Christian In Politcs (salt And Light)

THE CHRISTIAN AS SALT & LIGHT IN POLITICS

Dr Toh See Kiat BGST Annual Lecture 11 July 2008

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Outline – 5 parts I.

Defining the Issues and Taking Sides

II.

What does It Mean to be Salt and Light?

III. Submission, Not Subordination IV. Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits V.

The Rest Is Up To You 2

Defining the Issues and Taking Sides a.

The meaning of “politics” (politeia)

b.

Four positions on Christian involvement in politics

c.

My kingdom is not of this world

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My kingdom is not of this world Jn 18: 33-37


Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" …. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king….” 4

What does It Mean to be Salt and Light? a.

The functions of salt and light

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What does It Mean to be Salt and Light? Mt 5: 13-14, 16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. …. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. 6

What does It Mean to be Salt and Light? a.

The functions of salt and light

b.

Being political without doing politics

c.

The political Jesus – in the face of evil and injustice

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Submission, Not Subordination

a.

The purpose of submission – let your light shine

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Submission, Not Subordination


Rom 13:1-2,4 1Everyone 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. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves….4For he is God's servant to do you good. 9

Submission, Not Subordination


Rom 13:3-4 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 10

Submission, Not Subordination


Rom 13:5-7 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 11

Submission, Not Subordination


1 Pet 2:13-17 12Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 12

Submission, Not Subordination


1 Pet 2:15 For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.

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Submission, Not Subordination


1 Pet 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

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Submission, Not Subordination b. A Christian’s civil obligations

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Christian civil obligations







1. Do not curse our rulers - Ecc 10:20; Ex 22:28, quoted by Paul in Acts 23:5. 2. Submit to them, honour them, respect them – Rom 13:1; 1 Pet 2: 13,17; Tit 3:1-2 3. Pray for governments: 1 Tim 2:1-3 4. Pay your taxes: Mt 17:24-27; 22: 16-21; Rom 13: 6-7. 5. Do what is right, obey the laws, do not rebel – Rom 13:2-3; 1 Pet 2:14. 6. Accept the punishment when we do wrong: Rom 13:4; 1 Pet 2:14 16

Submission, Not Subordination


Rom 13:1-2,4 1Everyone 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. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves….4For he is God's servant to do you good. 17

Submission, Not Subordination



Tit 3:1-2 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

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Submission, Not Subordination



1 Tim 2:1-3 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

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Submission, Not Subordination c.

A challenge to be involved

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Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits a.

The separation of State and religion – a proper understanding

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Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits Violations of the boundaries
State forbids Religion
State prevails over Religion
State favours Religion
State defers to Religion
State subordinated to religion
No visible boundaries
Religion abolishes State 22

Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits b.

Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s

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Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits c.

The limits of civil obedience and civil disobedience

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Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits 1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

6. 7.

8.

Speak from knowledge and facts. Do not speak in a shrill, strident voice. Do not take aggressive stances. Offer sound ideas, take reasoned and reasonable positions. Work within the system, rather than break the law. Don’t be self-righteous. There is no need for self-inflicted martyrdom. Be truthful and honest – always.

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Going the Full Length, Knowing the Limits Jn 7:18, Rom 12:3, 1 Cor 4:12-13, 2 Cor 13:1, Col 4:6,

Tit 3:1-2, Rom 12:17-19, Eph 4:25, Heb 13:17, 1 Pet 2:20, 23

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The Rest Is Up To You


Jer 29:4-7 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “… seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 27