04) Carrying out our Christian Duties - February 12 @ 6:30pm
Session #4 – Carrying Out Our Christian Duties
“Understanding Our Purpose as Law Enforcement Officers”
“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” – Proverbs 27 : 17
When you first started your career in law enforcement or public safety, what was the draw?
Think about it…Was it the flash, the lights, the uniform, the badge, the speed or did you really, “just wanna help people?”
What is our true purpose? Our purpose as Christian Public Safety professionals?
We are in Public Service to be of service to our fellow man, this includes spiritually as well.
Being a cop or firefighter is not about fulfilling only our needs and desires (here is where entitlement can creep in again).
God has placed us on the FRONT LINE in the WAR between GOOD and EVIL. You ARE a WARRIOR, both physically and SPIRITUALLY!
You can make a spiritual difference in the lives of others. All people we come in contact with are all God’s people. Friends, co-workers, traffic violators and criminals are all creations of God.
NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A COP or FIREFIGHTER/EMERGENCY MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. God has blessed you with your abilities. Use them for His glory.
Will you allow God to use you, in your position, as His instrument for His purpose?
Small Group
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2 : 10
AUTHORITY AND RESPECT
Not only as peace officers and emergency workers, but as Christian Public Safety Professionals, we have a responsibility to be on our best behavior in order to show Christ’s love through our actions.
Titus 2 : 7
In everything set them an example by doing what is good.
As a Public Safety Professional, you have been through a lot. You’ve been called names, spit upon, insulted, and been physically attacked. Your authority has been given you by your jurisdiction, but ordained by God, the creator Himself. The fact remains, you are respected and people do listen to you.
Think about how, when you enter a scene, the dynamic instantly changes. Or when you walk by a family and the children get that bright look in their eye when they see you approach. What will be the lasting impression?
Although you may carry a badge, or a firearm, and the authority of your agency, you are foremost a human being and a creation of God.
Genesis 1 ; 26 – 27
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female, He created them.
It is important to remember that while you make command respect as an officer, you should not demand it. Don’t ever doubt or misuse your God given authority.
Philippians 2 : 5
Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus.
LOVING OTHERS
Throughout the Bible there are numerous references to the love that Christ showed for those who were sinners.
Romans 5 : 8
But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 13 : 1
Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the fullest extent of His love.
Jesus commands us to love one another just as He does us. Not necessarily physically, but spiritually.
You CAN be a cop or public safety worker and still perform your required tasks and duties.
Law Enforcement have been ordained to arrest law breakers.
Romans 13 : 4 (About cops)
For he is God’s servant to do you good. But, if you do wrong, be afraid for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
If the sinner repents, regardless the sin, and asks God for forgiveness, it will be granted.
The spiritual lives of our fellow citizens should be of utmost importance. Every lost person is important to God.
Be a Living Example of Jesus Christ’s Love
Matthew 5 : 16 (correction from book)
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
John 13 : 15
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Mark 16 : 15 – 16
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
SMALL GROUP SCRIPTURE
1 Peter 3 : 15 – 16
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
You can put this to work without scaring people or embarrassing yourself. Look for the opportunity to hold the spiritual door for someone in need. If they are going through a difficult time, ask if you can call a friend or a pastor. If they say they don’t go to church or don’t know one. Use the opportunity.
James 2 : 8
8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”[a] you are doing right.
View co-workers and citizens as individuals that God has placed in our path for a reason.
ARE WE POLICE MISSIONARIES?
Our jobs are very similar to that of foreign missionaries. Look at the hardships. Working in the rain, heat, in difficult circumstances that could result in injury or even death. We work in our mission field. There are people with needs everywhere. What an opportunity to spread the Good News.
MENTION: Missionary Flights International Open House on Saturday, March 1st, at the
SMALL GROUP EXERCISE
Discuss among your small group the following ideas. See how these ideas can fit into your daily routine.
· Ask God to transform the way you think and help to remove your “rose-colored glasses”.
o Romans 12 : 2
§ 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- Make a declaration of dependence on God.
- John 15 : 5
- 5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
- 5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
- John 15 : 5
- Always worship and praise God, even while on duty. Remember that worship is a lifestyle of loving God.
What are some of the ways we can worship God while on the job?
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SMALL GROUP QUESTION
Do you believe God has a plan for your life? In what ways do you believe God wants you to serve His kingdom as a law enforcement officer or public safety worker? Write your answers below and discuss with the group.
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STAYING IN SPIRITUAL SHAPE
It is just as important to be spiritually fit as physically fit. Just as an unhealthy lifestyle will make you physically sluggish, so can living an unbalanced spiritual life.
1 Timothy 4 : 7
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
Read the Bible daily
Pray for everything
Attend a worship service whenever possible
And, get connected with a group of believers
DON’T BECOME BITTER OR CYNICAL
Hebrews 12 : 15
15See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
A CODE OF BIBLICAL ETHICS
You must not loose sight of people as possibly needing that spiritual shoulder to lean on. Don’t become blind through bitterness where the mission God has given us reach people for Christ is cast aside.
PASS OUT THE CANONS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ETHICS
Romans 12 : 14 – 21
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[a] Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b]says the Lord. 20On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Do you, as a law enforcement officer or public safety worker believe the above Bible verse is applicable today’s modern public safety officers? If so, why?
Romans 12 ; 20-21
20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[a] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good
What do you believe is meant by “in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head?” Discuss openly.
SMALL GROUP QUESTION
Write some examples of the times you have become bitter while on the job. Share your answers with the group.
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Name the THREE “MOST WANTED” PEOPLE that you would like to see come to Christ through your influence. Share them as a prayer concern with the group. Be sure to pray for YOUR “Most Wanted” on a regular basis.
SOME PRACTICAL TIPS TO REACH THE UN-CHURCHED
I T. E. L. L. (“E” added by
IDENTIFY – your surroundings.
This includes your community, your small group of friends, relatives, neighbors, and fellow officers or co-workers.
TESITIFY – on what God has done for you.
Remember people can always challenge the Bible, doctrine or theology itself, but they can never challenge your personal walk with Christ.
EDUCATE – yourself through Christ.
Learn all you can about Christ and His teachings. It is not necessary to recite scripture word for word, but you should know what the Bible teaches and the good news we are to spread to the world. The more you apply, the better you will know it.
LISTEN – for the opportunity to share.
A great recipe for evangelism is two parts listening, one part speaking. Always be prepared to share your experience in this area. No one can dispute how God has impacted your life.
LIVE – a life in Christ.
Allow your self to be seen as a Christian. In other words, practice what you preach. Read the Bible as often as you can. Listen to Christian / Gospel music. Pray and take the opportunity to talk with God often, not just when you need Him. Talk with Him all the time, just as you would a friend.