God and Government, pt. 2 (Stay Salty)

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Slides:

What can we do to advance the Kingdom of God and slow the spread of evil in our land for the common good until Jesus comes? How does our interaction with government support that purpose?

Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty [again?] It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does [anyone] light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

What is the biblical purpose of Government? (Rom. 13:3-4, 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

• Punishment of the wicked

• Praise/protection of those who do right

Where did the idea come from that Christians/churches should stay out of politics?

• Separation of church and state + Johnson amendment + Tradition

• My concern: Gaslighting of the church through the manipulation of information and new emphasis on certain sociological theories.

Addressing Christian Nationalism with balance: We reject…

• That evangelicals and churches should forsake participation in politics & government.

• That America is a chosen nation in special covenant with God.

• That patriotism and nationalism are inherently unbiblical and evil.

• That politics, parties, or presidents can heal our land.

How does our citizenship affect our interaction with and influence of government?

Philippians 3:20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Jeremiah 29:4-7

"Thus 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;] and plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 'Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. 7 '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 have welfare.'

What happens when government is absent, weak, or immoral?

• Political, religious, and societal anarchy (Judges 17-21)

What does the Bible say about the relationship between law and morality?

Galatians 3:24

Therefore the Law has become our tutor [to lead us] to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

1 Timothy 1:8-10

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching…

Laws have a teaching function related to morality.

What are some biblical issues we should be concerned with?

• Creation and enforcement of morally just laws (Rom. 13:3-4, 1 Pet. 2:13-14)

• Judicial appointments (Is. 1:26, Prov. 29:2, 1 Kings 3:9)

• Israel (Gen 12:3)

• Biological sex, sexuality, marriage, and family (Gen. 1:27, Matt. 19:3-5, Ps. 127:3)

• Protection of the unborn (Acts 3:15, Ps. 139:13-14)

• Immigration & treatment of immigrants (alien/stranger/sojourner, apx. 100 uses)

• Religious liberty (Ex. 20:3), conscience (Rom. 14 & 1 Cor. 8-9), and freedom issues (Gen. 2:16-17)

“A government that maximizes human freedom (while still punishing evildoers) will often find that its citizens do an amazing amount of good for others and for the world…every incremental increase in governmental regulation of life is also an incremental removal of some measure of human liberty.” Wayne Grudem

What can we do to advance the Kingdom of God and slow the spread of evil in our land for the common good until Jesus comes? How does our interaction with government support that purpose?

• In government: We must believe that God’s Word is essential for human flourishing and apply it in our opportunities as good citizens and neighbors (common grace).

• In the church: Focus on primary responsibilities of the ministry of the Word & prayer (Acts 6:1-6), equipping the saints for the works of service (Eph. 4:11-13), and priestly living (1 Pet. 2:9).

Matthew 5:13-16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty [again?] It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does [anyone] light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”