For church this morning I threw together a quick Bible study about voting (or not voting). Below is the result with a couple modifications based on member input (or you can download it as a PDF file). The Bible never speaks to voting, but there are plenty of principles in Scripture that can be applied to it. (Please also see “A Christian Voter’s Guide” and “A Christian Voter’s Guide (2012).”)
Do you have any suggestions for additions, improvements, or corrections? Please either comment below or contact us…I really appreciate any input you have.
Finally, you’ll notice I don’t actually tell you what each Scripture says when it comes to voting. Personally I think they are all applicable (otherwise I wouldn’t have included them), but I don’t want to tell you what to believe. Additionally, having the verses actually included in the Bible study sheet is for convenience—I encourage you to open up your Bible and read each in context. Again, I believe they are all applicable, but don’t trust me any more than you would a politician. Trust the Bible and the Holy Spirit leading your own brain instead. 🙂
James 1:5 (ESV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
James 2:18–20 (ESV)
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Romans 13:1 (ESV)
1 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.
Mark 12:17 (ESV)
17 Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Acts 25:11 (ESV)
11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 18:7–10 (ESV)
7 If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. 9 And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Psalm 146:3 (ESV)
3 Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
Psalm 121:2 (ESV)
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Proverbs 10:19 (ESV)
19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.
Exodus 20:16 (ESV)
16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Matthew 12:36–37 (ESV)
36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
John 13:35 (ESV)
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Romans 12:18 (ESV)
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) – See also 1 Kings 12:6-24
14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
John 7:24 (ESV)
24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Romans 14:23 (ESV)
23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Romans 14:5 (ESV)
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 10:31–33 (ESV)
31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________
Matthew 6:10 (ESV)
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Principle(s): __________________________________________________________