray that instead of feeling insecure and unprepared, women will be empowered and equipped to teach the Scriptures.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[27],"tags":[35],"class_list":["post-1638","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-worldview-culture","tag-sermon","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"yoast_head":"\nHow should Christians engage in politics?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Jesus' teachings on divorce in Matthew 19 and learn how he upholds the sanctity of marriage and advocates for the safety of women.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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To what degree and how should Christians engage in politics? Politics is a part of life, and as Christians, we have a part to play in it. 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