Should Christians Be Neutral?

Presenter’s Notes

We live in an age where political correctness rules the thinking and speech of many folks.  Intolerance of diversity is considered a secular sin.  People dare not say or do certain things that are considered politically incorrect, or else they will be chastised by the press, the government, their supervisors, their peers, or their teachers.  A public shaming may occur. As a consequence, many people strive to appear neutral – they are afraid to voice an opinion unless that opinion is previously adjudged to be politically correct.  Not only do we see political correctness outside of the church, sometimes political correctness creeps into the church.  

Today we are going to examine the question:  “Should Christians be Neutral?”

There is a common myth that winds its way within the church that when we are faced with the great controversies of the day -- that it is somehow righteous to be neutral.   Those who continually aspire to be neutral in all things consider themselves to be godly.  They stand aloof in self-righteousness, secure in the knowledge that anything that they say or do may be wrong and might interfere with God’s plans.  As a result, they remain silent in the face of evil.    

So, what shall we say or do when faced with an awkward situation that requires a choice – a choice to be for something, to be against something, or to cling to neutrality.

For the answer to the question, “Should Christians be Neutral?” we turn to the Holy Scriptures – our source of guidance.  We know that all scripture is given for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness. We read the Apostle Paul’s letter to the younger minister, Timothy.

2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Notice that verse 14 starts with the word “but” – that word “but” is a pivotal word referring to the comments in the previous verses.  Verses 14-16 show a difference between what we are to do as compared to what non-Christians do.  So, let us examine the previous verses in II Timothy 3.  Let us see why we are directed in verses 14-16 to search the Holy Scriptures – the Word of God – to discern the wisdom regarding doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:1-13 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,   (other religious ideas)

7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

1.  Example of Jesus Christ Answering the Sadducees

In Matthew 22:23-28 Christ answered the Sadducees when they questioned Christ regarding the woman who had successively married seven brothers – and then wondered which brother the woman would be married to in the resurrection. The Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection, so they were attempting a trick question that they themselves did not believe.  

The Sadducees were referring to the Levirate Principle of Marriage that is found in Deuteronomy 25:5-10 in which the brother of a deceased man was expected to marry the childless widow in order to continue the inheritance of the deceased brother.
Matthew 22:23-28  The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”

How did Christ respond?  
Matthew 22:29  Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.

How diplomatically yet truthfully can we respond when someone tries to corner us into impossible choices?  Christ spoke the truth boldly – quoting scripture.

2.  And then there is the story of John the Baptist.  

The Herod dynasty was a vicious line of rulers.  King Herod the Great killed all the babies under age 2 in the Bethlehem area.
Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.
The Roman Jewish historian Josephus in his book, Antiquities of the Jews (c. 94 AD), reports many of Herod's misdeeds, including murdering three of his own sons,[8] his mother-in-law (Antiquities 15:247-251; LCL 8:117-119), and his second wife (Antiquities 15:222-236; LCL 8:107-113).

Upon the death of Herod the Great, his son Herod Antipas was named the king by the Roman Caesar Augustus.  It is this second King Herod who was the king at the time of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.  Other sons of Herod the Great – brothers of Herod Antipas were also ethnarch, tetrarchs, or kings of neighboring areas.

John the Baptist – Born six months before Jesus.  The mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins.  Here is what Jesus Christ had to say about John the Baptist:
Matthew 11:11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist;

John the Baptist was not quiet and he was not politically correct.  He lived in a dangerous era where it was hazardous to insult the king by pointing out the truth.  And yet he was bold enough to speak directly to the ruler and tell him his sins.  

Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

  What John the Baptist was doing was following the scripture
Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.

Some people might say, “Wait a minute – I thought we were not supposed to speak ill of a ruler.” And then they refer to II Peter 2:10…

2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.

In our modern world, we think of “dignitaries” as those who have the rule over us – various politicians or elected officials.  However, let’s take a look at several other translations of 2 Peter 2:10 to see how they render the term “dignitaries.”  

NET – New English Translation
they are not afraid to insult the glorious ones,

ESV – English Standard Version
they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones,

CJB – Complete Jewish Bible
these false teachers do not tremble at insulting angelic beings;

NIV – New International Translation
they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;

“doxa” – a thing belonging to God

The consistent reference here is that the Greek word “doxa” – as pointed out by Strong’s Concordance – is that doxa refers to “a thing belonging to God.”  The word dignitaries as referenced in 2 Peter 2:10 is not referring to human rulers – but to the angelic realm or God.  

John the Baptist did not view Herod Antipas as a “glorious one” or an “angelic being” or a “celestial being” or as “a thing belonging to God.”  

John the Baptist did not read the modern English mistranslation of dignitaries to mean contemporary politicians or elected leaders.   John the Baptist was unafraid to confront the ruler, Herod.  

Because of a common misunderstanding or mistranslation of 2 Peter 2:9 some church members are afraid to confront sin when it is being committed by various rulers or national leaders.  We have numerous examples throughout the Bible where people who were called by God then condemned the sins of the national leaders:  John the Baptist wasn’t alone.  Elijah was hated by King Ahab and Queen Jezebel.  And then we have the example of the prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the minor prophets.  

>>>>  2.  John the Baptist and others called by God were not neutral about sin.  They were willing to cry aloud and spare not.  

3.  Example of Joshua      Joshua becomes the leader of Israel following the death of Moses.
Joshua 1:6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Unfortunately, the people of Israel did not completely drive out the Canaanites from the Promised Land.  The Israelites allowed a number of Canaanites to stay.  This became a continuing problem for them.

Let us turn to Joshua’s Farewell Address

Joshua 23:4  See, I have divided to you by lot these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, as far as the Great Sea westward. 5 And the Lord your God will expel them from before you and drive them out of your sight. So you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God promised you.

6 Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, 7 and lest you go among these nations, these who remain among you. You shall not make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause anyone to swear by them; you shall not serve them nor bow down to them, 8 but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. 9 For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day…

11 Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God. 12 Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you, 13 know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.

<<<  3. Joshua was not neutral – and in his last days, he warned the Israelites to follow God – that they could not waiver or they would suffer.  

4.  Example of Peter – Who Tried To Be Neutral
Mark 14:27 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night,[d] for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’[e]
28 “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

29 Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”
30 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
31 But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And they all said likewise.

During the trial and crucifixion of Christ,
Mark 14: 66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed.

69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” 70 But he denied it again.

And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it.”[g]
71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.

<<< 4.  Peter tried to be neutral…and it saddened him greatly. >>>

5.  God is not neutral or silent about the things that He hates.

In an earlier message, we covered the seven things that God hates: God is not neutral or silent regarding those things that he hates.  

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.

Coexisting With Evil
    God teaches that two opposite things such as Light and Dark cannot co-exist
Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Deuteronomy 30:19  I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

This verse does not say that we are to choose some middle path – to somehow accommodate both blessing and cursing.  This verse points out that we have to make a choice between good and evil – that we might have life.  

<<<<<  5.  We are not to be neutral regarding sin because God is not neutral. >>>>

If we are not to be neutral – what should we do?

1.  Be Careful What We Teach  -- Not to teach as commands the doctrines of men
Matthew 15:9  (and Mark 7:7)  And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

Colossians 2:21-23
21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

2. Be Careful How We Teach
Matthew 10:16   “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Anecdote about serpent – patient
How to be as wise as a serpent is pointed out in Proverbs 26:4-5
Proverbs 26:4-5
4  Do not answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest you also be like him.
5  Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Anyone can get into an argument – that is easy – just speak strong words without consideration.
Proverbs 30:33  For as the churning of milk produces butter, And wringing the nose produces blood, So the forcing of wrath produces strife.

Proverbs 15:1  A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

It is a fruit (or evidence) of God’s spirit to be patient and gentle
Galatians 5:21-22
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[c] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d] drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians
    1 Corinthians 6:12  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful.

Just because we CAN do something does not mean that such a choice is a good idea.

Summary
Should a Christian be neutral?
1.  We can follow the example of Jesus Christ.
2.  We can follow the example of John the Baptist and the prophets.
3.  We can follow the example of Joshua.
4.  We can learn from the example of Peter.
5.  We can follow instructions from God’s Word.

How should we teach God’s instructions?  
1.  Be Careful WHAT We Teach  
2.  Be Careful HOW We Teach

A Christian is not to be neutral when it comes to the truths of God

Love of many has grown cold
Either hot or cold, not lukewarm
Let your yes be yes and your no be no.