How would Jesus . . .

?

How’s a Christian to vote?

How’s a Christian to try to influence others to vote?

How hard can this be, we’re against abortion and

gay marriage, what else matters, duh!

Not so fast. Have we seriously given

consideration to Biblical principles and the

teaching/example of Jesus to inform our

political views?

Old Testament

• Israel was a Theocracy

• God’s Laws fresh and clear!

• No vote, just obey or disobey

• Obey – enjoy prosperity and blessing

• Disobey and bring down wrath of God, invasion of foreign powers, death, carnage and exile.

New Testament

• Roman Empire, Caesar Tiberius

• Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea

• Jewish hope for a Militaristic Messiah to free Israel from Roman oppression and reestablish Israel as international power with Messiah as King.

• Enter Jesus

So, what did Jesus have to say or what did He do about the government in power at that time? • Jesus said to them, "Then

give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Luke 20:22-2

What did Paul have to say or what did he do regarding the government of his day?• Everyone must submit himself to the

governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1-2

What did Paul have to say or what did he do regarding the government of his day?

• I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-5

Roman Emperors during New Testament times• Tiberius 14-37

• Caligula 37-41

• Claudius 41-54

• Nero 54-68

• Titus Vespasian 69-79

How do those Biblical principles translate into our time and country, a democracy?

• How we got to this point.

• An opportunity to participate in and to influence our government and the laws of the land is unprecedented!

• So, vote, serve, campaign!

Biblical principles to guide a Christian’s political involvement as well as personal values/behavior.

• Key Biblical values:– Help for the underprivileged and oppressed.– Stewardship of the environment.– Issues of sexual morality?

Biblical attitudes for a Christian involved in politics or political discussions

• Compassion

• Humility

• Servant heart

• Peacemaker

• Courage

Cautions when entering political involvement as a Christian.

• Advancing my selfish agenda

• Arrogance

• Desire to control others

• Fear

The Lord’s Prayer'Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen

Matthew 6:9-13

• Dear Heavenly Father, I choose and purpose in my heart to live and think foremost as a Kingdom of Heaven citizen, your child, a follower of Jesus Christ.

• I repent of allowing my selfish agenda, arrogance, desire to control others or fears to influence my political views and involvement. Please forgive me. I forgive others who have irritated me with their political opinions. I choose to serve as a peacemaker.

• I choose and purpose in my heart to express a Christ like attitude of humility and compassion to people of different political persuasions and to the underprivileged and oppressed.

• Heal my heart and tell me Your truth about this matter.  

Citizen Christian?• A Christian can be indifferent to the

particular government of the time. • A Christian is to pray for government

leaders. • A Christian is to pay taxes, if required

and live according to the laws of the land in so far as they don’t contradict God’s law.

• As Americans be very grateful for our freedoms!

• Vote. Run for office. Campaign.