“Voting as a Resident Alien” Psalms 146:3-4 11/02/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles

1. “Voting as a Resident Alien”Psalms 146:3-411/02/2008Dr. Dane Boyles

2. “Voting as a Resident Alien” Introduction 13 “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt 5:13). 14 “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). • Ten righteous people and the destruction of the city of Sodom (Gen. 18:32).

3. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Any nation maintains its place in the world solely based on whether or not that nation has righteous people. • The divided kingdom in Israel. • Voting is important while living in a representative democracy.

4. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Although men are put in place to govern, the LORD God Almighty is sovereign. • 3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. • 4When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish. (Psalm 146:3-4)

5. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Here in the United States, we have a great tradition, going all the way back to the Puritan era, of what were referred to as “election-day sermons.”

6. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • The dictionary defines politics as “the science and art of government.” • It is the endeavor to organize society in a way that it is safeguarded from anarchy.

7. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Does the Bible have anything to say about politics? • Jesus didn’t attack politics or politicians.

8. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • 20he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” (Matt 22:20) • 21“Caesar’s,” they replied. • 21“Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matt 22:20-21)

9. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • What Jesus is teaching is that our primary allegiance is to Him, not to civil leadership or any political party. • 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. (Romans 13:1)

10. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:2)

11. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • 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. (Romans 13:3)

12. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • 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. (Romans 13:4)

13. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • How do you and I implement political responsibility? • Be politically aware. • Get to work on issues of concern. • Prayerfully vote.

14. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Questions to help guide you: Question #1: What would Jesus do? Question #2: Which candidate has the greatest personal integrity?

15. “Voting as a Resident Alien” Question #3: Which candidate is the most competent? Question #4: Where does the candidate stand on a whole array of principles and policies? Question #5: What is the overall stance of the candidate’s political party?

16. “Voting as a Resident Alien” Question #6: Which candidate values life the most--both life in the womb and life outside the womb? Question #7: Is my voting motivated by justice, righteousness and mercy or just my own personal welfare and prejudices?

17. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • Remember your highest allegiance is to God. • Our text is profound in its instructions. • It puts everything into perspective.

18. “Voting as a Resident Alien” • 3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. • 4When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish (Psalm 146:3-4). Conclusion

19. “Voting as a Resident Alien”Psalms 146:3-411/02/2008Dr. Dane Boyles