The idea of human government is all over the Bible.
When God made the first two humans Genesis 1:28 tells us that
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.”
This is best accomplished with an ordered government that establishes justice and protects rights.
Romans 13 in the New Testament also speaks directly to the issue of human government.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.
For government is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
As Christians who live here we want to do what is right. And as citizens who live here in this country and in this city we have the opportunity to vote. I encourage you to vote.
It is one way to be a responsible citizen and to love your neighbor.
As you vote I also encourage you to take seriously what the Bible says. If you think about it, every public policy (from seat belt laws to the definition of marriage) is a statement of moral judgment.
As various issues come up – search the Scripture. God is very clear in His Word about right and wrong. The Word of God speaks clearly about foundational issues of marriage and the sanctity of life. Heed what God’s Word says about the various issues that are on the ballot and represented by the candidates in this election.
Some of you have been really involved in this election. As a church we have not been and do not plan to be. The reason is simple, really. There are many good and important things that Christians do that the Church is not called to do. There are many great things that Christians (as Christians) do that the Church (as the Church) is not called to do.
Our calling and ministry as a church is clear. It is the Great Commission. It’s what Dan Schneider talked about last week among the Afar people in Ethiopia. The church preaches the gospel and trains up disciples who believe the gospel and obey the Lord Jesus in every aspect of their lives.
So, you can and should vote. Go out and vote. Your vote is important. But your vote is not ultimate. Our God reigns. And every nation, every nation on the planet today is as a drop in the bucket to Him.
Go out and vote. But do not make the mistake of placing your hope in man. No matter what happens in the next election – God will not be surprised and Jesus Christ will not stop building His Church. Our hope is in the Lord our God. And our calling as His church is to preach the gospel, and believe the gospel.
Read and pray from1 Timothy 1 and 2.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
2:1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.