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“Earth Day”

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Psalm 24:1

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PREACHING THE CALENDAR – 8

This past Tuesday was “Earth Day” on our calendars.  It is not a holiday, but simply a day of reflection.  It is observed each year on April 22 and is worldwide observance, with more than 190 countries and a billion+ participants.  It began in 1970 in the US with Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, following environmental events in the 60s.  A year earlier he began a movement to organize on April 22, 1970 with great success.  The purpose of earth day is to draw attention to our need to care for the earth and our environment.   Some describe this day as the beginning of the environmental movement.  The intention was to educate, but it often develops into further actions including protests, activism and community service actions such clean ups in park, roads, neighborhoods, beaches, etc.  The result of this movement has been numerous laws designed to protect and preserve our environment.  Many of these laws have been good.  However, as with most movements of men, some have become obsessed to the point of inflicting undue difficulties on society, usually in favor of some “pet project” they are involved in.  Having said that, from a Biblical perspective, is there anything we can consider about earth day?

First, as usually noted in these lessons, as a church we are not doing anything special, nor are we observing or advocating for this day on the calendar.  But, as something mentioned on our calendar, I simply want to draw attention to some environmental matters related to scripture.  I chose to include this lesson this year because I have not addressed these thoughts in a focused lesson.   In this lesson we will address God and this world and then make some applications for our responsibilities toward our environment.

 

1. God created & sustains the earth.
   1. We begin by addressing what this world is as it relates to God.
   2. Genesis 1:1-2ff – he created the heavens and the earth. Chapter 1 describes how in 6 days, He began with nothing and created this world, the heavens with its objects and life as we now know it on earth.  Exodus 20:11 – in 6 days.  LITERAL days based upon the Hebrew text.  The best interpretation of Genesis 1 is to accept it as literal.  The integrity of the rest of scripture is founded upon this.
   3. Colossians 1:16, speaking of Jesus, For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. See also Hebrews 1:1-2
   4. The earth belongs to Him. Psalm 24:1-2, The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters.
   5. He CAN control it as He wishes (cf. Exodus 9:29 – the plague of hail in Egypt).  Job 38-41 finds God challenging Job with a series of questions about His ability and how He controls nature.  Read Job 38:1-11 – God was there at the beginning and controls the oceans.
   6. Creation praises Him –
      1. Romans 1:20, For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. As Paul begins his indictment of man in sin, he acknowledges how creation declares the existence and power of God.
      2. Job 12:7-10 – all the beasts, They are God’s creation. Job speaks with confidence that as he looks at life on earth, he sees the hand  of YHWH.
      3. Psalm 19:1-6 – the heavens declare the glory of God.
      4. Psalm 104:24, – O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— a psalm of nature and God’s creation.
      5. Psalm 148, praise YHWH.
   7. God demonstrates His care for us by the way He cares for nature – e.g., Matthew 6:26-30. Matthew 5:45 – His sun shines on the good and the evil
   8. He sustains it by His word – Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Peter 3:5-7. The reason we are still here is because it is in God’s will.
   9. 2 Peter 3:10-12 – He will bring it to an end in His time. This is true “global warming”.  One of the mantras of many in the environmental movement today is that we (humans of course, not natural events such as disasters or animals) are hastening the doom of this world.  But God’s word tells us that it is going to end when He decides it will end.
2. What is our responsibility to this world.
   1. He put man in charge. He created the world FOR man –
      1. Genesis 1:26-28 – man was created in God’s image and given dominion of creation.
      2. Genesis 2:15 – Adam was put in the garden to tend to it. Take care of it.  That was his job!
      3. Hebrews 2:6-8, quoting Psalm 8:4-6 we find that man was created to be set over His works. There are many hints to our responsibilities toward God’s creation.
      4. 1 Timothy 4:4 – every creature is good, nothing to be refused if received with thanksgiving.
      5. As the world was created, God had mankind in mind. We can enjoy its produce, both plant and animal.  Humans have more ability to impact our environment for good or for bad than much of the rest of creation.  God gave us minds, wisdom, a conscience, heart and so many other qualities that we can use as we live our lives.
   2. We are called to be good stewards –
      1. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 – while Paul was addressing his spiritual responsibilities, the principle is there. How we address our environment has a bearing on many things we do spiritually.
      2. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 – even my own body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
      3. Whatever abilities and responsibilities we have we need to use them faithfully – Cf. Matthew 25:14-30 – the parable of the talents.
      4. Example: Leviticus 25:4 – every 7 years let the land rest
      5. Example: Proverbs 12:10, A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. Cf. Deuteronomy 25:4 – do not muzzle the ox as it works.
      6. Because of our place, we need to act responsibly in whatever aspect of life we are dealing with. This would include our environment.  We live here and we ought to do our best to keep it livable.  We should not be reckless with our resources.
      7. Ephesians 5:15-16, See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
   3. What about extremism?
      1. The majority of people on earth believe that we ought to use reasonable measures to care for our environment. No one I know of advocates the wholesale destruction of earthly resources just because they are there.  We know we should not abuse our pets or others, live in squalor, or do things to deliberately damage our surroundings, both for ourselves AND others.  We know that we need clean water, air and safe food and should exercise due care to preserve these things.  We humans have demonstrated care by preventing extinction of species, cleaning up and restoring habitats and many other things.  Our stewardship ought to motivate us to think about such things.
      2. BUT many environmentalists (and other activist groups) have gone to extremes in their demands. They do not ask for reasonable standards and would deny man’s GOD GIVEN dominion over creation.  And no matter how much man tries to act with reason, it is never enough.  Many (not all) advocate the devastation of society for the preservation of whatever their issue is.
         1. Many have made the earth, or their cause, into their god (e.g., “Mother nature”). An idol is anything you place above service to God.
         2. They often act selfishly, not caring about the consequences of their demands.
         3. Romans 1:18-25 – we need to worship God, NOT His creation.
         4. Ephesians 5:11 calls for us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If someone is engaging in selfish or idolatrous type behaviors, have NOTHING to do with their efforts.  Even if the cause the noble, the end does not justify the means (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14).
      3. We ought to be responsible and do what we can to preserve this world for others – BUT in moderation.
      4. As Christians, we should NOT be part of any movement that rejects God and His standards.
   4. This earth is not our eternal home.
      1. It is my belief that God made this world for us to enjoy. To me, some of the most beautiful places are in nature when it is untouched or allowed to thrive.  That was the point of Jesus in Matthew 6:28 – consider the lilies.
      2. Whatever we do, we must realize that this world is NOT our home. We are preparing for our eternal home – Philippians 3:20 – our citizenship is in heaven.  Never forget that, which is why we should not obsess over an cause other than glorifying Christ.
      3. Also, as noted, one day this physical universe is going to cease! Only God knows when that will be.
   5. Considering the earth from this perspective, what are some things we can do?
      1. Be a good neighbor. Do what you can to make your environment as clean and safe as possible.  Matthew 7:12 – Golden rule.  We need to care about others and act responsibly.
      2. Don’t let nature replace your need for God – Matthew 6:33 – we seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 6:24 – we lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven…  Think about this with ANY cause you are passionate about.
      3. Obey the laws of the land – You HAVE TO! Romans 13:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17 – note that Peter said submit to “every ordinance of man…”. If our government passes environmental laws, you must obey them.  E.g., recycling, car maintenance, etc.   And it is not about whether you like or agree with them.   (We know the exception).
      4. Pause and think about the wonders of God’s creation – Psa. 8:3-4 – praise Him for the wonders of His creation. 1 Timothy 4:4 – received with thanksgiving.  Appreciating the creation of God can keep us humble and put our life into perspective.  It can produce joy in our lives as we think about how great our God really is.

And thus, we notice another day on the calendar.  As we go through this life, our faith needs to impact EVERY area of our lives, including our natural environment around us.   God’s word gives us food for thought even in this.  What does God’s creation say to you?  Think about it!