Since I left my last post on a rather bleak note, I want to offer some hope. There is no need to lose heart.
So what does a Christian do when the candidate they hoped would become President does not? The first thing they must do is pray for the man or woman who wins the Oval Office. This also applies to congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, and etc. Too often Christians would rather ridicule their elected leaders. I am guilty of it myself.
Paul writes in 1st Timothy 2:1-4:
The above verses break down into three parts: 1) the prayers, 2) the object of the prayers, and 3) the goal of the prayers.
Though the context of these verses is in the church setting and public prayer, personal prayers for our leaders is also applicable. For a more detailed background of 1st Timothy, consult the section on useful resources below. It's normal to pray for family, friends, acquaintances, and members of your church including pastors and deacons. However, Christians often forget or neglect their political leaders. Perhaps if one doesn't like the person in office, they think, "why bother?" Praying for our political leaders aids in the furtherance of the Gospel that all men (and women), be saved. To ridicule politicians on social media only serves to taint the poster's testimony. I am quite sure that the Apostle Paul did not choose to deride Nero as he awaited his execution. He probably prayed for him.
It must be pointed that God wants all to be saved, but this does not mean universal salvation. This clause coincides with verse 1, that prayers be made for all men, not a small group of individuals know by the petitioner. Many will remain lost making the decision to reject the Gospel.
Christians should also pray that God will place men and women with strong character in the administrations of our political leaders. Joseph, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel served unbelieving rulers. Joseph saved his family, Nehemiah saved a city, and Esther saved a nation. As you study each of the given examples, God placed them to primarily benefit his own and by some degree the lost for the furtherance of His plan. This should motivate believers.
Useful Resources:
Below, are a list of Commentaries I trust. Many are available in ebook format. If you want to buy them, click on the links. But only buy them if you want to engage in a more exhaustive study.
* Denotes books I used to write this post.
So what does a Christian do when the candidate they hoped would become President does not? The first thing they must do is pray for the man or woman who wins the Oval Office. This also applies to congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, and etc. Too often Christians would rather ridicule their elected leaders. I am guilty of it myself.
Paul writes in 1st Timothy 2:1-4:
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
The above verses break down into three parts: 1) the prayers, 2) the object of the prayers, and 3) the goal of the prayers.
Though the context of these verses is in the church setting and public prayer, personal prayers for our leaders is also applicable. For a more detailed background of 1st Timothy, consult the section on useful resources below. It's normal to pray for family, friends, acquaintances, and members of your church including pastors and deacons. However, Christians often forget or neglect their political leaders. Perhaps if one doesn't like the person in office, they think, "why bother?" Praying for our political leaders aids in the furtherance of the Gospel that all men (and women), be saved. To ridicule politicians on social media only serves to taint the poster's testimony. I am quite sure that the Apostle Paul did not choose to deride Nero as he awaited his execution. He probably prayed for him.
It must be pointed that God wants all to be saved, but this does not mean universal salvation. This clause coincides with verse 1, that prayers be made for all men, not a small group of individuals know by the petitioner. Many will remain lost making the decision to reject the Gospel.
Christians should also pray that God will place men and women with strong character in the administrations of our political leaders. Joseph, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel served unbelieving rulers. Joseph saved his family, Nehemiah saved a city, and Esther saved a nation. As you study each of the given examples, God placed them to primarily benefit his own and by some degree the lost for the furtherance of His plan. This should motivate believers.
Useful Resources:
Below, are a list of Commentaries I trust. Many are available in ebook format. If you want to buy them, click on the links. But only buy them if you want to engage in a more exhaustive study.
* Denotes books I used to write this post.
1, 2 Timothy, Titus: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (The New American Commentary) by Thomas Lea and Hayne P. Griffin*
Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): It's Always Too Soon to Quit! (The BE Series Commentary) by Warren W. Wiersbe
EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE COMMENTARY: Ephesians, Philippians, Collosians, 1, 2, Thessalonians, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon; VOL. 11; by Frank E. (General Editor) Gaebelein
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