Introduction

I recently preached a sermon titled “Politics, Prayer, and Priorities.” You can read the full manuscript here or watch the recording here. You can also watch this excellent short video by Christians in Politics exploring how the Bible interacts with political questions.

As we navigate through 2024, an election year, it’s essential to reflect on biblical principles that can guide us in discerning which parties and candidates to support. This post is something of a summary of the above sermon for readers of the Theology of Law blog, and explores—as the sermon does in greater detail—the intersection of faith and politics, focusing on Jesus’ teachings, the importance of prayer, and the biblical view of government and justice.

Jesus and Politics

Jesus often avoided the political controversies of His time. When asked about His stance on the Roman Empire, He replied, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Similarly, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, He emphasized that all things belong to God (Matthew 22:21).

After His resurrection, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to make disciples of all nations rather than seizing political power. As Christians, our primary mission is to spread the Gospel and teach obedience to Jesus’ commands, not to align ourselves with political parties.

Praying for Politicians

Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:2 to pray for “kings and all those in authority” so that we may live peaceful and godly lives. Our foremost political concern should be the gospel: the freedom to proclaim it, hear it, and live it publicly. Praying for our leaders is not just a duty but a strategic act of faith, believing that God can influence their decisions and guide them toward righteousness. By lifting up our political leaders in prayer, we acknowledge that ultimate authority belongs to God and that He can work through them to achieve His purposes. This practice helps us maintain a posture of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life, including the political sphere. It also encourages us to seek the well-being of our society, promoting justice and peace through divine intervention.

Government as a Response to Wrongdoing

Romans 13:1-7 provides a framework for understanding the role of government. Paul explains that authorities are established by God to punish wrongdoing and commend good behavior. This passage highlights the necessity of governmental structures to maintain order and justice within society. Good rulers fight violence and oppression, rewarding loving actions and administering justice. In contrast, bad rulers repay evil for good or call evil good and good evil, as warned in Isaiah 5:20. Government’s role is to act as an instrument of God’s justice, ensuring that evil is restrained and that those who do good are acknowledged and supported. This divine mandate for governments to uphold justice underscores the importance of Christians being vigilant and discerning about the leaders they support and the policies they endorse.

The Biblical Vision of Justice

The Bible’s vision of justice emphasizes how a nation treats the disadvantaged and vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and immigrants. This concern for justice is evident throughout the Old Testament, culminating in Jesus’ ministry, where He demonstrated God’s care for the vulnerable. The biblical vision extends beyond mere legal fairness to encompass mercy, compassion, and active protection for those at risk of exploitation. It demands that we advocate for systemic changes that ensure fairness and support for the marginalized. By caring for the least among us, we reflect God’s heart and uphold the true essence of biblical justice, fostering a society that mirrors His kingdom values.

Practical Implications for Voting

As we prepare to vote, we should prioritize candidates and parties that protect our freedom to preach the Gospel and live out our faith, punish wrongdoing, and commend good behavior. We should seek leaders committed to justice, particularly for the poor, vulnerable elderly, children without stable families, and immigrants. It is crucial to carefully evaluate both the values of the individuals running for office and the policy platforms of their parties. By doing so, we can ensure that our votes contribute to a government that aligns with biblical principles and prioritizes the common good.

Conclusion

While politics is not all-important, it holds relative importance in our lives as Christians. We have the responsibility to vote conscientiously and the opportunity to engage with politicians about our priorities. Let us pray for our leaders, the freedom to live our faith, and a government committed to justice.

Let us Pray:

Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, from whom all authority flows, we pray for our politicians. We pray for those MPs who are standing down, that they may find new opportunities for public service. We pray for those seeking election, that they would not be seeking power for the sake of selfish ambition but for the sake of the common good. We ask that our new Parliament would be filled with men and women who are committed to justice, who are prepared to put the common good above selfish ambition and party spirit. We thank you for the freedoms we enjoy to live out our discipleship and to proclaim the gospel. We pray that under the next government those freedoms would be protected and enhanced. We ask for your mercy on our nation, Lord, and for your protection for your Church.

We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given. Amen.