Christianity and Politics

As a Christian, what is my role in politics? I recently did a study over this and here is what was found in the Word of God. It really doesn't matter what John McCain told me, or what Barack Obama is telling me. I don't care what Oprah says, or Rush Limbaugh. What does the Bible say?

There are 3 main views on a Christains Role in Politics:

1) Some Christians believe that the state is so corrupt that Christians should have as little to do with it as possible. Although, they should be good citizens as long as they can do so without compromising their beliefs, they should not work for the government, vote in elections, or serve in the military.
2) Others believe that God has given the state authority in certain areas and the church authority in others. Christians should be loyal to both and can work for either. They should not, however, confuse the two. In this view, church and state are concerned with two totally different spheres – the spiritual and the physical – and thus complement each other but do not work together. Seperation of church and state!
3) Still others believe that Christians have a responsibilty to make the state better. They can do this politically, by electing Christian or other high-principled leaders. They can also do this morally, by serving as an influence for good in society. In this view, church and state ideally work together for the good of all.

Notice, none of these views advocate rebelling against or refusing to obey the government’s laws or regulations unless those laws clearly require you to violate the moral standards revealed by God. Wherever, we find ourselves, we must be responsible citizens, as well as responsible Christians. (Personally, I hold to View #3.)

The study took me to Romans 13:1 - 7. I was reminded that the context of this particular section of Scripture was around 57 A.D., and Paul is in Corinth writing to the Christians in Rome. He is getting ready to travel to Rome to minister, and he sends this letter ahead of him. The emperor of Rome during this time was Nero. He would have Christians dipped in tar, tied to poles 20 feet high, and set on fire to light his gardens where drunken orgies were taking place. Many church documents and historians suggest that he was responsible for killing Peter and Paul.

This is what I believe says from these verses:

I. Submit to Governing Authority v. 1 – 2
a. We are to obey the government even when we don’t like it.
i. “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.” – Titus 3:1

b. Unless, we are asked to do something, or not do something that is against God’s Holy Word.
i. “So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:18 – 20
1. We should never allow the government to force us to disobey God.
a. In the Old Testament, Pharaoah ordered the Jewish midwives to kill all male babies when they were born, but they refused. They refused to disobey God by commiting murder, so they neglected the Pharaoh’s order. They were honored by God – Exodus 1:17 – 20

c. God is Sovereign, and in control. He has given them this position.
i. Now this does not mean that He is responsible for the sins of tyrants, but only that the authority to rule comes originally from God.
1. Even though we cannot always respect the man in office, we must respect the office, for government was ordained by God.

II. Government is Designed to Help Sinful Humans v. 3 – 6
a. God established human government because man is a sinner and must have some kind of authority over him.

III. Give Respect and Honor to Those in Authority v. 7
a. We must respect and honor them, even if we didn’t vote for them, or agree with them.
i. When we do this, we are actually doing it unto God. - v. 1
1. “For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority – whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do it. Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.” – 1 Peter 2:13 – 14, 17

This year America had the opportunity to elect a new President. I thank God that we have the right to do that. However, we must always remember this, we may elect the President, but Jesus is the King! You can’t impeach Him, and He is not going to resign!