The Church’s Assignment in Roe v. Wade Controversy

I. Intro

A. Text: Is. 1:16-20

16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause. 18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Is. 1:16-18)

B. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (June 24, 2022)

“In a historic and far-reaching decision, the U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade on Friday, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion upheld for nearly a half-century, no longer exists…

The decision, most of which was leaked in early May, means that abortion rights will be rolled back in nearly half of the states immediately, with more restrictions likely to follow. For all practical purposes, abortion will not be available in large swaths of the country. The decision may well mean too that the abortion question, will become a focal point in the upcoming fall elections and in the fall thereafter.” 1

1. Although hints of this ruling were leaked on May 4, 2022, the announcement of this decision sent shockwaves across the states of America that appeared to be anything but “United”.

2. There is no doubt that this nation is headed toward an epic political and cultural war that will prove to be very costly.

a. Conservative vs. Liberal

b. Republican vs. Democrat

c. Urban vs. Rural

II. Question: Who’s side is the church on?

* Allegiance is far higher than earthly affiliations. But we will present one earthly example to help us see clearer.

A. Football Analogy

1. In the sports world, we often witness two opposing teams fighting fiercely against each other, with the goal of winning at all costs.

2. There is actually a third team on the field.

a. They have authority. But their authority is not from the players/coaches in the game.

i. Their authority comes from a higher source (the league office).

ii. They have been given delegated authority to enforce the will of the league office.

b. They are on the field, at times in the middle of the fight, but on neither of the competing sides.

B. Much like in football, American society has two opposing sides that are out to win at all costs.

1. Two Teams

2. But there is a 3rd team that has been called to the field: The Church of the Most High God.

a. This team has been called to be on the field, but not in the fight (in the way that the world wars).

b. Tasked with declaring the rule and order of heaven, here on earth.

i. Call out fouls when the order of heaven has been violated.

c. Independent and impartial arbiters who are authorized to call out fouls and highlight when the opposing teams have gone out of bounds.

d. At times either of the competing earthly teams may get upset at us.

3. Whose side is the church on?

a. We are on the Lord’s side.

b. We don’t mistake our authority with those who are playing in the game.

i. Invite players on either team to retire from the futile game they’ve been playing, and join the winning team.

ii. Our victory has already been won.

c. If at any time we choose a political/cultural side, we’ve compromised our authority as impartial arbiters.

C. How does the Bible describe Us (the church)?

13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:13)

1. Supernatual Work of the “One Spirit”: Not an organization, but a living organism.

a. Many members, but one body.

b. Density & Diversity.

2. Hosts of His Presence:

4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 2:4-5)

a. The church is not an architectural building, but the spiritual house of God. (1 Pet. 2:4-11)

3. Intercessors:

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pet. 2:9)

a. The church is a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. (1 Pet. 2:9)

i. The primary privilege in the priesthood, is the privilege of prayer.

4. Ambassadors:

20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:20)

a. God pleading through us. (2 Cor. 5:20)

i. Be reconciled to God

5. Pilgrims/sojourners:

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Phil. 3:20)

a. Citizens of another Kingdom (Phil. 3:20)

III. Our God-Ordained Assignment

A. Call for a Ceasing of Injustice

16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Is. 1:16-17)

1. Plead for those who are powerless and voiceless (Unborn).

a. Unborn babies are powerless and unable to cry out for themselves.

*What we saw in the Supreme Court last week is nothing less than a miracle in our generation.

2. Avoid celebrating with a political side on this issue (as if the political side won).

3. Acknowledge that man cannot legislate repentance.

a. We continue to pray that God changes hearts.

B. Compassionately Do Justice

16 Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, 17 learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. (Is. 1:16-17)

1. The Evangelical church in America has been diligent about crying out for the injustice of abortion, but silent on other injustices right before us.

a. Our duty is to cry out for justice wherever we see it denied.

2. Our assignment is always to show courage and compassion.

a. Correct Oppression

b. Defend the Fatherless

c. Care for Widows

3. In a post Roe v. Wade world, we actually have more opportunity to do justice ministry.

a. All across the nation we are bound to see children born who would have been aborted just a month ago.

i. Increased numbers of orphans.

ii. Unwed mothers and fathers who are pregnant and terrified.

iii. Soon-to-be-parents without financial stability and the job skills to be so.

b. 50 years’ worth of women who have been deceived and are now seeking forgiveness, peace, and restoration despite past abortions.

IV. Conclusion

A. Invite a Generation to the Negotiation Table with God

18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. (Is. 1:18)