[This post is part two, please begin with part one of this post, America, a Christian Nation]
So, where does this leave us?
I think the key is in the three commands from Scripture regarding authority. The word “king” is used only a handful of times in the New Testament epistles where it doesn’t specifically refer to a person. Only three of these are direct commands about our relationship to civil authorities: I Timothy 2:1-2, I Peter 2:13-14, and I Peter 2:17. All three of these are supported by other Scriptural teaching about authority.
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. ~ I Peter 2:17
The idea behind the word honor (in both places) is the same idea in I Timothy 5:3 talking about widows, and in Ephesians 6:2 directed to children about their parents. It is used several times in the gospels in reference to children honoring parents, and at least once each referring to honoring the Father and honoring Christ. It means, essentially, to place value in something or to revere. (Timao)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme ; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. ~ I Peter 2:13-14
The concept of submit in I Peter 2:13 is from a Greek military term. Hupotasso – “In non-military use, it was ‘a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden’.” This is so contradictory to our thinking, especially when the authority doesn’t align with our particular political ideology, but that is another issue for another blog post. Suffice it to say, that we must, according to the commands of God, give in and cooperate with our civil authorities when doing so does not violate God’s commands.
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. ~ I Timothy 2:1-2
I saved this one for last because I wanted to make several points. First of all, notice the “first of all”. The Apostle Paul gives a lengthy introduction in chapter one and he mentions this as a primary concept when he gets to the “meat” of his message to Timothy (much of which is about teaching the church people at Ephesus how to live). Now, think of all the things Paul teaches in I Timothy (modesty, requirements for elders and deacons, false teachers, interpersonal relationships, etc.) and over and above all that, Paul (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) says that “first of all” or the most important thing is that we pray for each other, and especially for civil rulers.
And the prayer is very precise. Supplications are entreaties or needs; seeking and asking for our needs to be met. Prayers implies that the supplications are being made to God. Intercession means “a falling in with”, “a coming together to visit”, or “that for which an interview is held.” In other words, God through Paul is commanding that we meet with God and ask for Him to work His will in the lives of our civil leaders. Oh, and lest we forget, we also need to be thankful for them. Sometimes that is a tall order, but it is God’s command.
Paul continues in verse three to tell us “this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” I don’t know how much more plain we can get than that. Praying to God for the needs of our civil leaders and being thankful for those leaders is something that God considers GOOD. Then verse four reminds us of the most basic need, and the place our prayers should probably start for these civil leaders – their salvation. God desires ”all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I would suggest that our primary responsibility, given by God, toward our civil authorities is to pray for their salvation.
As difficult as that is, there is more in this passage. After vindicating what he just said on the basis of God, Christ, and his own apostleship, Paul goes on in verse 8 to tell us how often and in what spirit we should perform these prayers – “everywhere… without wrath and doubting.” This is to be our constant prayer, everywhere we go; literally in every location that you find yourself, this should be your prayer. The same concept is presented in I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” In each and every place and situation we find ourselves, we should be praying, and specifically praying for the salvation of our civil authorities.
Further, this prayer must be done not in wrath (anger, wrath, indignation, agitation of soul). This seems to never be the case when discussions of politics come into play. How often we get angry or indignant first, and only then (sometimes) decide to pray. But that attitude cannot be part of our prayers. Also, these prayers must be done in faith, not doubting. How easy it is for us to pray a prayer and not really believe that it will happen. Given the sinfulness of some of our political leaders, it can be difficult to honestly believe that they might be saved. But God’s grace and mercy reaches to the worst of sinners.
Oh how great our God is! He knew that we would have problems through the ages with unrighteous, ungodly civil authority. He knew the one thing that could give us a “quiet and peaceable life” (vs 2) was the salvation of those civil authorities. Salvation, a gift from God and the will of God for all men, is exactly what we should be praying for. God, in his infinite wisdom, knew exactly the two specific sins that would most likely prevent our prayers from being answered (Psalm 66:18; Proverbs 28:9; Isaiah 59:2; John 9:31) – anger and doubt. So in concluding this primary command, God reminds us to beware these pitfalls, these sins, that would endanger our prayers from being answered.
What changes would God perform if His people would begin, in earnest, praying faithfully and continually for the salvation of their civil authorities in faith and without anger! I don’t believe America is a Christina nation; I don’t believe she ever was a Christian nation, but I do believe that if we ever want America to return to the Biblical principles that inundated her founding, we have no choice but to begin with the command of God. Pray for the salvation of your civil authorities.
CC