Election Analysis

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).


One hundred percent of the precincts are in. States have been called. A winner has been called. There are just as many cheers as there are tears. For the next few days, political pundits try to make sense of what just happened.

But when it comes to real election analysis, forget the major networks. Don’t grab the remote and go to CNN or Fox. The best breakdown of what went down at the ballot box actually comes from a former commercial fisherman from the boondocks of Galilee 2,000 years ago.

Peter tells us to simply take a deep breath, remember Who is really in charge, and be good citizens. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it ice to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (v13-15).

I can just hear Pete’s 21st Century critics now. Whoa, big fella! Back up the truck!! You clearly don’t have a handle on what’s at stake here. National security! Immigration! The economy! The Supreme Court! I appreciate the schmaltzy religious sentiment, but this will NEVER work in the real world!! EVER!!!

We all need just cool our jets and check out the historical context of just when, where, and to whom our man Pete is writing. Set the Flux Capacitor for AD 64. The location is northern half of what we know today as Turkey. The followers of Jesus were the objects of tremendous political and social prejudice and persecution. One of the reasons they are living in the areas of Pontus, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia is because they are religious refugees. 

You see this is about this same time that Nero would point his fiddling finger at innocent Christ followers for starting the huge fire that destroyed much of Rome. Yet both Pete and his buddy Paul tell their readers to be good citizens despite the ruthlessness of the Roman Empire.

A LOT of fellow believers are freaking out about various elected officials, both local and national. I can’t quite squint hard enough to see that our current political leaders are worse than dudes like Nero, Herod, and Pilate. Does our nation have its issues? You betcha. But how much better off would we be if Jesus’ followers spent more time being good citizens, loving our neighbors, and less time whining about the government. That includes me.

First and foremost, Pete tells us, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake” (v13). He gives us a command using the Greek word ‘υποτασσω (hupotasso). The term literally means to put one thing under another or arrange below. In this case, it means to willingly obey, be under authority, or put yourself into an attitude of submission.

The dude Jesus called Rocky is commanding us to submit. Uh oh. It’s the “S” word. And no, Sean Connery, I don’t mean “sword.” Pete drops this word six more times in this little letter. Workers must “be subject (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) to your masters with all respect” (1Pet 2:18). That’s how he describes how wives are to respect their husbands (1Pet 3:1, 5). The apostle reminds us that even every single being is “in submission to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso)” the resurrected Jesus (1Pet 3:22 NIV). The Rock makes sure the young bucks know their role and are “subject to (Gr.‘υποτασσω/hupotasso) the elders” (1Pet 5:5).

So I’m to “be subject” and willingly submit. Really? There’s gotta be a caveat. There must be a loophole. Surely Pete’s ONLY talking about leaders worthy of following. Right? RIGHT?!? Nope. We don’t submit because of the goodness of our leader but the Goodness of our Savior. We’re to be good citizens “for the Lord’s sake” (v13). In other words, my submission is actually an act of worship to Jesus.

As long as what I’m ordered to do does not cause me to sin, I’m to do what I’m told. This is all about submission to authority. When I obey anyone in authority over me with a willing heart, I’m expressing my love and gratitude to the One who saved me. This is the same principle Paul writes to the folks in Ephesus (Eph 5:22-6:9). It’s the same thing Paul teaches the Colossians (Col 3:17-4:1).

In many ways, the big idea is summed up in one simple phrase: “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col 3:17). Everything is to be done as an expression of worship and thanks to my Savior.  While I may be a citizen of heaven (Phil 3:20), God has placed me here in this time and place to shine His light and spread His salt.  One VERY important way of doing that is through my willing submission to authority the Lord has over me.

This speaks to the tension and relationship between Jesus as my Lord and my Savior.  Because He has rescued me, I obey Him as an act of gratitude. You may think you’ve simply bought the eternal fire insurance policy. But I’ve got news for you. It doesn’t really work like that. He’s our Savior AND Lord. When I place my trust in Who He is and what He has done, I also place my trust in the incredible goodness of His leadership. There’s no one more trustworthy and qualified than Christ. After all, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16). If I trust Him to save me, I can trust Him to lead me.

Just to make sure we’re paying attention, Peter points out that believers are to be good followers “to every human institution whether it be to the emperor as supreme or the to the governors as sent by him” (v13-14). Not most. Not some. Not just the Fed. Not just the state. Not just your local officials. Every. Human. Institution. Remember, Pete’s writing in the historical context of that wing nut Nero and his brutal Roman Empire.

Republican. Democrat. Libertarian. Conservative. Liberal. It just doesn’t matter. Whether your candidate won or lost, it would appear “every human institution” (v13) covers whoever takes the oath of office. What in the wide world of sports would Pete say all this? He gets to the bottom line when he writes “for this is the will of God” (v15). Take a deep breath. We’re good here. God’s got this. Jesus approves this message.

How many of us are always searching for God’s will for our lives? What does He want me to do? Well, His will here seems crystal clear. God calls me to be a good citizen no matter who’s in office. Politics don’t matter. They don’t even have to be good governors.  What does matter is that I’m to be a good citizen.

Ultimately, He calls me to be a good follower of whoever is in authority. Boss. Department head. Vice president. President and CEO. Campus pastor. Senior pastor.  That’s because we’re all under authority. We’re under THE Authority. Jesus. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. 

This doesn’t mean that I’m to sin if my ruling authority commands it.  That’s where we step off. Pete knows all about that. He and the apostles made it clear to the religious police that’s where they draw the line. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). In the meantime, one important way for me to express my worship to Jesus is by being a good citizen.  

What to do now? Step one: Turn off the TV. Step two: Pray for your leaders (2Tim 2:1-3). Yup. All of them. Step three: Read Psalm 146. (Hint: Focus on verses 3 and 4. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.”) Step four: Love God by loving your neighbor (Mt 22:37).

Enduring Election

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2Tim 2:10).

Attack ads on TV. Divisive political rhetoric. Zero talk of real issues. Must be an election year. So let’s just cut to the chase. I hate election years. Not dislike. I’m talking full on H-A-T-E. Yeah, I know. “Hate” is such an ugly word. But I’ve come to the conclusion that you can always tell when a politician is lying. Their lips are moving.

It seems like each election cycle gets worse. You come to the final choices for each party in just about every race and you go, “Really? These knuckleheads are the best we can do?” I participate in the election but I also must endure it. I’m Jay Jennings and I do NOT approve of this message!

If you feel the same way, Paul has some VERY good news for you. There’s another kind of election that we can all get behind. “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (v10). The apostle is a campaign worker and he’s giving every ounce of his energy to the cause. But it’s not on behalf of any political candidate. He’s enduring it all so that those God chooses can fully realize a relationship with Jesus. This is one election I can really get excited about!

As unpleasant as an election year can be, it’s nothing compared to Paul’s situation. He finds himself locked up in a Roman prison (2Tim 1:8, 16; 2:9). Insert “crooked politician in prison” joke here. But this is really no laughing matter for the former Pharisee. He’s on Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). He writes to his buddy Timothy for two simple reasons. One, he knows he must pass the baton of ministry to the young pastor (2Tim 2:1-4:8). Two, he desperately wants to see Tim one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21). 

The first word we see here in verse 10 is “therefore.” While we’re tempted to blow right by it without thinking, it’s an important connector between what the apostle has just said and what he’s about to tell us. As the old saying goes, “Anytime we see ‘therefore,’ we have to stop and ask, ‘What is it there for?’” 

The original language here (Gr. δια τουτο) actually pulls back the curtain of Paul’s motivation. So let’s back up a just a skosh. He’s devoted his life to preaching the Gospel (2Tim 2:8). It’s the whole reason he suffers in the slammer. But while he’s locked up, God’s Word is on the lam (2Tim 2:9). The apostle tells Tim his time behind bars is worth it because of what’s going on. We’re about to find out the reason for the election season.

“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect” (v10). Paul uses the Greek verb `υπομενω here, which means to remain behind or stay when others leave. It’s the idea of refusing to flee. Standing your ground. Persevering. Bearing bravely and calmly. Folks look at your situation and wonder, “What in the world are you still doing here?”

Check out a handful of times NT writers use the word. Dr. Luke drops it when Joe and Mary head back to Nazareth and didn’t realize “the boy Jesus stayed behind (Gr. `υπομενω) in Jerusalem” (Lk 2:43). When troublemakers from Thessalonica found Paul in Berea, believers there smuggled the apostle out of town while “Silas and Timothy remained (Gr. `υπομενω) there” (Acts 17:14). In both cases, folks may be asking, “What in the world are you still doing here?”

But we get the ultimate model of endurance from our Savior. The author of Hebrews tells us that we should be “looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured (Gr. `υπομενω) the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured (Gr. `υπομενω) from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” (Heb 12:2-3). 

Christ not only endured the cross so that we would know the ultimate joy of a relationship with Him, but He endured so that we could endure! For those who can’t wrap their heads around the Gospel, they wonder why in the world did the Son of God die on a cross. They can’t figure out why in the world His followers often don’t flinch in times of trouble. Because that’s exactly what love looks like. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures (Gr. `υπομενω) all things” (1Cor 13:7). We endure. It’s what He did. It’s what Paul did. It’s what we should do.

Specifically, Paul preserves through the total package “for the sake of the elect” (v10). The word the ESV translators give us for “elect” (Gr. εκλεκτος) describes something or someone selected or chosen. It’s the one picked out. When folks like Paul use this word, they’re NOT talking about politicians (Well, I guess they could be. If so, it’s just another crazy example of God’s miraculous grace!). In this case, the “elect” are the people God personally picks. The people He chooses. He casts His divine ballot in your favor.

The apostle Jesus nicknamed Rocky writes that God’s people “are a chosen (Gr. εκλεκτος) race” and that He picked us in order to tell others about Him (1Pet 2:9). Paul says that happens when “As God’s chosen people (Gr. εκλεκτος), holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience” (Col 3:12 NIV). When explaining the sequence of events for His incredible return to His posse, Jesus said He “will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (Gr. εκλεκτος) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Mt 24:31). Kinda makes an election night victory of balloons and confetti look rather mild, don’t you think?

The shame about it is election in the Bible is just about as controversial as a political election. Relax. We’re not going into some drawn-out discussion of predestination here. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to election and God. We don’t so much choose God as He chooses us! Unlike too many of our political decisions, God is NOT faced with choosing between the lesser of two evils. He doesn’t cast a vote against anyone. He always votes FOR! And He votes FOR YOU because He LOVES YOU!!

Paul reveals to Timothy the entire reason he does it all is so that those God chooses “also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” (v10). In other words, this election has nothing to do with fundraising. It has EVERYTHING to do with exploring all that God has obtained for you in and through His Son Jesus. Forget those empty campaign promises (the ones elected sure have!). This is a whole lot better than two chickens in every pot, building a wall, or making somebody other than you pay more taxes.

Few people who follow Jesus never really dive into the deep end of the pool of grace. It’s our own fault that we fail to enjoy the full benefits package of a relationship with the Lord. Our Savior came to bring us an abundant and overflowing life (Jn 10:10). As Dr. Phil likes to say, “How’s that working out for you?” Like Paul, God uses you and me to help the elect find out they’re God’s elect. That also includes unpacking what the life of a disciple looks like. This is one open enrollment meeting that won’t put you to sleep! Getting our hands on salvation means unlocking the full benefits of a relationship with Jesus.

Paul tells Tim how God’s selection of His people is done “with eternal glory” (v10).  In other words, this election isn’t about four more years. There’s no reelection campaign. This is one office with NO term limits. Once God selects you as His, you’re His for all eternity! And it’s going to be glorious!!

Now THAT’S a Candidate I can get behind! How about you? Once I’ve placed my trust in Who Jesus is and what He’s done for me, it’s time to campaign on His behalf. Because Christ endured so much for you and me, we should be willing to endure in order to share His message with others. He elected us. He personally picked us. He chose us to alert the elect! I don’t know about you, but that’s WAY better than suffering through another election season on Earth.

Religion and Politics

“for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1Tim 2:2).

If you want to stir up a boring conversation, toss these two handy dandy grenades that are guaranteed to get folks fired up. Politics and religion. If you’re like me (and that’s not necessarily a good thing!), your Facebook and Twitter feeds are chockfull of one or the other, if not BOTH. And it’s coming from both sides. (Insert elected official’s name here) is the antichrist and has a secret plan to steal all your money and give it to (insert a demographic group you’re not a part of here) and turn our country over to the (insert your worst nightmare nation here). If that’s not bad enough, everybody you know is more than happy to tell you who’s headed straight for heaven or hell. Sometimes I feel like Stealers Wheel got it right. “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right.” 

Well, our old buddy Paul wasn’t afraid to toss BOTH at the SAME TIME! In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle fires both barrels. He tells Tim that we should pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). He’s encouraged his spiritual son that we should use every kind of prayer to pray for every person we can think of (1Tim 2:1). Now he gets more specific. Pray for those who are in charge. The purpose? So that we can give God glory by being good citizens. Let that sink in for a minute.

Our prayer list of political leaders starts at the top. We’re to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions” (v2). Chances are if you’re reading this, you don’t live under the reign of a king or queen (if you do, I’m pretty stoked that someone from another country actually took the time to read this!). Here in the good ol’ U.S. of A., the President is our highest elected official. It’s no tough stretch to understand that Paul call us to pray for the POTUS. But wait just a New York minute. Am I saying we should pray for our President even if you didn’t vote for him? If that’s the case…ESPECIALLY if you didn’t vote for him! 

This is where you try to argue with the apostle that he really doesn’t have a clue what kind of Commander-in-Chief we have right now. Pray for him? You’ve GOT to be kidding me! If I’m praying anything, it’s that God will supernaturally impeach the Prez. Here’s the dealio. We’ve got a little problem. It’s called the Bible. According to Scripture, it doesn’t matter. Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Democrat. Red state. Blue state. Pray for your President. No exceptions. No loopholes. 

Here’s the little fact-a-rooni that shuts up any argument you throw Paul’s way. The apostle calls his Ephesian brothers and sisters to pray for Nero. Yes, THAT Nero. One of the most corrupt and bloodthirsty dictators in human history. The ruler of the Roman Empire didn’t exactly have a soft spot in his heart for the followers of Jesus either. At more than one instance, Nero slaughtered countless Christians. Yet, the man from Tarsus tells his readers to pray for their king. 

Nero may have been ruthless and wicked but he rules over Rome because God has placed him there. As a result, we’re to do what our government leaders tell us to do. “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Rom 13:1). Again, Paul writes these words to the followers of Jesus who are living in the capital of the empire. If anyone knew how awful Nero is, it’s the church in Rome. So here’s the deal. If first century believers can pray for this vicious emperor, I’m pretty sure can ask God to bless whoever is in the Oval Office. Besides, we place our trust in the King of ALL kings!

So how do we pray for our President and other governmental leaders? Pray that God would bless them. Pray that He would provide them with the wisdom needed to make difficult decisions. Pray that He would keep them healthy. Pray that He would provide them with level heads. And of course, pray that He would save them. We see in the very next couple of verses how our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim 2:3-4). It’s happened before. Ever heard of Constantine? If not, take a moment to Google the guy. We’ll wait for you.

The point in praying for kings and other leaders in authority is so we can lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. THIS is what good citizenship looks like for believers. It’s another way of describing the life Paul states back in chapter one. “The aim of our charge is love, that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1Tim 1:5). The bottom line is that God’s people should be a pleasure to govern. They shouldn’t be loud, annoying, obstinate, and a pain in the neck.

Check out the adjectives the apostle uses to describe Jesus’ followers as citizens. Peaceful. Quiet. Godly. Dignified. Who wouldn’t love neighbors who are like that? “Peaceful” (Gr. eremos) describes a lack of external disturbances. All is calm on the outside. He’s talking about someone who isn’t loud and obnoxious. Nobody’s calling the cops because the party’s still cranking at 3am. Are you living in a constant state of drama and continually dragging others into your hot mess? This doesn’t mean believers don’t need others to come alongside when life gets tough. And be sure that God’s people know how to party. Oh, we can celebrate with the best of them. But God calls us to be peaceful people.

Upstanding citizens of Christ’s kingdom should also be “quiet” (v2). No, this isn’t somebody who always talks in a whisper or thinks life should be like a library. While the previous word described what’s going on outside, hesuchios pulls the curtain back on an inward tranquility and rest. We’re “peaceful” on the outside because we’re “quiet” on the inside. Once we place our trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for us, a supernatural calm. We’re not continually anxious and constantly freaking out…especially when it comes to politics! 

An important characteristic for every Jesus follower everywhere is to be “godly” (v2). Paul uses a compound word here (Gr. eusebeia) that literally means “good worship.” It’s reverence toward God in all that we do. Everything we do is an act of worship to Jesus. It’s living life with our eyes on heaven. You’ve probably heard about someone who was so heavenly minded that they were no earthly good. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We become effective spreaders of His salt and shiners of His light when we remember all that He’s done for us that we could never do for ourselves. We need to pray for those in authority so that we can continue to be a blessing to our neighbors and coworkers.

The idea of godliness is one of the really big ideas in this letter. Women who love Jesus should “profess godliness” (1Tim 2:9-10). Even Paul can’t wrap his brain around the “mystery of godliness” (1Tim 3:16). As followers of Christ, you should “train yourself for godliness” because “godliness is of value in every way” (1Tim 4:7-8). The adult children and grandchildren of widows are “to show godliness” to these ladies (1Tim 5:4). What we learn about Jesus must always encourage us with a lifestyle “that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Spiritual hucksters have cook up a scheme to make a fast buck because they think that “godliness is a means of gain” (1Tim 6:5). What they’ve missed is “godliness with contentment” is the key to true success and satisfaction in life” (1Tim 6:6). Instead chasing the almighty dollars, we should be sprinting after “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1Tim 6:11).

Paul also tells Tim that we’re to be “dignified (Gr. semnotes)” (v2). It’s the idea of being honest, honorable, and respectable. Before you think you need to wear a monocle and start acting all snooty, think again. The Pharisees nailed the whole holier-than-thou deal and it went very badly for them. The apostle is describing someone who doesn’t take themselves seriously but takes Jesus VERY seriously. A little later, Paul applies this idea as a key trait for an elder. “He must manage his own household well, with all dignity (Gr. semnotes)” (1Tim 3:4). He tells Titus to be a teacher who demonstrates “integrity, dignity (Gr. semnotes), and sound speech that cannot be condemned” (Titus 2:7-8). Do you treat those around you with dignity and respect? Remember, EVERYONE you meet is made in the image of our Creator. As hard as it is to believe at times, that includes politicians and our elected officials.

God calls us to be good citizens. Jesus’ church isn’t to be a team of agitators who make life miserable for our fellow citizens. We’re to be God’s firehose of blessing to our neighborhood, our community, our state, and our nation. That’s independent of what kind of government ruling over us. Do you follow the laws and ordinances? Are speed limits simply a suggestion? Do you fudge on your taxes? Remember, how we live is a direct reflection of the One we worship. 

Maybe living under what you consider to be a godless government gives you a free pass. Folks like Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego all thrived under governments who didn’t exactly fit the label of Christian nations (whatever THAT means!). Were there times they had to take a stand to follow God when a law was leading them into sin? You betcha. But you didn’t see them going off the grid and living in some remote compound to keep themselves far from the filth of the fallen world.

As a matter of fact, God specifically tells His people to be good citizens while they’re prisoners in Babylon. “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer 29:4-7). Did you catch that last part? Seek your city’s welfare. Pray for your city. When things go well for your city, they will go well for you.

While Paul mixes religion and politics, he never tells Tim to force anyone to follow God’s rules. There’s no ramming of godliness down the throat of a nation. That’s just not how the kingdom of Christ works. In the same way that God changes us from the inside out, He does the same with society. When He changes our hearts, our lifestyle will follow. But that’s another discussion for another day.

In the meantime, let’s make a point of praying for our governmental leaders. Yes, that means the President, whether you voted for him or not. Pray that God blesses them. Pray that God saves them. Pray that He uses them to bring glory to His name. At the same time, let’s be a blessing to our friends and neighbors. Being citizens of God’s kingdom means being good and godly citizens of your city, state, and nation. See, you CAN mix politics and religion.