Praying for our Country

Sermon Outline: The Inner Cup – Foundations of a Moral Society

I. Introduction

- **Opening Scripture:** Matthew 23:25-26

- "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."

- **Thesis Statement:** The importance of inner purity and moral integrity as foundational to both personal righteousness and the health of our nation.

II. Scriptural Foundations

- **A. Jesus' Teaching on Inner Purity**

- **Matthew 23:25-26 & Luke 11:39-40**: Emphasize the need for inner moral transformation.

- **Key Point:** True cleanliness and moral integrity must start from within.

- **B. The Broader Biblical Theme of Inner Righteousness**

- **1 Samuel 16:7**: "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

- **Psalm 51:6**: "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place."

- **Matthew 15:18-20**: "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them."

-**Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life”

- **Key Point:** God values the purity of our hearts and intentions over outward appearances.

John Adams Quick History;

John Adams (1735-1826) was a significant figure in American history, known for his role as a Founding Father, his contributions to the independence movement, and his service as the second President of the United States. Here are some key aspects of his life and legacy:

### Early Life and Education

- **Born:** October 30, 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts.

- **Education:** Graduated from Harvard College in 1755, where he studied law.

- **Early Career:** Worked as a schoolteacher before becoming a lawyer. His legal practice and writings on the law and government brought him to prominence in the American colonies.

### Role in the American Revolution

- **Advocate for Independence:** Adams was a leading advocate for American independence. He played a crucial role in opposing the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts.

- **Continental Congress:** Served as a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, where he was a strong proponent of independence.

- **Declaration of Independence:** Played a key role in drafting and advocating for the Declaration of Independence in 1776 alongside Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others.

### Diplomatic Service

- **Ambassador to France and Holland:** Served as a diplomat in Europe during the Revolutionary War, securing vital financial and military support.

- **Treaty of Paris:** Helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

### Presidency

- **Vice President:** Served as the first Vice President of the United States under George Washington from 1789 to 1797.

- **Second President:** Elected as the second President of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801.

- **Domestic Policies:** His presidency faced significant challenges, including internal political divisions and opposition from both Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

- **Foreign Policy:** Adams navigated the Quasi-War with France and pursued diplomatic solutions to avoid a full-scale war. His decision to pursue peace, despite pressure for war, is considered one of his significant achievements.

- **Alien and Sedition Acts:** Passed during his administration, these acts were highly controversial and contributed to his political difficulties.

### Post-Presidency

- **Retirement:** After losing the 1800 election to Thomas Jefferson, Adams retired to his farm in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he spent his later years writing and reflecting on his public service.

- **Correspondence with Jefferson:** Renewed his friendship and correspondence with Thomas Jefferson, with whom he had a complex relationship. Their letters are a rich source of insight into their thoughts on government, philosophy, and their roles in the founding of the United States.

### Legacy

- **Adams' Writings:** His extensive writings on government, law, and philosophy have had a lasting impact. His letters, diaries, and official documents provide valuable historical insights.

- **Advocate for Education:** Believed in the importance of education and the role of a well-informed citizenry in a democratic society.

- **Family Legacy:** Father of John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, continuing the Adams family's significant influence in American politics.

### Personal Traits and Beliefs

- **Moral and Religious Views:** Adams was known for his strong moral convictions and religious beliefs, which influenced his views on governance and the role of citizens in a republic.

- **Character:** He was known for his integrity, commitment to justice, and sometimes blunt and outspoken nature. His dedication to the principles of liberty and justice guided his public and private life.

### Conclusion

John Adams remains a pivotal figure in American history, celebrated for his contributions to the founding of the nation and his unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy and justice. His life and work continue to be studied and admired for their impact on the United States and its development as a democratic republic.

III. The Founding Fathers' Vision for America

- **A. John Adams' Letter to the Massachusetts Militia**

- **Quote:** "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

- **Context:** The challenges of the Quasi-War with France, the Alien and Sedition Acts, and the intense political partisanship.

- **B. The Influence of the French Revolution**

- **French De-Christianization and Radical Secularism**

- Observations of chaos and instability in post-revolutionary France.

- **Key Point:** Adams' belief that the Constitution relies on the moral and religious character of its citizens.

IV. Connecting Scripture to Adams' Sentiments

- **A. Internal Transformation**

- **Scripture:** Emphasizes inner purity and transformation (Matthew 23:25-26).

- **Adams:** Citizens must cultivate virtues like honesty, integrity, and self-discipline for the Constitution to function effectively.

- **B. Individual Responsibility**

- **Scripture:** Calls for personal moral responsibility (Psalm 51:6).

- **Adams:** The Constitution assumes responsible exercise of freedoms.

- **C. Community Impact**

- **Scripture:** Inner purity influences the broader community (1 Samuel 16:7).

- **Adams:** A moral citizenry creates a culture of trust and cooperation.

- **D. Sustainability of Democracy**

- **Scripture:** Inner transformation sustains ethical behavior (Matthew 15:18-20).

- **Adams:** The health of the democratic system depends on continuous moral and ethical behavior.

V. Practical Application

- **A. Personal Reflection and Integrity**

- Encourage congregants to examine their own hearts and strive for inner purity.

- **Practical Steps:** Regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and seeking accountability.

- **B. Community Engagement**

- Promote actions that reflect moral integrity within the community.

- **Practical Steps:** Volunteer work, honest business practices, and fostering supportive relationships.

- **C. Civic Responsibility**

- Emphasize the importance of moral conduct in civic duties and responsibilities.

- **Practical Steps:** Voting with integrity, participating in local governance, and advocating for just policies.

VI. Conclusion

- **Reaffirmation of Thesis:** The inner purity of individuals is foundational to personal righteousness and the stability of our society.

- **Call to Action:** Urge congregants to commit to inner moral transformation and to live out these principles in their daily lives, contributing to a stronger, more virtuous community and nation.

- **Closing Prayer:** Seek God's guidance and strength to cultivate inner purity and to be a light in the community, upholding the values that sustain our nation.

We must first and foremost pray for our own hearts to be pure. From this it should work outward in our families and into our communities. Pray not only for wicked to be crushed under the feet of King Jesus but pray that those who fill the void be men after your own heart. Men of integrity, Christian men who will execute thier offices in righteousness.

Just a note on John Adams

No, John Adams was not a slave owner. He and his wife, Abigail Adams, held strong anti-slavery beliefs, which distinguished them from many of their contemporaries. Here are some key points about John Adams' stance on slavery:

### Anti-Slavery Beliefs

- **Moral Opposition:** John Adams morally opposed slavery, viewing it as incompatible with the principles of liberty and justice that he and other Founding Fathers espoused.

- **Writings and Correspondence:** In his writings and correspondence, Adams expressed his discomfort with the institution of slavery. He believed it was a violation of human rights and dignity.

### Abigail Adams' Influence

- **Shared Beliefs:** Abigail Adams was also a vocal opponent of slavery. Her strong convictions influenced her husband, and she frequently wrote about the issue in her letters.

- **Advocacy:** Abigail used her position and influence to advocate for the abolition of slavery and the better treatment of African Americans.

### Actions and Legacy

- **No Personal Slaves:** Unlike many of his peers, John Adams did not own slaves at any point in his life. He chose not to participate in or benefit from the institution of slavery.

- **Founding Principles:** Adams' anti-slavery stance was consistent with his broader commitment to individual rights and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.

### Comparison to Contemporaries

- **Context:** During Adams' time, many of the leading figures of the American Revolution, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, were slave owners. Adams' refusal to own slaves set him apart in this regard.

- **Political Climate:** Although Adams personally opposed slavery, he understood the political complexities of the time, including the need to maintain unity among the colonies, some of which were heavily reliant on slave labor.

### Conclusion

John Adams' stance on slavery reflects his commitment to the principles of liberty and justice. While he did not take significant public action to end slavery during his political career, his personal rejection of the institution and his moral opposition to it highlight his alignment with the values that would eventually lead to the abolitionist movement in the United States.