Believers, Government, and Politics (Study Outline)

Teaching Notes:

1. We are citizens of the kingdom of God (heaven) first (Philippians 3:20). And we should seek first the things that concern the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:2). 

• Winning souls and making disciples is the task given to us, as our way of expanding the kingdom of God in the earth (Matthew 28:19-20).

 

2. Our job is not to preserve this present world, but to save as many people out of this present world as we can, to preserve them for the new world to come (Galatians 1:4, 2 Timothy 4:18, 2 Peter 2:4-9).

• Jesus' kingdom is not of this present world (John 18:36-37).

 

2. Believers should be everywhere in the world as influences for the kingdom, like yeast that leavens a lump of dough (Matthew 13:33).

• Therefore, Christians should be in every arena of society—in politics, in sports, in entertainment, in education, etc. Christians should be everywhere in order to influence people towards knowing Christ.

• Being salt and light in this world is about doing good works (the works of Jesus) (Matthew 5:13-16). Strive to act as Jesus did, no matter where you are.

   

5. This world is going to grow worse, and it's going to perish, no matter what we do. Therefore, working only to preserve this present world's establishments is a futile exercise (2 Peter 3:10-13, 2 Timothy 3:13).

• However, if helping to preserve the policies and freedoms of this world helps us to more effectively spread the gospel, we should do so. Though, we should act not for the sake of the world itself, but for the sake of the kingdom of God.

• We should be saving souls. Preaching the gospel to save souls can happen in many ways. We should take advantage of every means and opportunity that we have to spread the gospel.

 

6. Believers being in politics, as with anything else, should be about helping the gospel spread. If influencing legislation will create another way for the message of Christ to reach people's ears, then it can be a good work. 

• However, what's most important is that we boldly preach Christ in our daily lives. Political activity must never come before day-to-day evangelism.

 

7. Authorities are sent and put in place by God (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:14). God’s will alone determines who is put in power. Ruling authority is given to whomever God chooses. Men are not in control of who gets to be king or governor. God uses whomever is in power to accomplish His purpose. No man can overthrow His purpose. God is in charge. 

• Rulers are ministers of God (Romans 13:3-4). 

• God “raises up and removes kings” (Daniel 2:21). 

• “The Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He will and sets over it the lowest of men” (Daniel 4:17).

• All rulers are directed by God (Proverbs 21:1).

   

 

8. The Believer’s Civil Responsibilities:

• Believers are to live peaceably (“staying in one’s seat” proper place in society). We are to live quietly, and to pray for rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We’re not to threaten human governments or attempt to overthrow them (John 18:36). In other words, don't riot, assassinate, or participate in rebellion.

  • We can, however, speak for our rights given to us by governments (Acts 16:35-39, 22:23-29), and hope that our rights are honored.

• Believers are to submit to rulers and honor them (1 Peter 2:13-17). We can only willfully disobey human laws when they require us to disobey God’s laws (Acts 5:27-29).

• Believers are to pay taxes (Matthew 22:17-21, Romans 13:6-7).

• Believers are to submit to governments even if they are ordered to be arrested and imprisoned, or martyred (Matthew 10:16-18, Isaiah 53:7, 1 Peter 2:19-23).

  • We should flee government-executed persecution if we can, but if we will be killed, we should not resist.

 

 

To what extent should believers be involved in or informed of political matters? 

 

1. Voting. Voting is a way that believers can attempt to influence the spread of good in this world.

• It is not a sin to not vote, but we should vote. Why? We have the ability to choose between life and death (good and evil) in the US, so we should use that ability to choose life by voting for what's good. 

• However, no matter what we do to influence legislation, nothing will not stop the world from perishing on God's timing. 

• Again, spreading the gospel always comes first. 

  • A lack of religious freedom should have absolutely no effect on how much we share our faith. If you’re not bold about your faith now, with the freedom that you have, what makes you think that you’re going to be bold about it when your freedom is taken away? And our freedom will be taken away, rest assured (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Don’t try to say that you're voting to preserve your religious freedom if you’re not even using it! If you’re not using your freedom to preach the gospel, then you’re not voting for your freedom, you’re just voting for your comfort. 

 

2. Knowing World News. We should know about what's happening in the world if it will help us to prepare for coming calamity (Proverbs 22:3). We are responsible to know what's coming and to be prepared for it.

• Believers should not, however, meditate on things of this world (Colossians 3:1-3). These things distract from heavenly matters and avert us from focusing on Christ. One can be prudent and consider the future of the world without meditating on or setting the mind on things of the world. 

• Use this world's resources and information to your advantage, but do not abuse these things by obsessing over them (1 Corinthians 7:31).