Biblical Guidelines for a Prospering Nation

Opening introduction:

Article written by Donald S. Lutz and Charles S. Hyneman - published in American Political Science Review - 1984 - "The Relative Influence of European Writers on Late 18th. Century American Political Thought"/

15,000 writings were reviewed of the era between 1760 and 1805.
Of those they selected 916 previously published items for their research.  (books, newspaper articles, pamphlets, etc.)

Then they counted citations (reference made to previously published works) within these writings as a means of measuring the influences upon our Founding Fathers (as they hammered out constitution for this new-found nations - the United States of America.

Of 3,154 citations found in these 916 publications, 34% were quotes from the Bible!!!  - Apostle Paul was most quoted.

"...the Biblical tradition is most prominent among the citations .... It is relevant ... to note the prominence of Biblical sources for American political thought, since it was highly influential in our political tradition and is not always given the attention it deserves."

Question:  What book of the Bible most often quoted?  Answer:  Deuteronomy.
Why?  note the (1) historical setting, and therefore, (2) the content and (3) parallels

Question:  IF the bible was relevant to the colonials in late 18th. century (ie: in developing our constitution)
THEN is it relevant to us in early 21st century?

11 years ago, preached a sermon entitled "Biblical Guidelines for an Aspiring Nation."
Better = "Biblical Guidelines for a prospering Nation"

Because, the words, instructions, warnings are (mostly) for once they are IN the land ... settled, prospering....  Deut. 8:10

On one hand, we recognize America = a prospering nation
However, also fear it = a faltering nation!!

So, (as approach our 243rd birthday) - lets looks at some
"Biblical Guidelines for a Prospering Nation"

Note:  this is not a message to the nation.  Rather = a message to individual citizens of the nation!!
Because - a _________ nation is made of __________ people!  (fill in the blanks with the same word)

So.... (1)  the setting of Deuteronomy
         (2)  the parallels to the colonies  (& to us!)
         (3)  the text - Deut. 4:1-2, 5-6, 9
                              Deut. 8:1-20
God's will is never done corporately until it is done individually first.

BIBLICAL GUIDELINES FOR A PROSPERING NATION 

#1.  Be Reasonable - Deut. 8:17-18
our prosperity = result of ..._____?

#2.  Be Thankful - Deut. 8:10
Example:  saying grace at meals - is not necessary, but is appropriate - Psm. 50:23

#3.  Be Careful - Deut. 8:11-14
Be careful to (A) remember  (16 times in Deuteronomy, 166 times in scripture)
                    (B) not FORGET
(prosperity tends to pride ... which = forget Him and focus on ME) - not good for us, not good for the nations.

#4.  Be Wise - Deut. 30:11-16, 19
wisdom is more than knowledge = practical application of Knowledge!  (which = relationship with God through Christ)
Biblical wisdom is using knowledge in a wise way!

#5.  Be Instructive - Deut. 4:9, 6:4-9
IF national blessings = result of following God,
then why are we not more vocal about the need to follow God.   The Jews were supposed to be a mouthpiece for God.

#6.  Be Evangelical - Deut. 4:6
Israel's calling included making God known therefore drawing people to Him
The church's calling includes making God known.... through Christ and the Cross

#7.  Be Faithful (to keep what He instructs)  - Deut. 8:6 - "observe" - this means more than stand and watch!!
Examples:  holy days, festivals, rituals = FOR the people (not for God).  When a people neglect, ignore God's institutions .. that people will suffer loss!!  Example = church.  Christ died for the church!  Is His bride!!!

The audience = common folks!  Believers who want God's blessings on themselves, their children, their neighbors, their nation!!!

The choice/decision we (like they) must decide how we will respond to:
(1) these vast blessings and
(2) the God who provides them.

This can be a corporate, national choice ONLY if it is 1st. an individual choice!!!
Because ... a ___________ nation is made of __________ people!!

Close w/Jesus' words - John 13:17


Closing Scripture:  2 Chron. 7:13-14