Faith Baptist Church

Citizen, Saints, and a Secular Society Titus 3:1-8 (#10)
Dr. Larry Halsey
A Christian magazine reported a recent incident in New Jersey, the article is titled, “Deadly Fundamentalist Christians.”

reported a recent incident in New Jersey, the article is titled, “Deadly Fundamentalist Christians.” “A Burlington, NJ school in March (2007) performed an onsite mock
‘hostage situation’ as part of a disaster response test. The problem: the
terrorists were identified as a group of killer Christians. Burlington
Township High School officials declared that the simulated gunmen were
(quote) ‘members of a right-wing fundamentalist group called the ‘New
Crusaders’ who don’t believe in separation of church and state…the
purported Christian gunmen ‘went to the school seeking justice because
the daughter of one had been expelled for praying before class.’”

The relationship between the Christian and the state is a ‘hot topic’ today. “Culture War” is a term often heard in the media to describe the tension.

One would have be Rip Van Winkle not to recognize the horrific cultural and moral slide engulfing our nation. Although it has spun out of control since the 1960s, it’s root go much deeper.

I’m going to put on the screen a paragraph from a marker near an iron gate that leads to the campus of one of our universities. When you’ve studied it, I’d like for you to take a stab at naming the university:

“After God had carried us safe to New England and we had builded our
houses, provided necessaries for our livelihood, reared convenient places
of God’s worship and settled the civil government, one of the next things
we longed for and looked after was to advance learning and perpetuate to
posterity, dreading to leave an illiterate ministry to the churches when our
present ministers shall lie in the dust.”

The university? Harvard, founded 1636, for train pastors. John Harvard himself was a minister.

One doesn’t have to look far for evidence of how far we have come.

An article titled “Impossible Ruling’ Notes:

“Ohio’s state motto, ‘With God, all things are possible,’ has been junked by
a federal appeals court because it expressed ‘a uniquely Christian thought’
and therefore is unconstitutional.”

The 24^th Annual Survey of High Achievers, a survey of high school honor roll students, reveals alarming facts about today’s teens:

…1 in 5 of the girls—honor students, remember—have been the victims of
sexual assault.
…1in 3 knew someone who had brought a weapon to school.
…1 in 3 had contemplated suicide (and)
…4 out of 5 of these high achievers admitted to cheating.

As one looks the field of 2008 presidential candidates, you wonders what the future holds. The list is unprecedented. There is the prospect of…

…a Mormon president
…a Muslim president
…an otherwise conservative Commander-In-Chief who believes in abortion
rights, and supports same-sex marriage.
…a notoriously liberal, female president.

How is a Christian to respond as a citizen amid a Culture War? How do you walk the talk when God, the Bible and morality are debunked as irrelevant?

In this dynamic little book of 46 verses, the Apostle Paul addresses how the faith works… How it is displayed…

…In the church—chapter 1
…In the home—chapter 2:1-8
…At work, in the marketplace—chapter 2:9-15

In chapter 3, the important topic is walking the talk as a Christian citizen (3:1) in a community, in the neighborhood.

Verses 1-8 move from “rulers and authorities” (in verse 1), to “all men” (in verse 2).

From time to eternity—Verse 7— “to the hope of eternal life.”

From man’s present kingdom, to God’s eternal kingdom.

The Island of Crete had been ruled by Rome since 67 BC. As Paul writes the letter in AD 63-64, who is sitting on the throne of the Empire? When Paul mentions “rulers and authorities,” only one man came to mind?

Emperor Nero—a vicious, cruel pagan, who sat on the throne from 54-68 AD. We name our children after Paul; we name our Pit Bulls and Doberman Pinchers after Nero. Rightly so.

He killed his mother; he was a repulsive pedophile, who led a reign of terror against Christians. Tacitus, a Roman historian, who also hated Christians, admitted that Nero took his tortures to the extreme. He wrote:

“First, Nero had self-acknowledged Christians arrested. Then, on their
information, large numbers were condemned—not so much for
[inflammatory behavior] (“incendiarism”) as for their anti-social tendencies.
Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild animals’ skins, there
were torn to pieces by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be ignited
after dark as substitutes for daylight. Nero provided his Gardens for the
spectacle, and exhibited displays in the Circus [Maximus].It was felt that
they were being sacrificed to one man’s brutality rather than to the national
interest.”

It is against this backdrop that Paul writes, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities…”.

Not only was there the viciousness of the government, there was the volitionally of the Cretans themselves. William Barclay gives valuable insight into the Cretan mindset and culture:

“The Cretans were notoriously turbulent and quarrelsome, and impatient of
all authority. Polybius, the Greek historian, said of them that they were
constantly involved in ‘insurrections, murders and internecine wars.”

I looked it up, Webster defines it as “marked by slaughter; mutually
destructive”

Putting the pieces of the portrait together, you understand that that Crete was a political, social, spiritual power-keg—Into the caldron came the Gospel of the grace of God; a new life and a new perspective on everything—including government.

As you look at the list of candidates. What if the worst one of the bunch, morally and ethically, becomes the 44^th President of the US? What is the Christian response? What should our response be?

There are four areas of instruction for Christian citizens, neighbors coworkers and friends.

If you want to make an impact for Jesus, here are things you must give careful attention to in waging a Culture War, and ensuring darkness.

First, What You Should Be—Vv 1-2

…Watch your attitude
…Watch your actions
…Watch your mouth

Second, Why You Should Be (the motivation)—V3

Third, What You Should Know—That’s verses 4-7

Last, What You Should Do—V 8First, What You Should Be—Vv 1-2“be subject” is the same command given to wives (in verse 5), and employees (in verse 9). It means “to submit to.”is the same command given to wives (in verse 5), and employees (in verse 9). It meansObey the law.

is the same command given to wives (in verse 5), and employees (in verse 9). It meansObey the law.…Those laws may seem like non-sense
…they may be unjust.
…the authority who enforces the law may be unreasonable and arrogant.

is the same command given to wives (in verse 5), and employees (in verse 9). It meansObey the law.…Those laws may seem like non-sense…they may be unjust.…the authority who enforces the law may be unreasonable and arrogant.I’ve never understood Christians who have fuzz-busters (radar detectors) on their dash boards. You are called to obey the law.

Hold on to your seat. We are called to cheerfully pay our taxes.

When the religious tried to pit Jesus against the state, He said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesars, and render to God the things that are God’s.”

That isn’t easy.

There was a little boy whose family had fallen onto hard times. He overheard his parents praying. He heard his dad say that they had no money. No money for food, no money for anything else. This little boy, who had gone to Sunday school most of his life, decided to write to God. He wrote:

Dear God,My dad is out of work, my mother is sick, my little sister broke her arm, the rent is overdue; we have no money for food. Please send us $100.00 today.He put a stamp on the envelop, addressed it simply to “God in heaven,” and dropped it in the mail. Predictably, it went straight to the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. where it was processed. He put a stamp on the envelop, addressed it simply to “God in heaven,” and dropped it in the mail. Predictably, it went straight to the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. where it was processed. A guy at the Post Office, was intrigued by the unusual address; he opened it.
He was deeply touched by what he read; by the boy’s honesty and his faith in God. So he took $5.00 out of his wallet, put it in the envelop and sent it back to the return address.

He put a stamp on the envelop, addressed it simply to “God in heaven,” and dropped it in the mail. Predictably, it went straight to the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. where it was processed. A guy at the Post Office, was intrigued by the unusual address; he opened it.He was deeply touched by what he read; by the boy’s honesty and his faith in God. So he took $5.00 out of his wallet, put it in the envelop and sent it back to the return address.When the little boy got the money, he wrote another letter to God. He said,

He put a stamp on the envelop, addressed it simply to “God in heaven,” and dropped it in the mail. Predictably, it went straight to the dead letter office in Washington, D.C. where it was processed. A guy at the Post Office, was intrigued by the unusual address; he opened it.He was deeply touched by what he read; by the boy’s honesty and his faith in God. So he took $5.00 out of his wallet, put it in the envelop and sent it back to the return address.When the little boy got the money, he wrote another letter to God. He said,Dear God:Thank you for the money. But the next time please do not send it by way of Washington. They kept ninety-five percent of it.”

West Virginia has a new motorcycle license plate this year. It’s really sharp. When I opened the DMV notice in the mail, it said the cost is $16.00. I dropped everything, and headed straight over to Gray Flats to get Winston’s new plate. a new motorcycle license plate this year. It’s really sharp. When I opened the DMV notice in the mail, it said the cost is $16.00. I dropped everything, and headed straight over to Gray Flats to get Winston’s new plate. The place was a bee hive. I took a number, and sat there amid the long rows waiting for the computer to say, “#245 is now being served at window #4.”a new motorcycle license plate this year. It’s really sharp. When I opened the DMV notice in the mail, it said the cost is $16.00. I dropped everything, and headed straight over to Gray Flats to get Winston’s new plate. The place was a bee hive. I took a number, and sat there amid the long rows waiting for the computer to say, “#245 is now being served at window #4.”My number came up, I stepped to the window, the lady put my information into computer, took out one of those shiny new plates and said, “That’ll be $283.68.”I felt a sharp pain go up my back. It was one of the hardest checks I’ve ever written.

a new motorcycle license plate this year. It’s really sharp. When I opened the DMV notice in the mail, it said the cost is $16.00. I dropped everything, and headed straight over to Gray Flats to get Winston’s new plate. The place was a bee hive. I took a number, and sat there amid the long rows waiting for the computer to say, “#245 is now being served at window #4.”My number came up, I stepped to the window, the lady put my information into computer, took out one of those shiny new plates and said, “That’ll be $283.68.”I felt a sharp pain go up my back. It was one of the hardest checks I’ve ever written.Do you know what my first inclination was? To frown, to complain to the lady, (she was just doing her job), least show to show some attitude as I wrote the check, and then throw it at her.

But just as sure as I did, she would see “Reverend Larry Halsey” somewhere on the paper work.

What’s even worse: You see it your hard earned tax dollars wasted and misspent by the billions. I’ve stopped watching the World News segment, “It’s Your Money.”

“Honor Caesar,” Jesus says…

The principle is: You never win the authority by resisting their authority.” Peter says to wives whose husbands are unsaved, “He has no respect for the Word? Win him without the word.” He uses Sarah as an example, She called Abraham “Lord”; I’m not suggesting you go that far!

If that’s not enough…he says,

“…obey…”— A term that comes from the word for “child.” Obey with the same attitude that a submissive child honors and obeys a parent.

“Why? Why should ?” The same reason that a wife submits to an ornery husband, or an employee submits to a manager or employer whom he has no respect for!

Romans 13, is an important passage because it says that all government is ordained by God, for two purposes: To promote justice, and to punish evil doers.

A Louisville, Ky policeman, named Michael Ghrist, was found to have written hundreds of summonses to fictitious motorists. He said:

“I just could not bring myself to write tickets anymore. I started seeing the
human beings behind the driver’s wheels.”

Where’s that guy when you need him? It’s has job! It’s his calling from God!

“Obey the authority”— with a right attitude— “be ready for every good work.”

Get the connection? Obeying the law, the government, is a “good work”— a major emphasis through the book. Your obedience to human authority demonstrates that you belong to Him!

I love this statement (John MacArthur):

“Willing obedience to human authority demonstrates to the world that the
ways and workings of this world are not to be major concerns for
believers. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Our focus is to be on holy
living and winning the lost to Jesus Christ.”

Connect the dots: If God ordains government and you complain against it, you are saying, “God you don’t know what you are doing.”

Are there limits to the obligation to submit? Yes!—when government impinges, not upon your rights, but upon God’s rights. It’s called Civil Disobedience.

…The Three Hebrew Guys…My Shack, Your Shack and A Bunglo were
thrust into the fiery furnace because of civil disobedience.

…Daniel spend a night in a suit at the Hungry Lion Express because his
government said, “Don’t pray.” He prayed!

…When confronted by anti-God Rome’s authority in Acts 4, Peter
said, “We will obey God, rather than man.”

…The venerable old preacher John Bunyan spent 13 years in Bedford jail
rather than submit to a law that forbad the preaching of the Gospel.

…The Romanian people—most of them Christians— gathered in Timisoara at
Christmas time in 1989, and said to President Ceausescu, “Enough!”

Someone forwarded this email: “A bill in Congress makes it a crime for pastors and churches to speak against homosexuality.”

Quote: “House bill HR 1592 and Senate bill S. 1105 will make negative statements concerning homosexuality, such as calling the practice of homosexuality a sin from the pulpit, a ‘hate crime’ punishable by law.”

And when you take a stand according to conscience, be ready to suffer the consequences without whining!

And while you are doing it, watch your mouth…

“speak evil of no one…”It’s is translated “blasphemy” in other places. It includes spreading rumors you haven’t personally checked out, insults, abusive speech, defamatory remarks.It’s is translated in other places. It includes spreading rumors you haven’t personally checked out, insults, abusive speech, defamatory remarks.“be peaceable” is also a negative in the original text— “Not a fighter”— a contentious, pugnacious, belligerent response.It’s is translated in other places. It includes spreading rumors you haven’t personally checked out, insults, abusive speech, defamatory remarks.is also a negative in the original text— “Not a fighter”— a contentious, pugnacious, belligerent response.This has become so common in the media and the culture; Christians don’t fall into the trap. We may feel good when we do it, but what will they think of Jesus?

It’s is translated in other places. It includes spreading rumors you haven’t personally checked out, insults, abusive speech, defamatory remarks.is also a negative in the original text— “Not a fighter”— a contentious, pugnacious, belligerent response.This has become so common in the media and the culture; Christians don’t fall into the trap. We may feel good when we do it, but what will they think of Jesus?Second, Why You Should Be it—V3

“For we ourselves were also once…”— The believers on Crete were first generation believers, adults enmeshed in the culture all their lives!

“foolish” means “without spiritual understanding, lacking discernment of spiritual realities” The authorities don’t know they represent God! They think their power is theirs. They don’t know they are the accountable to the God they deny and ignore!

“pleasures”— gives us the English word “Hedonism.”— One who thinks the purpose of life is pleasure.

When the Colonial Evangelist George Whitfield saw a criminal be led to the gallows, he said, “There but for the grace of God go I.”

People who are so contemptible and despicable are not the enemy, they are victims of the enemy. Just like you were! Walking the talk is the only way they will be saved.

Third, What You Should Know—Note: Verses 4-7 comprise a single sentence!

“but when the kindness and the love of God…!” Note: Verses 4-7 comprise a single sentence!I’d like to preach a series on the “buts” of the bible, but I’m not sure I’d want it advertised on the church sign up at the road.Note: Verses 4-7 comprise a single sentence!I’d like to preach a series on the of the bible, but I’m not sure I’d want it advertised on the church sign up at the road.“…they took him down and from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God
raised him from the dead.” (Acts 4:30)

Note: Verses 4-7 comprise a single sentence!I’d like to preach a series on the of the bible, but I’m not sure I’d want it advertised on the church sign up at the road. (Acts 4:30)“But God commended His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners…”
Romans 5:8

“…we were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.” Eph 2:4

The center piece of the marvelous summary statement is in the middle of verse 5— “he saved us…”

…Verse 7—He justifies us
…Verse 5- He regenerates us- Gives us life
…and now…He is renewing us by the Holy Spirit (That’s sanctification!)

The old song says, “He’s still working on me; making me what he wants me to be.”

Last, What You Should Do—V 8“This is a faithful saying,” became so important in the early centuries of the church that they made a hymn of it.became so important in the early centuries of the church that they made a hymn of it.“…I want you to affirm constantly that those who believe in God (not a theist, but one who knows God as ‘Savior) should be careful to maintain good works.”

The verb translated “maintain” is striking. It means, “to stand in front of.” It was used of a shopkeeper standing in front of his shop displaying and hawking his wares. He presents his goods in such a way that it snares the interest and attention of potential buyers. Those who moments before were not interested, are now interested. They found the display attractive!became so important in the early centuries of the church that they made a hymn of it.The verb translated ” is striking. It means, It was used of a shopkeeper standing in front of his shop displaying and hawking his wares. He presents his goods in such a way that it snares the interest and attention of potential buyers. Those who moments before were interested, are now interested. They found the display attractive!“These things are profitable to all men”— Indeed! They are the instrument in the hand of God that leads to their salvation.

became so important in the early centuries of the church that they made a hymn of it.The verb translated ” is striking. It means, It was used of a shopkeeper standing in front of his shop displaying and hawking his wares. He presents his goods in such a way that it snares the interest and attention of potential buyers. Those who moments before were interested, are now interested. They found the display attractive! Indeed! They are the instrument in the hand of God that leads to their salvation.Let me give you a couple of statements that kind of wraps it up for me:

1. It takes integrity and authenticity to win a hearing.

Be real. If you need to apologize, do it. Just be honest.

2. (This will haunt you.) It’s impossible to convince anyone of a truth that you
are not living.

You want to talk about the forgiveness of God? Why don’t you forgive them?
The love of God? How about loving your wife? Your husband? You say that Jesus gives joy, contentment and peace? Do you display that?

As we close our bibles and the series, I’m asking you to join me in asking the Father…

…to show you areas where your walk needs attention.
…Areas that deny the reality of Jesus in your life.
before the Cross.
…ways in which you can demonstrate the love and grace of Jesus to others
in your life?

A well-known personality visited the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. As he was touring the campus with the president, he noticed a towering male student—6 feet, 8 inches tall—holding hands with a very small coed barely three feet tall. Curious over that, the celebrity stopped to watch as the young man, dressed in the school’s warm-up sweat suit, tenderly picked up the young lady, kissed her on the check and sent her off to class.

The president explained that the student was an All-American basketball star. Both of his parents died in his youth, so he made a vow to look after his sister. Many scholarships had come his way but only Southern Mississippi offered one to his sister too.

The celebrity went over to the athlete, introduced himself, said, “I appreciate the way you care for and look after your sister.”

The tall young man looked down, shrugged, and said rather quietly, ‘Well, those of us whom God makes 6-8 need to look out for those He makes 3-3.’”Those of us who know Him need to look out for those who don’t know Him yet! Their eternal destiny is at stake!