The Christian and Culture

Introduction

A. We are citizens of an earthly nation. Most of us are citizens of the United States but we have among us those who are citizens of other countries. Those of us who have spent our entire lives in the United States are very comfortable with how things are done. There are so many aspects of American culture that are just automatic for us — driving on the right (not correct) side of the road, a freedom to practice religious expression, style of dress, and so many other aspects. Customs and habits are ingrained in us as citizens of the United States.

B. We are also believers in Jesus. We are Christians. We have a Christian culture which is not unlike our citizenship in a political nation. We have common customs and habits which define us as followers of Jesus. There are times when it seems that our citizenship in heaven and our citizenship in a political nation are at odds with one another. And when that conflict arises we find ourselves filled with apprehension and tension trying to make sense of the two very different points of view and how we are to respond appropriately to both kingdoms. Jesus said he was establishing a kingdom that would not be bound by human boundaries. He established a kingdom that was spiritually based and was founded upon his sacrifice on a cross. He is our king, Savior, and guide.

C. Over the next several weeks we are going to look at many issues of the culture of the United States and how the Christian can interact with those issues. We will look at such topics such as abortion, the role of government, work, homosexuality, justice, and the environment. Let’s make sure we are on the same page. We are going to approach these topics from the perspective of Christians response to culture. But make no mistake. There are times in which as Christians we allow culture to have too much influence and then there are times that we aren’t sure what we are supposed to do with the direction of culture. As Christians our first allegiance is to Christ — this is an everlasting kingdom. Nations rise and fall but the kingdom of God endures forever.

Culture

A. Several decades ago, Richard Niebuhr wrote a book entitled “Christ and Culture.” His premise was to discern what was the Christians response to culture. Christians have often struggled to understand what is the proper response to culture especially when culture seems to go directly against Christian thought and principles. I want to start with scripture and then make some application.

B. The New Testament was written at a time when Roman culture and Christian culture were at times clearly in conflict. Roman culture endorsed multiple gods; worship of Caesar; slavery; magic and superstition; philosophies. Into this pagan world, Christianity made its entrance. Contrary to how we sometimes read Acts, in the pagan world, Christianity was a small influence. There is no historical evidence of large groups of Christians in any city. This means that many times Christians found themselves fully immersed in a culture that was against the values of Christ. This is why so many texts in the New Testament still speak to us.

C. I Peter 2:11 says, “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires which war against you soul.” Peter writing to Christians spread over a fairly large area emphasizes how they are to understand themselves in this world — as aliens and strangers. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:20 that our citizenship is in heaven as opposed to those whose eyes and mind are on earthly things. The Hebrew writer reminds us that we do not have an enduring city on this earth, but we are looking for the city that is to come. What the writers agree upon is that as Christians we recognize that there is more than this world. To summarize we are not to make this world our home but look forward to the world that is to come. We are not establishing a holy city on this earth but look for the one to come.

D. Jesus said in Matthew 5:11-12, that we are blessed when we are persecuted. Further that we are to look forward to the next world because the persecution means we are aligned with the prophets of old who were mistreated because of their faith. Paul writes in Romans 8:18 that the present sufferings pale when compared to the glory of the coming world. And so in verse 23 he says we who have been given the Holy Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for the redemption of our bodies.

E. That’s all well and good you may say but what are we supposed to do? Are we supposed to sit idly by and watch as our great nation falls? Aren’t we supposed to speak out against what is happening in our culture? Good questions.

Application

A. The answer begins with recognizing this reality — the culture does not belong to Christians. It never has. Scripture recognizes this truth. John writes in 1 John 5:19, We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. Paul’s writing is similar in Ephesians 2:1-2 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” The difference Paul goes on to say is that those who give their life to Jesus now sit with Jesus in the heavenly realms not on this earth. Jesus recognized that the world hated him and would also hate us (John 15:18). The very nature of following Jesus and the nature of this world are at odds. The nature of the world is about power — who has it; who will exert it; who will win. The nature of following Jesus is serve; exalting another; loving another even at our own expense.

B. If this is true then what is our response to what we see in culture especially when culture turns further away from what God wants. Like Jesus we weep. We weep because what God wants is rejected. Jesus said in Matthew 23:37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.” God wants people to come to him. Beckons to his creation to draw near. Even his chosen ones rejected the overture of God. So Jesus wept.

C. So we weep. What about changes? Shouldn’t we pursue political change so that we can be closer to what God wants? That’s a good question and one that has been debated for generations. What does God specifically say for us to do. We serve. In Matthew 20:25-26 Jesus said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” We are called to serve. We are called to influence one person at a time. We are called to make difference in the lives of individuals. We are exiles. We weep when God’s ways are trampled on or twisted but we do not find texts telling us to change the world. We are told to change our hearts so that we can help another person to see the Lordship of Jesus. As exiles we serve to the glory of Jesus. And we know that a day is coming when we will no longer be exiles, aliens, or strangers. We will one day be given the full benefits of our citizenship — to be with the King forever. Invitation.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.