The Believer and Politics

Transcript

GRM 920
The Believer and Politics
10/31/2004
Romans 13:1-7
Gil Rugh


I mentioned to you last week, I want to speak to you on a subject that is on all of our minds. This coming week we have elections, the focus of the election of course being on who will be the next President of the United States. I thought it would be a good time to review and remind ourselves of what the Bible says about some important issues. Let me encourage you if you haven’t read or haven’t read recently to pick up a copy of the booklet that is a compilation of some studies that we did together over several years, Rendering to Caesar: A Biblical Perspective on Government. It will cover more fully than we will be able to do in our time together today. The issues I see as related biblically to the matter of us being citizens and functioning as we should. These are in some of the literature racks, and they’ll have a supply in Sound Words. There is no charge but encourage you to pick it up and read it in the next few days. If the election doesn’t go the way that you hoped, you may want to read it after the election day to remind and encourage your heart.

People talk about how important this election is and we hear that it is the most important election since whenever. I’m not here to discuss or debate that, but it is getting a lot of press. Some of you have asked about it, and I have received some notes on it. Sometimes questions come, why are we not more open in addressing some of these issues that seem to be of burning concern. A large portion of the evangelical world is involved in making its position known on some of the cultural, social, moral and political issues of our time. it sometimes becomes a concern. The issue was raised, why not speak about it because I’m afraid of endangering our tax-exempt status. I can be a coward like anyone, but I can honestly say that thought hasn’t really crossed my mind and doesn’t become a factor in my considering the Word of God. I go under the assumption if it’s something God wants us to directly address, we will come across it as we move through the Word of God. That is what shapes our conduct. Now that does not mean we do not have responsibility in areas not directly related to the Word of God. But I would understand that if our lives are built upon the Word of God, now I’m talking about as God’s people, those who have faith in Christ. If our lives are built upon His Word and we are living in obedience to His Word under the direction of the Holy Spirit, you will not need me to tell you what to do in areas the scripture does not address. Nor is it my responsibility to tell you what to do in areas that the scripture does not directly address. I want you to understand, I do not view sin as not important as regards our nation or any nation. Sin is an issue for people individually, it is an issue for people nationally, it is an issue for people worldwide.

Turn back to the book of Proverbs. We’ll go to Proverbs chapter 14 and then don’t leave Proverbs because I’m going to bring another verse in since we’re so close, we’ll pick it up while we’re here. Proverbs chapter 14 verse 34, righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people. I think here as well as throughout the Old Testament in particular there is a clear indication that we are not only accountable individually for our sin, but as a nation. Because the actions of a nation are its people together. I will be held accountable and responsible before God for my own personal sinful acts, but as a nation joins together in condoning and promoting sin, they bring disgrace upon themselves as a nation and ultimately the judgment of God. We see this, remember, when Israel came out of the bondage in Egypt. God sent them into the promised land. Earlier He did not bring judgment because the Canaanites were not ripe for judgment yet. Then in God’s time He brought judgment on the Canaanites for their sin. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, their sin ascended to God and He determined it was time to bring judgment on them. Throughout the Old Testament we find nations being accountable to God for their sin and being judged as nations. The nation Israel is an example of that, but not the only example. But the prominent example because the nation Israel was the nation God had chosen for Himself. When the sin of the nation as a nation got to a certain point, God brought judgment on them and brought destruction upon them at the hands of the Assyrians for the northern 10 tribes and then the Babylonians for the southern two tribes.

My comments or lack of addressing issues do not in any way imply condoning sin or sinful behavior. Again, I go on the belief that if we are handling the Bible faithfully and moving consistently through it, we will cover the sins that we are called upon to deal with. How we as a redeemed people, and particularly as the church of Jesus Christ, are to address these in the unbelieving world I think is different than is often brought to our attention.

Before we leave Proverbs let me just draw your attention to chapter 16 to encourage your hearts in light of the coming election. Verse 33 of Proverbs 16, the lot is cast into the lap. We might say the votes are cast. But its every decision is from the Lord. There is nothing left to chance. I say that in case it doesn’t go the way you are hoping, whatever way that is, when you wake up on Wednesday morning turn to Proverbs 16:33 and say Lord, you have made the decision that fits your purposes, and I am pleased that your purposes have been done again. You may say that, realizing it wasn’t what your purpose was. That may be true of me.

Friday, I received in the mail a paper from a Christian organization that I receive regularly from. I think every pastor in the country receives from it. This paper is to a large extent given over to political issues for Christians. Much of the content of the positions they have would be positions that I personally would be in agreement with and many of you would be. But I am concerned that the evangelical church has lost its way on what is biblical and what is not. Three articles comprise the front page of this newspaper, one is on the principles that Christian voters should follow. Generally, the principles are okay, I guess, some of them are better than others. Generally speaking, the verses, they use to support the principles have nothing to do with the principle they are establishing. I become concerned with the misuse of scripture to make a point you want to make. If the scripture doesn’t support it but you believe it’s right, make the point as a personal conviction, but don’t support it with a scripture that has nothing to do with what you’re talking about. In addition to the principles that will help you vote as you should, there is an article on how Christians make a difference by getting involved in the political process and then a large article on A Call for Christian Activism.

In the decisions of life I believe, as a pastor and a believer of the Word of God, that as we study the Word of God, God gives us clear directions and instructions. Where the Word of God does not speak, then on the basis of our understanding of what the Word of God does say and our submissiveness to the Holy Spirit, we are free to make decisions. I will not be telling you how to vote or whether you ought to vote, let me say up front. I am not in a position to say I believe it’s sinful for a person not to vote, because the Bible doesn’t say it’s sinful not to vote. I believe the Bible says we are to be responsible citizens. Some responsible citizens may believe they cannot in good conscience vote for the candidates that are before them. Then they are responsible to pray for those candidates, pray for God’s will and be ready to submit to the decision that is made without their vote. Our government does not say we are required to vote. I’m required to pay taxes, if I don’t pay taxes, it is not only a violation of governmental authority, it is a sin against God. Since the Bible doesn’t say I have to vote then it is an area of liberty. Now I realize many people feel passionate about this, this paper does. They usually mention Jesus Christ. The Call for Christian Activism, let me read you some comments. Here’s a comment, we are getting people saved, baptized, registered to vote. Now is that anywhere on the same level? I mean is that the scriptural pattern—we’re getting people saved, baptized, registered to vote? I mean it seems like you’ve had a tremendous drop-off, haven’t you? I mean where do you get this out of the Bible? That’s my concern, that when it comes to the evangelical world, we always want to bring in the importance of preaching the gospel and being saved. But as I read this, they mention that, but all the passion and all the fire is focused on getting out the vote, getting the right candidates, the future of America and the gospel depends upon it.

America remains the last great hope for world evangelism and freedom on our globe. Now I don’t know whether it remains the last great hope for freedom on our globe, but I know it’s not the last great hope for the gospel. Where do we find in the Bible that the last great hope in the world before the coming of Christ for evangelism in the world will be the United States of America? I’m not saying it’s wrong to be patriotic. I am thankful more than I can say for the privilege of living in this country, of having the freedoms we have, of being able to stand and preach the truth to you and not be afraid of being arrested, or having authorities break in and disrupt our meeting, and on it goes. I’m not in any way belittling that privilege. Somehow, we have to keep our perspective clear. The United States of America is not the hope for the world’s salvation.

Now note how they connect these things. America remains the last great hope for world evangelism and freedom on our globe. Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ alone remains the only hope for America. They bring Jesus Christ in, so Jesus Christ has opportunity to work in America and America comes back to Jesus Christ then there’s hope for the world. But if America doesn’t come to Jesus Christ there is no hope for the world? I don’t find any support for that scripturally. I believe God has used the United States of America and it’s been our privilege to be a center in many ways for the gospel and carrying the gospel to other places. I believe the sin of our nation is a reproach and we continue to slide into greater, more open, more condoned and promoted sin, our reproach and offense to the living God increases. We are ultimately moving, not only as a nation, but as a world, to judgment. Revelation chapter 14 verse 18, ultimately God will command His holy angels to thrust in the sickle to reap the earth because it is ripe for judgment. That’s why I say individuals, nations and the world are accountable before God, and as their sin builds it comes to the time when it is the time for judgment.

I want to be careful I don’t get all confused and now the future of the gospel and the testimony for Jesus Christ hinges on the next election. Our people are going to the polls, and they are voting Christian. How many politicians are running for office on the basis of their testimony that I have recognized my sin, turned from my sin in repentance, and placed my faith in Jesus Christ, and running for office on the basis that I am a follower of the living Christ? In the first place there is no where in the Bible for the church that it is God’s intention that their impact on the world be through the political process. Even in the nation Israel he separated the office of king and priest. They remain separate until He comes in the person of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King.

I appreciate democracy. I appreciate our form of government and republic in which we live. Is that the best and most pure form of government? I don’t think so, because when God established a form of government for the nation Israel, He provided a king. When the ultimate, most pure form of government that God has for this world is established, it will be a monarchy with His Son reigning. I guess if I was going to say what the most biblical form of government is that God has divinely appointed, I’d probably say monarchy. Do I wish I lived under a monarchy right now? No, unless Jesus Christ was going to come and reign, and then I’m ready.

All these things, we want to be careful we don’t blend them together and thus Christianity becomes identified with a political movement. This very magazine promotes Roman Catholics for taking the lead in cultural and social issues, and moral issues of our day. Now all of a sudden, we’ve joined the hands of people on a superficial level. Now wait a minute, we disagree on the most important issue—salvation by grace alone through faith alone. We shared with the Judaizers, Paul would not join hands with the Judaizers of his day even though they were in agreement with him on marriage, on homosexuality, on the vileness and corruption of Roman rulers and Roman government. You know what Paul said about the Judaizers? His most intense language, not directed toward political people or political rulers or political systems, but to those who most like him morally, socially and culturally. He says they’re condemned to hell, they’re anathema. We want to be careful where it leads us.

People quote Matthew chapter 5 verses 13-16, and so does this writer. In Matthew 5:13-16 we learn that Christians are supposed to be both salt and light in the world. We are to engage the culture and focus on the risen God. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Just because you quote a verse doesn’t mean now you’ve established your point, and we need to be involved culturally and socially and politically. We’re to be salt and light in the world. Let’s establish what that means in context before we decide that means we are to be involved in the political process and social change and moral reform. Believers by their godly living are salt in the world. It doesn’t say you make the world salt. We are salt because we have been transformed by the power of the gospel and now, we live, righteously and godly as light in this world of darkness, giving off the light of the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We’re not talking about anything getting involved in the political process, trying to bring about social and moral reform through political legislation. We’re saying what we are as believers—you are salt, you are light. That’s what we’re to do, let our light shine, live godly lives. That is our political responsibility, to live this way within whatever government we live in.

This writer notes, I was taught in college that politics and the church do not mix. At the time I didn’t see any need for the church to get involved in political matters. Now wait a minute, it’s either biblical or not biblical to get involved. What happens is he got involved with a man that I respect, but he had a different theology regarding eschatology, blended Israel and the church. If you don’t see the distinction between Israel and the church, pretty soon you’re trying to get the church to function like Israel did, which was an earthly nation, and it was responsible for maintaining a certain social, cultural and moral setting. You have all the instructions of the Mosaic law guiding that. But we don’t live there. Get the booklet on Rendering to Caesar there’s an appendix at the end that gives you a summary of the Mosaic law and our relationship to it. So bad theology always gets you into trouble.

Let’s go to the New Testament, to the book of Romans. I’m just going to review in summary fashion, using Romans as a basis, and then moving to several other passages. Romans 13, I Timothy 2, Titus 3, I Peter 2 become major passages in addressing this issue. We’ll use Romans 13 and walk through it, and then read the others because you’re going to find they say basically the same thing. The responsibility of Christians to government and in the political process is clear. Let’s begin with chapter 13 verse 1. Let me just remind you of Philippians chapter 3 verses 20-21, it says our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly await a savior who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory. Our ultimate citizenship as God’s people is in heaven, that’s true. But it does not mean that we do not also maintain citizenship and responsibility here. But we live here as strangers and pilgrims, recognizing we live under the authority of the governing persons, with a responsibility to be good citizens. But this is not really where we have our life, so we keep our perspective clear.

Romans chapter 13 verse 1, every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. This is the foundational responsibility of believers. Every person is to be in subjection to governing authorities. Every person means every person, it’s a universal provision of God—governing authorities. Like marriage, God established it as a universal provision. It is binding on believer and unbeliever alike, so getting saved doesn’t change God’s requirement here, or not being saved. This is a provision God made. We see this carried throughout the world. In all societies in every place there is order and structure. God’s plan is that those who are placed in authority will be obeyed. He’s writing to believers and so he’s going to clarify our understanding of this, and why we live the way we live. But every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. We’ll see as we move on to the next statement, it doesn’t matter what level what we’re talking about. This becomes clear in the other passage, doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about kings or governors, down through the whole line of command. Wherever there is authority we are to submit. There is no authority except from God. Now he’s given the reason, note that preposition at the front—for there is no authority except from God. Human authority comes from God. Let me just read you Psalm 62:11, once God has spoken, twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God. He is the source of all power and authority. He has chosen to delegate authority and power, not just to godly people, but to all kinds of people for His reasons.

In John chapter 19, the gospel of John and the 19th chapter. Jesus is appearing before Pilate; He has already had extensive interaction with Pilate. The Jews want Jesus to be crucified, they did not have authority to execute Him. Rome ruled the world, ruled Palestine at this time. The Jews were given many privileges and rights, but the right of capital punishment was not one of them. Pilate acts as the judge here who will determine whether capital punishment is fitting under Roman law. He renders his verdict 3 times to the Jews—chapter 18 verse 38, the last statement, I find no guilt in Him; chapter 19 verse 4, the end of the verse, I find no guilt in Him; the end of verse 6, I find no guilt in Him. So, their repeated accusations and charges, Pilate says as the Roman authority on the scene the judge in charge, He’s innocent, He’s innocent, He’s innocent. The Jews say we have a law, He deserves to die. But Pilate is responsible to carry out Roman law and under Roman law He doesn’t deserve to die. You see the Jews wanted to stifle the religious expression, if I can refer to it that way, of Jesus. They found it offensive. But the Romans tolerated all kind of religious diversity, they worshipped all kind of gods. It was not a violation of Roman law. What we’re interested in is Jesus’ further conversation with Pilate. Pilate comes in, he’s afraid of the Jews and he’s afraid of what he heard. They said this man claims to be the Son of God. Pilate is uncomfortable with the position he’s in. He comes in and asks Jesus again, where’d you come from, verse 9. Jesus doesn’t answer, He’s been through this now repeatedly. Pilate knows He’s an innocent man, he just doesn’t want to follow through and do the right thing. Pilate said to him in verse 10, you do not speak to me. Do you not know that I have authority to release you and I have authority to crucify you. Jesus answered, now note this, you would have no authority over me unless it had been given you from above. You know what Jesus is saying to Pilate? You have authority because my Father gave it to you. You are in the position you are in because my Father put you there. That’s an awesome statement. Pilate is a godless man, he’s not an admirable man. He’s a man that will against his own convictions and what he knows is right, sentence Jesus to be crucified. But Jesus says you know what? You have the authority you have because my Father gave it to you. Just what Paul wrote to the Romans. There is no authority except from God. The authorities that are there, they are established by God.

Come back to Romans 13. If there is no authority except from God, then what he says at the end of verse 1 in Romans 13 is true. Those which exist are established by God. Now wait a minute. Do you think he means this person or this person? Well, if there is no authority except that which is established by God, then the follow through of that is every authority which exists is there by divine appointment. Right? We ought to get verse 1 clear and correct because verses 2-7 just elaborate on verse 1. We have this fixed in our mind. You know who is the governing Caesar? Nero. Despicable, despised man. His people are going to become so revolted with him that he’ll have to commit suicide before they can kill him. Does this mean Nero? Yes. He doesn’t deal with different kinds of governments, well what if this is not a democracy? Well so what. There is no authority except from God. Those which exist, is this the existing authority, doesn’t deal with how they got there. You know how Roman Caesars often got into position—they killed their predecessor. Well then, you’re not a valid authority. Paul doesn’t include any of that, all we as believers have to deal with is those which exist. That’s the one I have to submit to. Oh, but you know they got in, I think they stole the election, they poisoned their predecessor, they stabbed him through the heart. Well, all I want to know is who is now in authority. Well, they are, but they don’t deserve to be there. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Who said? Well, I don’t think it was handled right. We’re going back to Romans 13:1. So we’re all in agreement on this, right? Those which exist are established by God. We will be in agreement on this regardless on Wednesday morning, right?

Jeremiah 27 verse 5, now here Jeremiah is talking as God’s spokesman regarding what God is going to do to the remnant of Israel. I say the remnant because the northern kingdom has already been taken into captivity by the Assyrians. Now the Assyrian Empire has fallen, and the Babylonian Empire has come to the fore and now the southern kingdom, Judah, is going to be turned over to the Babylonians. Look at verse 5, God speaking, I have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by my great power, by my outstretched arm. Not all of us as believers agree with that. You see it has to do with His sovereign position as the creator of everything—the earth, the men, the beasts. By my great power and my outstretched arm. Now note the last part of the verse, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in my sight. Then the shocker—now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, my servant. Verse 7, all the nations shall serve him and his son and his grandson. And then I’m going to replace that line, that nation. Now you note the connection. God created it all, it’s His to do with as He pleases, and He appoints who? Nebuchadnezzar. This is not an admirable man. You remember what he’ll do to the last king of Judah? They’re going to have him dragged out to his presence with his family, he’s going to have all of his children slaughtered while he watches, and then he’s going to immediately put out his eyes. That’s not nice. I mean that is cruelty, not only to slaughter a man’s children before his very eyes, but then to put out his eyes so the last thing he sees are his children dying a horrible death. Now this is the kind of man we’re dealing with, a man who will condemn to death people who do not bow down to him, as we read in the book of Daniel. God says I have appointed him, there is nothing you can do. The nation that He chose for Himself, Judah, the kingdom from which the Messiah comes. You know what? They’re going to have to submit to Nebuchadnezzar. You know what Jeremiah told the last king of Israel? If you go out and surrender, you’ll live, if you don’t, you’ll suffer terribly. He didn’t, he suffered terribly. Why? God decides.

Turn over to the book of Daniel. You’re in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, just go back a little bit to the back of your Bible through Jeremiah, the little book of Lamentations, but then Ezekiel the big prophet, then Daniel. Some of the most familiar verses on this subject. I want to read them as a reminder to you. What we’re establishing is God is sovereign over the nations of the earth. Sadaam Hussein ruled by the appointment of God, he was removed by the appointment of God. The present President of the United States serves by the appointment of God, the next President of the United States will serve by the appointment of God. You say, wait a minute, you don’t know who it will be. No, I don’t, but I know that the one who will be elected will be the one, remember the lot is cast into the lap, but the decision comes from the Lord. He determines who. There is no authority but from God. The ones who exist are appointed by Him, established by Him.

In Daniel chapter 2. Daniel is talking to Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar has had a dream of the unfolding empires of the world. Daniel speaks in verse 20, let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. Like Paul, Daniel never lost his perspective. He was taken as a captive to Babylon, torn from his family in Judah, carted to Babylon. He sees the hand of God in it all. Wisdom and power belong to Him, it is He who changes the times and epochs. He removes kings and He sets up kings, He establishes kings. He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. Who put Nebuchadnezzar in charge? God. He establishes times and epochs, kings and kingdoms. He’s in charge. I get terribly concerned when I see evangelicals talking about how important it is, this election, and the future of America hangs upon it and the future of world evangelism hangs on it. Wait a minute, wait a minute, who’s in charge here?

Now people say, oh see Gil doesn’t believe in voting. I believe in being responsible as a child of God and as a citizen of this country. Now the Bible doesn’t say you have to vote, our government doesn’t say you have to vote, so I can’t tell you you have to vote. You know some people would like me to intrude in their conscience when they have a passionate conviction about something with their conscience. But if I intruded in another area the Bible doesn’t address and it was contrary to their conscience, then they’d say just be quiet and stick to the Bible. I believe if you’re taught the Word of God, if you’re submissive to the Spirit, then He will direct you and that’s your decision, not mine, not this church’s, not the evangelical world’s. I also believe that even though God is sovereign we have human responsibility. I believe God is sovereign in the work of salvation. We call it the doctrine of election. That does not in any way change my responsibility before God to function as he directs me. For Nebuchadnezzar, God used human warfare to bring him to power. In our country He uses the election process. That gives you an opportunity to speak your voice by vote. You may decide before the Lord, I don’t think I should vote on this. I’m ready to submit to either man, I cannot make a choice. That’s your decision. You’re responsible before God in this area as a child of God. There are things you must do, you must submit to whomever is in authority, because God demands that. That is sin and rebellion against Him not to do it. Furthermore, you must deal with respect and honor, treat them with respect and honor who are in authority, no matter what their character, how contrary their convictions, because the Bible requires that as we will see.

You’re still in Daniel chapter 3, go down to verse 37. God addresses Nebuchadnezzar very directly through Daniel. You oh king are the king of kings. Now note this, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory. This pagan, godless man, Daniel says to him, the God of heaven has given you this kingdom, given you power, strength and glory. Wherever the sons of men dwell, He has given them into your hand and has caused you to rule over them all. Can it be clearer? You wretched, godless pagan, you are here by divine appointment. That’s why Daniel always treats the king, whether it’s the king of Babylonians or the king of the Persians, with respect and honor, in spite of what their character is like. He deals directly and truthfully, but it’s always with honor and respect. God placed him in authority.

Look in chapter 4 verse 17, this is the sentence by the decree of the angelic watchers, the decision is a command of the holy ones, God’s agents from heaven, the holy angels, now are acting on God’s behalf to implement the judgment that He has ordained. In order that the living may know that the most high is ruler over the realm of mankind, bestows on it whom He wishes, and sets over it the lowliest of men. Pretty well puts Nebuchadnezzar in his place. God sets over it the lowliest, the basest of men. We fail to appreciate, you’re nothing. But God put you in power. We need to understand, God is sovereign here.

That’s why it’s so much a concern to me that we get known as the religious right, and we talk about the evangelical vote and getting out the vote. I think we have a right to express our convictions, nothing wrong with Christians saying their convictions. It ought to be done in a proper context and in a proper way. You know I have certain convictions in this coming election. I see certain positions taken, more consistent with what my understanding God says is honoring to Him and honoring to a nation. Righteousness is honoring a nation, sin is a reproach. I would want to vote according to those convictions. But I understand God’s plan may be to put someone different than I would vote for, and that is fine with me, that is not unsettling to me. I will count it an honor to respect that new President, that new congressman, that new senator, that new fill-in-the-blank. It is a privilege to do all I can to honor him with service, to be a good citizen. My view is not oh this country will be gone, and you know it’s the judgment of God that he comes. Well Nebuchadnezzar was the judgment of God on Israel, but you understand he was God’s man. The instruction of the prophets like Jeremiah was submit to the Babylonians, be respectful, do what they tell you, and you go on with it. Does that mean that believers in Israel were glad the Babylonians were going to cart them off, that Daniel was glad that he would be torn from his family and carted to Babylon? No. Does it mean the plan of God in the world has been crushed because? No.

At the end of verse 25, Nebuchadnezzar is going to go insane for 7 years, at the end of verse 25, until you recognize that the most high is ruler over the realm of mankind, who bestows it on whomever He wishes. At the end of verse 26, your kingdom will be restored to you after you recognize that it is heaven that rules. At the end of verse 31, King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared, sovereignty has been removed from you. Doesn’t take God, He doesn’t have to figure out how am I going to get this done, what am I going to do? It is done, let him go out and eat grass like an ox. The end of verse 32, until you recognize that the most high is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows on it whoever He wishes. We have this fixed in our mind, God rules in the affairs of men. Again, I’m not saying don’t vote, doesn’t matter. No. He used military might and conquest to give Israel an empire, He used it to give Babylon an empire. In our particular society He uses voting and so on to place individuals into office. So, you say then you shouldn’t vote, it doesn’t matter. It does matter. People think if you don’t address this in this way, you’re saying it doesn’t matter.

I think it’s of great importance that you share the gospel. I believe only the elect will hear it and be saved, and I believe the elect will hear it and be saved. Then why do I witness? Because God said to. God puts up whom He will, why should I vote? Because God also has chosen to use the human processes and in our particular form of government at least in this day, we cast votes and those who get the most votes, and I’m not getting into that, but generally speaking, are put into office. I pray and I pray for God’s will to be done, I pray for those in authority, I pray that we might continue to have peace as I Timothy 2 instructs us for the ministry of the gospel because God desires all men to be saved. I fear many Christians are passionate about the political process who haven’t shared the gospel with anybody in the past year. They just want the person in office that they’re thinking of because it will continue the peace and prosperity and comfort I have. You understand we pray for those who are in authority that we might continue to have peace because God desires all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. Maybe God will change that because He realizes our comfort zone has gotten so great that sharing the gospel is not a passionate issue for us, but a political position that maintains our comfort zone, now that’s passionate. Suffering would be good. We understand then that God is in charge. Let’s go back. Whether it’s by military might, whether it’s by voting or whether it’s by succession, a dynasty, whatever, God puts in power rulers at all levels.

Verse 2 of Romans 13 then says therefore, and the rest of this just is the consequence. Let’s be consistent with biblical truth. Romans 13:2, we subject to governing authorities because there is no authority but from God, and the authorities which exist have been established by Him. Therefore, whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God. That’s a follow through, right? If I rebel against the authority of the governing people, I am opposing what God has established. Now believers, doesn’t matter that the king didn’t know, Nero on the throne has no concept, no appreciation, or no acknowledgement that God has placed him in that position. But Paul knows. For whatever purposes God has placed Nero on the throne. You know the kind of men that Nero would appoint to other positions? Men like himself. He wouldn’t appoint moral, upright, good people, even though they’re not saved, that make you look more vile. You appoint people like yourself. So that’s a non-issue. They’re the existing authority, it’s the ordinance of God.

You know we criticize or put in a negative light the Roman Empire. You know it was a great empire for the gospel to flourish in, because they established a worldwide empire, they established peace under Roman power. Paul could travel the known world and preach the gospel in liberty and freedom. God raised up the Roman Empire for that time, for His purpose. He could be thankful for the Roman Empire, even though the Caesar that he is writing to submit to will be the one that will become responsible for his unjust day, his martyrdom.

Whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God. Those who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. I mean when you break the law you get punished. Now right away we think wait a minute, aren’t there times we have to disobey? Let’s go back to Acts chapter 4 and there are times we have to disobey, but we better be very careful. I get disturbed because we as Christians can tie everything together and make a case for why we don’t think we have to do this. Foundationally, we are to obey government. Now in Acts chapter 4 Peter and John have been brought before Roman authorities, the Sanhedrin, Jewish authorities, given certain rights by Roman authorities. They are commanded not to preach the gospel. First thing you ought to note is under Roman law they were free to preach the gospel, people were free to practice a variety of religions under Roman law. The Jews didn’t like it because it offended them. The Roman governor practiced a different religion than the Jews. I mean you didn’t have to practice Jewish religion, but the Jews are offended at the preaching of Jesus as the Messiah and the Savior. So, they command Peter and John not to preach the gospel. Peter and John respond in verse 19 of Acts 4, whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge. In other words, we can’t submit to you. You tell us to disobey God.

The same kind of issue takes place in chapter 5 verse 27. They are brought again before the council and the high priest challenged them and Peter says in verse 22, we must obey God rather than men. Now here the Sanhedrin didn’t have the ultimate authority on this subject. We find out later in the book of Acts when Paul gets arrested and the Roman authority arrested him and said I don’t even know what the trouble is, some kind of issue over Jewish matters. He hasn’t broken any Roman law; he doesn’t deserve to die. But even under Roman law Paul would not stop preaching the gospel. There may be times when the authorities require us to do something that the Bible says we must do or must not do. Now that doesn’t mean that all the laws the government passes, I will be in agreement with or will be consistent. But as long as I don’t have to do it. Now I need to be careful about violating law as a form of civil protest over laws I don’t agree with. Nero took tax money, conducted a marriage ceremony, a public major event as you would think a Caesar would do when he’s getting married. It was a castrated young man. You say I don’t even like to talk about that. He would have used tax money. The Roman Caesars bankrupted the treasury of Rome with their lascivious living. Paul doesn’t even address that. It’s the governing authority, I submit where I can. Now if he required Paul to do something immoral, Paul couldn’t do it, wouldn’t do it. If he required Paul not to do what God told him, Paul couldn’t do it. He’ll die for his testimony for the gospel because he couldn’t stop preaching the gospel. We need to be very careful that this is something that the Bible directly and clearly requires of me as a believer. Now it may be an area of my conscience. I cannot in good conscience do this, then I do submit and bear the consequences. But we need to be very careful. The Bible rules for us. We get passionate convictions about things, but they don’t overrule the clear instruction of the Word of God. We become confused on this, I fear, at times.

Back to Romans so we can summarize and read through the rest of this. Rulers are not a cause for fear for good behavior but for evil. You want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same. Now obviously that’s a general statement. Paul knows that Pilate authorized the crucifixion of Christ. Well, he wasn’t making a just decision, but generally speaking we’re thankful for the rule of law. Paul was thankful for it, it protected him, enabled him to go places and preach the gospel. We’re all thankful for it. I’m glad we have law. We hear a lot of complaints about the judges and the judicial system and all that. I am very thankful that we have judges and lawyers and legal procedures and so on. I don’t always agree with all that is done, but I am glad we have them. You’re glad we have laws, you’re glad people just can’t walk in your house with a knife and take what they want and walk out. There are laws that bring protection.

Note this, verse 4, it, referring to the authorities that God has appointed, is a minister, deoconos, recognize it? Deacon. That’s not an official church deacon, but the word deoconos means a servant. It is a servant of God to you for good, but if you do what is evil be afraid, for it does not bear the sword for nothing. It is a servant of God. The avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Now sometimes governing authorities do not function properly, there’s a miscarriage of justice. That doesn’t change the overall principle that government and authority is necessary. We look at countries of the world torn by conflict now, and there’s no governing authority recognized, and there’s turmoil. You say you can’t live like that. When I was in one of the communist countries several years ago, even the Christians there who had suffered terribly and been in prison were thankful for the structure and order that was brought by government. Even though they had been improperly dealt with at times, there was still an overall order to that society. We’re afraid when we do the wrong thing. We all know, and we use speeding as an example because we’ve all done it, most of you have done it. We’re going fast, 20 miles over the speed limit. Your wife says here comes the police car. Your heart goes thump, thump, thump and it keeps on going. I’m glad they have something better to do than go after law abiding citizens. There’s a lot of crime. Which means what? If somebody goes flying by me, I say where are the cops when you need them? But we all recognize there is fear when I’m doing wrong, I hope I don’t get caught and I hope I can just go 20 miles over the speed limit today. I won’t do it tomorrow, but I just need to get here today.

Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath but for conscience’s sake. Two reasons we obey, one we’re afraid of the consequences if we don’t. Second for conscience. This is important. Over in II Corinthians chapter 1 verse 12, for our proud confidence is this, Paul is writing. The testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom, but in the grace of God we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. This was Paul’s general conduct wherever he went. I have to have a good conscience. It means I have to obey God, be submissive to Him. That means I recognize the speed limits established by those in authority so it’s the ordinance of God for me. I don’t violate it not just because I’m afraid I’ll get caught, but even if I know I won’t get caught I know I will be sinning against God if I violate it. I want to have a good conscience and that’s true. Why do I pay my taxes? Well, I know I could get by, there’s a good chance I won’t get caught and I’ll have an extra few thousand dollars and I can give it to the church. Wait a minute, I’ve sinned against God, violated the ordinance He’s established. I not only have to deal with wrath, but I also have to deal with conscience. Paul says I maintain a good conscience in the world. Whatever I do, I want to be careful that my conscience is clear before God because I’m being submissive to Him. That takes care then of my other relationships.

In Romans 13, for because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God. There they’re called servants again. Devoting themselves to this very thing, render to all what is due them, taxes to whom taxes due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Taxes are an issue, they’re always an issue. Seems like every election of whatever level taxes in one way or another are an issue, because none of us like to pay them. I don’t mind paying my taxes, but this is too much. We get into all this. You know Paul never gets into it. Just pay them. Do you know what they did with our taxes? You know how they use our taxes? You know the vileness that your tax money went to promote? Not my responsibility, Paul says. I am submissive to governing authorities, I pay my taxes. I pay when they’re too much, I pay when they’re maybe not enough. I pay them when I like what they’re used for, I pay them when I don’t like it. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a right to make myself heard. I don’t have the right to storm around, treat those who may be doing things taxwise that I don’t appreciate or making laws I don’t appreciate that I have to bestow honor and fear on those people. I respect them because God has placed them into position. This does not mean Paul saw anything admirable in a man like Nero. I mean when the pagan Romans are so disgusted by behavior that they’re seeking him out to kill him and he ends up committing suicide to avoid it. Wouldn’t you think the Christians were disgusted with much of what was done? He said honor him, submit to him, respect him.

Look with me in just a few passages and then we’ll be done. I Peter 2, and we’ll read these, I just want you to see these passages. They’re basically the same as what we’ve just done. All the way, almost to the back of your New Testament, I Peter chapter 2. You look at I Peter, here’s a man who’s also going to die as a martyr at the hands of the governing authorities. But what does he write about governing authorities? I Peter chapter 2 verse 13, submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake. Note why you do it ultimately. Because you want to honor and obey the Lord. To every human institution, whether to a king as one in authority, to governors sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right, for such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. That’s why it’s important that we be respectful, we conduct ourselves honorably, we put to silence the criticism that will come. We may be criticized because of our belief in the Word of God, because of our teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But I’m not going to get out there attacking people over political convictions. I have a right to express my convictions. Paul preached and taught and wrote to the churches about homosexuality. Do you think that anybody didn’t know that he didn’t approve of Nero’s conduct? Of course they did. Paul didn’t expect any better of the unbelieving world, but they also respected God puts the lowliest, the basest of men in positions of authority and we submit and honor them because of that.

Act as free men do not use your freedom as a covering for evil but as bondslaves for God. He’s still talking about submission to governing authorities. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. I mean we are to be good citizens, the best of citizens. Well, when the Democrats or Republicans are in. Yes. The Independents. Yes. And those I was for. Yes. And those I was against. Yes. And those running that I hope don’t get in. Yes. I mean how can I speak so disparagingly of people, then they get voted in and I say you know it’s God’s will, we have to honor them and respect them when I’ve treated them with such disdain and disrespect. They’re worthy of honor in the fact that they have in our political system been given the opportunity to run for office. Then I want to give them honor because they may be the next President, they may be the next governor, they may be the next congressman. So even though in our society I may be voting for someone else, I’m going to treat them both with respect because God may do differently than I think He should do because He’s in authority, not me.

One other passage and we’re done. Titus chapter 3, you have to go back toward the front of your Bible again. Titus chapter 3, little book after I Timothy, II Timothy, Titus chapter 3. You’ll note there is a consistency here. Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authority, to be obedient. Do you see a pattern established? What’s our responsibility? To be obedient, to be submissive, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one. Do you know what this says? Speak evil of no one. You know the only one Paul really attacks in the scripture in his letters are the false teachers that are infiltrating the church and promoting false doctrine. That’s what he’s concerned about. He talks about political rulers and political leaders and it’s always in these kinds of contexts. We are to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. Why? We once were stupid fools ourselves, and we were once foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. You see he knows what they’re like, they’re people who are deceived. They’re disobedient, they’re enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, they’re spending their life in malice and envy and hateful and hating one another. It means we were just like them. So don’t get sidetracked here in how can they be like this, how will we go on with a ruler like this. How can you ever hope for the gospel to make an impact when you have a man like Nero, and not just him but I pull him out as a well-known figure. We’re putting people in authority………oh boy what’s the future of the gospel? The future of the gospel is the work of Jesus Christ in the hearts of men.

Remember we were foolish sinners. Let’s be submissive, they’ll make bad decisions, they’ll make decisions that are contrary, they’ll make decisions that make our life harder. Paul is going to spend years in prison. That’s not fair, that’s not just, and that was not right under Roman law. What was Paul’s attitude? Criticize the injustice of these Roman authorities? They know I deserve to be free and some of you need to be calling attention to Rome and Roman authority of the injustices being done to us by the misuse of the law. He says this has just provided a unique opportunity for me to preach the gospel. I’ve even had an opportunity to speak to those in high positions about the gospel. It’s not the injustice of the political system doesn’t weight him down. Why? Who’s in charge? My God. Sure, it’s unjust humanly speaking that I’m here. But I see it’s by divine appointment. God even uses sinfulness of men to accomplish His purpose that I might be here preaching the gospel.

In all of this, do I believe you ought to vote? I say things like I don’t care if you vote. People say that’s it, I’m going to another church, he doesn’t care if we vote. I mean I can’t be part of a church like that. You know when I say that I mean I don’t care if you socially drink, I don’t care if you smoke. Now more of you will leave. The Bible doesn’t say. God hasn’t called me to be the Holy Spirit in your life. God has called me to teach you the Word of God so that as you submit to the Spirit of God through the Word of God, He’ll direct you in your life. Aren’t you glad the Holy Spirit directs you through His Word. Not just He has to direct me so I can direct you. I teach you the Word. You want to know about immorality? I tell you it’s sin, you cannot commit it. Voting, it doesn’t say. It says you have to be the best of citizens; you have to honor God with your obedience. We didn’t go to I Timothy 3 because we’ve already been there in some detail in a recent study. We are to pray for those in authority. You have to pray for them, you have to obey them. These other matters of citizenship where our government leaves it open and the Bible leaves it open, I’m willing to leave it in your hands before the living God. It’s not my responsibility to tell you that even though the scripture doesn’t address it this is what you have to do. Will I vote in the election? I don’t think I’ll tell you. But whatever I do and however it comes out, Wednesday morning I’m going to rejoice that God is sovereign. I’m going to praise Him that the people of His appointment have all gotten into office and I am thrilled to be able to serve Him. I pray that my mouth and my life might be a testimony to the assurance I have that the sovereign God rules in the affairs of men.

Let’s pray together. Thank you, Lord, that you are God, that you have created all things, all things exist for you, and you are working your purposes. Lord, you even use the rebellion and the sin of men to accomplish your purposes. None of us are free from our responsibilities. As you children we are responsible to live in obedience to you, to obey carefully everything you’ve instructed us regarding in your Word. Lord, in those areas where the Word does not directly speak, we are responsible to submit to your Spirit, to allow you to direct and guide us so that we might live with a clear conscience. Lord, I commit these, your people, to you, that your will might be done in and through them. Lord, I rejoice to know that the decisions that will be made for our country regarding elected officials will be according to your will. That frees none of us from our responsibility to do as you would have us do. Lord, I pray that the men of your choosing might be placed into office, that you might continue to be gracious, that we might continue to have peace and opportunity to proclaim the glorious message of Christ, knowing that it is your will that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. God, I pray that even in matters of political significance and decision our motivation might not be our own personal comfort, peace and well-being, but it might be the promotion of the message of Jesus Christ to the lost. We commit all these matters to you. In Christ’s name, Amen.