<< Previous | Index | Next >>"WHEN THE ELECTION IS OVER" INTRODUCTION 1. Many Christians are blessed to live in democratic countries... a. Where elections are held to determine new leaders b. Where Christians have a voice in the election process 2. When an election is over, feelings are often diverse... a. Those whose candidates won are ecstatic and hopeful b. Those whose candidates lost are often depressed and worried [Whether one's preferred candidate won or lost, it is important that Christians remember certain things in regards to our living among the nations of men. When the election is over, we do well to...] I. RENEW OUR TRUST IN GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY A. GOD IS ULTIMATELY IN CONTROL... 1. This truth was confirmed in the days of Daniel - Dan 2:21; 4:17,34-35 2. It is affirmed in the writings of Paul - Ro 13:1-4 3. Indeed, Jesus now has the ultimate authority - Mt 28:18 a. He is head over all things - Ep 1:20-22; 1Pe 3:22 b. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords - 1Ti 6:15 c. He is truly the ruler over the kings of the earth - Re 1:5 -- No matter who is president, king, or dictator, God rules over all! B. WE MUST TRUST IN HIS SOVEREIGNTY... 1. All things work together for good to those who love God - Ro 8:28 2. If God is for us, who can be against us? - Ro 8:31-34 3. Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ - Ro 8:35-39 -- No matter what rulers may do, for good or ill, we are in God's hands! [We may not know the future, but we know Him who holds the future in His hands. With God's sovereignty giving us both comfort and courage, we should also...] II. REAFFIRM OUR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP A. OUR TRUE CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN... 1. As declared by Paul to brethren who were Roman citizens - Php 3:20 2. We are fellow citizens with the saints - Ep 2:19 3. We are pilgrims living among the nations of men - 1Pe 1:1; 2:11 -- We are citizens of the kingdom of God, first and foremost! B. WE MUST REAFFIRM OUR PILGRIM STATUS... 1. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through" - Albert E. Brumley 2. We should beware of becoming too attached to things in this world a. Which can render us fruitless - Lk 8:14 b. Which can leave us unprepared for the Lord's coming - Lk 21:34 3. We must guard against the love of this world (including politics!) - 1Jn 2:15-17 -- We may be citizens of an earthly nation, but do not become too attached! [Aware of our true spiritual identity as citizens of the kingdom of heaven, we should...] III. REFOCUS OUR PRIMARY MISSION A. OUR PRIMARY MISSION CONCERNS GOD... 1. To seek first the rule or reign of God in our lives - Mt 6:33 2. To proclaim the praises of God for His mercy - 1Pe 2:9-10 -- The kingdom of God is our primary mission! B. WE MUST REFOCUS OUR EFFORTS ON THE GOSPEL... 1. For that is the commission Christ has given - Mk 16:15-16 2. To make disciples of all the nations - Mt 28:19-20 -- Are we as active in our evangelism as others are in their politics? [As we go about fulfilling the Great Commission, we should also...] IV. RESOLVE TO GIVE LEADERS THEIR DUE A. WHAT WE OWE THOSE IN AUTHORITY... 1. Our submission - Ro 13:1-5; 1Pe 2:13-15 a. For conscience' sake, and for the Lord's sake b. To silence the ignorance of foolish men 2. Our taxes and revenue (ESV) - Ro 13:6-7 3. Our respect and honor (ESV) - Ro 13:7; 1Pe 2:17; Jude 8-9; Tit 3:1-2 a. Not speaking evil of those in authority b. Just as we are not to speak evil of anyone 4. Our prayers - 1Ti 2:1-4 a. For all who are in authority b. That we might lead quiet and peaceable lives -- These are our God-given duties as citizens living among the nations! B. WE MUST NOT FAIL OUR OBLIGATIONS... 1. Political differences do not justify speaking ill of our leaders 2. Even immoral conduct by our leaders is not justification (remember Nero?) 3. We may have liberty, but not to do or say that which is evil - 1Pe 2:16 -- Are we committed to giving our leaders what God demands? [Rather than maligning our leaders (e.g., "president-bashing") and speaking ill of those with whom we may disagree politically, let us finally be sure to...] V. RESUME OUR ROLE AS PEACEMAKERS A. WE SERVE THE PRINCE OF PEACE... 1. The One foretold by Isaiah - Isa 9:6-7 2. The One announced by the heavenly host - Lk 2:10-14 3. The One who died to make peace between men - Ep 2:13-18 -- Our King and Lord is truly the one hope for peace! B. WE ARE TO BE PEACEMAKERS... 1. If we are to be called the sons of God - Mt 5:9 2. By loving our enemies, blessing those who hate us - Mt 5:43-48 3. By displaying wisdom that comes from above - Jm 3:17-18 4. Contending without being contentious - 2Ti 2:24-26 -- Are we agents of peaceful discourse and interaction among divided mankind? CONCLUSION 1. The freedom to elect our leaders is a wonderful blessing, but there are dangers... a. In the euphoria of victory we may neglect the duties of our true citizenship b. In the dysphoria of defeat we may forget the One who is truly in charge 2. So when the election is ever, whether our preferred candidate wins or loses, let us... a. Renew our trust in God's sovereignty b. Reaffirm our heavenly citizenship c. Refocus our primary mission d. Resolve to give leaders their due e. Resume our role as peacemakers "I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen." - 1Ti 6:13-16 Note: the main points of this outline were adapted from an article by Mark D. Roberts.<< Previous | Index | Next >>
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