Woke Church Pt 4

This is a time for true followers of Jesus to not only pay attention, but to think strategically about applying the Word of God to all the issues that we are confronted with.

Indeed, in two different places, Paul warns us to be “woke”

Romans 13:11 (NKJV)

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

1. Dual citizenship

2. Participation is required

THESIS: Our participation as citizens is to witness of God’s priorities.

3. Our vote is to witness

THESIS:

Philippians 3:20 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 3

20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

Ephesians 2:19 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 2

19 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

1 Peter 2:11 (NIV)

The New International Version Chapter 2

11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

Hebrews 11:13d (CSV)

The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 11

and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.

Participation in governmental affairs is encouraged both by direct command and by example:

Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s - Mt22:21

Submit to human governmental authority - Ro13:1-7; 1Pe2:17

Paul used his Roman citizenship - Ac16:37-38; 22:22-29; 25:12

If we have rights, privileges, or responsibilities afforded us by our earthly citizenship, it does not dishonor/disobey God to operate in them. As a matter of fact, we DISOBEY/DISHONOR God when we do NOT utilize them!

Our first allegiance/priority is to be about the Kingdom’s agenda, i.e., those things that are important to the heart of God (see Matthew 6:33).

We have to acknowledge and understand that any human government is going to fall woefully short of instituting theocratic and Kingdom principles.

So our trust has to be in the God of the Bible, Creator & Sustainer of the universe to ultimately bring TRUE justice, righteousness, equity, and peace to the earth when He will bring time to an end and

Therefore, our approach as Jesus-followers who participate in our country’s political process, we should seek to be Biblical, Balanced, and Beneficial

Political views that are Christ-centered, Bible-based, Spirit-filled, and Kingdom-oriented would seek to protect the imago dei in all humans AND promote justice, equality, and care for God’s creatures and creation.

Sanctity of human life, championing the imago dei in all humans

economic justice

racial justice and reconciliation

promotion of family and rearing of godly generations

stewardship of God’s creation & the environment

peace, compassion, equality

“But, Pastor, voting doesn’t work! I know my vote doesn’t REALLY count!”

Our vote is our witness to the world.

Since when is witnessing about “success” or winning?

Jesus-followers are called to witness to the world about the heart of God for humanity displayed through the actions of Jesus Christ…and sometimes, we use words! Other times we use our votes!

Some of those who are part of a political party that has styled itself as “the party of God” has completely misunderstood a believer’s participation in the political process from a biblical standpoint.

That’s why the vote only on 1 issue & why gaining & keeping political power at the expense of their witness is important: they think we’re here to win

But we are here to witness!

Whatever we do, in word or vote, it’s all about God getting the glory, not the office/win/power (Col. 3:17)

Colossians 3:17 NKJV

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

A woke church participates in its dual-citizenship status:

We participate in the political process because we’re commanded to

But, our participation has a subversive aim: to witness to the things that are important to the heart of God

Not to win; not to gain/garner political power; not to force our righteousness on others, but so the voice of God can be heard thru the votes of HIS citizens!