GRACE IN POLITICS A BIBLICAL MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE

GRACE IN POLITICS: A BIBLICAL MODEL FOR EFFECTIVE ENGAGEMENT Christopher Cone, Th. D, Ph. D www. drcone. com www. agathonedu. com

Three Goals • “In one case out of a hundred a point is excessively discussed because it is obscure; in the ninety-nine remaining it is obscure because it is excessively discussed. ” • Edgar Allen Poe

Three Goals Identify Biblical norms for political speech and action Respond to failure, disunity, and division Express grace in our political interaction

• Matthew 6: 24 • Matthew 17: 24 -27 • Matthew 22: 15 -22 • Romans 12: 17 -18 • Romans 13: 1 -8 • Ephesians 4: 1 -7 • 1 Timothy 2: 1 -4 • Titus 3: 1 -11 • Hebrews 12: 14 • 1 Peter 2: 13 -20 Identifying Biblical Norms

Romans 13: 1 -8 • Subjection = universal • Distinction between authority and rulers • Design vs. actuality • No recourse for failures in leadership • Three reasons: • Judgment for violations • Instrument of God’s justice to punish and reward • For conscience

Romans 13: 1 -8 • Four examples pointing to the ideal: • Tax • Custom • Fear • Honor • Love is always due

• Matthew 6: 24 • Matthew 17: 24 -27 • Matthew 22: 15 -22 • Romans 12: 17 -18 • Romans 13: 1 -8 • Ephesians 4: 1 -7 • 1 Timothy 2: 1 -4 • Titus 3: 1 -11 • Hebrews 12: 14 • 1 Peter 2: 13 -20 Identifying Biblical Norms

1 Peter 2: 13 -20 • Universal subjection mandate • Idealism: leaders treated as sent by God • All to be honored

• Matthew 6: 24 • Matthew 17: 24 -27 • Matthew 22: 15 -22 • Romans 12: 17 -18 • Romans 13: 1 -8 • Ephesians 4: 1 -7 • 1 Timothy 2: 1 -4 • Titus 3: 1 -11 • Hebrews 12: 14 • 1 Peter 2: 13 -20 Identifying Biblical Norms

Responding to Failure, Disunity, and Division • Exodus 1 – Shiphrah and Puah • Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego • Daniel 6 – Daniel • Acts 1, 4 -5 – the Apostles • 1 Corinthians 1 -4 – the root of disunity • Ephesians 4 – the root of unity • Philippians 2 – the Standard

Expressing Grace in Political Engagement • Principle #1 – Biblical Focus and Discernment • Principle #2 – Humility and Selflessness • Principle #3 – Respect • Principle #4 – Universal Subjection • Principle #5 – Edifying Speech • Principle #6 – Prayerfulness

• These principles all represent love, and grace is simply love bestowed when undeserved. Because when dealing with fallen humans love is always undeserved, we need to recognize the necessity of grace in every interaction. Others need our grace, and we need that of others – because we have His grace.