Partisan Preachers in the Pulpit

I respectfully disagree with the practice of teachers of God's Word endorsing candidates or preaching partisan politics.

The role of the man of God is clearly outlined in Scripture: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2).

The task of a preacher is to faithfully proclaim what the Bible says about moral issues and to equip believers with a biblical worldview, helping us to understand and apply God’s Word in every aspect of life—including how to approach political decisions.

It is not the preacher’s role to tell people who to vote for, but rather to teach biblical principles and trust the Holy Spirit, who indwells each believer, to be our primary guide.

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When preachers on opposite sides of the political aisle each condemn the other as “evil,” they risk not only undermining one another but also confusing believers about the nature of God’s justice.

The question becomes: is one side truly “evil,” or is this polarized rhetoric missing the mark?

When preachers align with one political stance to the exclusion of others, it can imply that God Himself is partial, which could alienate those who feel differently.

The reality is that no political ideology or party fully encapsulates God’s justice, wisdom, and mercy.

Human politics are inherently flawed, shaped by worldly agendas and imperfect leaders.

The danger in preaching one side as the "right" side is that it can lead to conflating God’s character with human institutions.

This not only polarizes congregations but can also reduce the transformative power of the Gospel to just another partisan agenda.

Instead, if preachers focus on teaching the principles found in Scripture—justice, mercy, humility, loving God (with all you heart, soul, mind, and strength), loving your neighbor as yourself, righteousness, morality, life, holiness—believers are better equipped to discern how to engage politically without idolizing any one side.

When preachers let Scripture and the Holy Spirit guide rather than political affiliations, they help maintain the integrity of God’s character: a just God who transcends human agendas and calls all people to a higher standard.

In this way, God’s principles remain constant, regardless of who holds office.

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We know what certain preachers say about government and politics, but are we equally aware of what the Bible itself says?

Regardless of who wins on Tuesday, God’s Word gives timeless instruction for how we, as His people, should relate to governing authorities.

Here is a look at key biblical passages on how God’s people are to treat government leaders and the responsibilities both leaders and citizens have under God’s sovereign rule.

Verses About Submitting to Authorities

1. Romans 13:1-2

• Interpretation: Paul teaches that all governing authorities are established by God and that resisting them equates to resisting God’s order. Christians are encouraged to respect the law and authority as a matter of conscience, not just fear of punishment.

• Application: Submission to government is seen as a duty, as it maintains social order and reflects God's ultimate sovereignty.

2. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

• Interpretation: Paul urges Christians to pray for all people, especially those in authority, to promote a peaceful and godly life. Prayer for leaders is seen as part of living out one's faith.

• Application: Prayer is essential, asking God to guide leaders so that society can function in peace and godliness.

  
  

3. Titus 3:1-2

• Interpretation: Paul advises Titus to remind Christians to be obedient, respectful, and peaceable towards authorities. Speaking well of others, including leaders, is part of living as a witness for Christ.

• Application: Christians are called to display humility and good works, respecting authorities to demonstrate Christlike character.

  
  

4. 1 Peter 2:13-17

• Interpretation: Peter encourages submission to earthly authorities “for the Lord’s sake,” recognizing that doing good silences criticism. Honoring leaders, fearing God, and loving fellow believers encapsulate a balanced approach to authority.

• Application: Submission to authority reflects obedience to God, while the call to honor all people shows respect to both leaders and community members.

  
  

5. Proverbs 21:1

• Interpretation: This verse affirms that God can guide the hearts of leaders as He directs rivers. The implication is that God is ultimately in control of human leaders.

• Application: Believers can trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing He has the power to influence rulers, regardless of their intentions.

  
  

6. Ecclesiastes 10:20

• Interpretation: This proverb warns against cursing leaders, even in private, as words can be easily spread. It’s a reminder to be cautious with speech and respectful towards authority.

• Application: Respect for leaders should extend to private thoughts, demonstrating self-discipline in speech.

7. Exodus 22:28

• Interpretation: God commands His people not to curse their rulers. This underscores the respect due to those in authority as an extension of respect for God’s order.

• Application: Honoring leaders reflects obedience to God, who ordains authority figures.

8. Matthew 22:21

• Interpretation: Jesus teaches that people should give to earthly authorities what belongs to them and to God what is His. It emphasizes a distinction between spiritual and earthly duties.

• Application: This suggests that believers have dual responsibilities: to respect secular laws and remain faithful to God.

9. Jeremiah 29:7

• Interpretation: God instructs the Israelites in Babylonian exile to seek the welfare of their city, praying for its peace, as their well-being is tied to it.

• Application: Even when under foreign rule, believers are to seek the good of the place they live, trusting that peace benefits everyone.

  
  

10. Daniel 2:21

• Interpretation: Daniel praises God for His control over times and seasons, including the appointment of kings. God’s sovereignty over rulers is emphasized.

• Application: This verse reassures believers that God has ultimate authority over leadership changes and national affairs.

11. Acts 5:29

• Interpretation: Peter and the apostles declare that obedience to God takes precedence over obedience to human authorities. This applies when laws directly conflict with God’s commands.

• Application: Christians are called to respect authority, but God’s commands are supreme, especially when laws conflict with faith.

12. Acts 23:5

• Interpretation: Paul apologizes for speaking against the high priest, acknowledging that it’s improper to speak ill of a ruler. He references a law about respecting leaders.

• Application: Even in moments of conflict, respect toward authority is important, showing humility and obedience to God’s word.

13. Psalm 72:11

• Interpretation: This verse looks forward to a time when all kings will bow to God, acknowledging His sovereignty. It’s a prophecy of universal worship and submission to God.

• Application: Leaders and nations are ultimately accountable to God, who reigns supreme over all earthly authority.

14. Psalm 22:28

• Interpretation: The psalmist declares that God rules over nations, reaffirming that all authority belongs to Him.

• Application: Earthly governments operate under God’s ultimate rule, reminding believers that He is the true King.

15. 2 Peter 2:10

• Interpretation: Peter warns against those who “despise authority” and act presumptuously, disrespecting dignitaries. This is seen as ungodly behavior.

• Application: A warning against speaking disrespectfully of leaders, as rebellion and disrespect are contrary to godly conduct.

Verses Warning Ungodly Government Leaders

16. Isaiah 10:1-2

• Interpretation: God condemns leaders who enact unjust laws and oppress the vulnerable, warning of judgment against corrupt rulers.

• Application: Leaders are held accountable for their actions, especially if they misuse power to oppress others.

17. Ezekiel 34:2-4

• Interpretation: God rebukes the “shepherds” (leaders) of Israel who neglect and exploit their people, failing to care for them as they should.

• Application: Leaders are responsible for the well-being of those they govern; neglecting this duty brings divine condemnation.

18. Micah 3:1-4

• Interpretation: God condemns rulers in Israel for abusing power, warning that He will turn away from them in their time of need.

• Application: Those who exploit or harm people under their authority face God’s judgment.

19. Jeremiah 23:1-2

• Interpretation: God rebukes leaders who “scatter” His people rather than care for them, promising to hold them accountable.

• Application: Leaders are expected to protect and nurture their people; failure to do so invites God’s judgment.

20. Proverbs 29:2

• Interpretation: This proverb contrasts the joy of people under righteous rulers with the oppression felt under wicked ones.

• Application: Good leadership brings well-being, while unrighteous leaders cause suffering.