Carrying Out Our Christian Duties

Mark 16:15 “He said to them, "Go into all the world and

preach the good news to all creation.” We are in law enforcement to be of

service to our fellow man and this includes providing spiritual assistance when needed.

Why did you first get into law enforcement? Has your outlook on your purpose changed?

Not everyone has what it takes to be a cop.

What unique attributes does it take?

God has assigned us unique skills and aligned us in the right place. The question is will we allow God to us us in our position as an instrument for His purpose?

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God's workmanship, created in

Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

What might be the “good works” God has prepared us for?

As Christian peace officers 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. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.”

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the

image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

You are foremost human being and a creation of God.

We are placed in a position of authority to make a difference in the life of of someone we may encounter

Let your Christian actions toward your fellow man reflect how God is working in your life.

Philippians 2:5 “our attitude should be the same as that of

Christ Jesus:”

What can we do to set a good example?

Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in

this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 13:1b “Having loved his own who were in the world, he

now showed them the full extent of his love.”

As law enforcement officers we can have a Christian spirit of love and still carry out our job duties.

It is important for us to not take words or actions taken against us a personal affront.

We often find ourselves questioning how God can forgive and love serial killers, rapists, child molestors.

God hates the sin, but loves the sinner.

God has ordained law enforcement officers to arrest those who have broken the law.

Romans 13:4 “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.”

But if the sinner repents and asks for forgiveness, God will forgive.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his

one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Do not have hatred in your heart for sinners and evil doers. Instead pray for them with all your heart that God will intervene in their lives.

Matthew 5:16 “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. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

You would not be expected to stand on a street corner in full uniform and preach the Gospel, but every time that someone has a question, be ready to give an answer.

1Peter 3:15 “But 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”

If you find a grieving person or the victim of a crime, take the time to speak or pray with them. Don’t be afraid to offer to call them a minister or chaplain of their choice.

To be a Christian also means to step outside of your comfort zone.

What could this mean on the job?

James 2:8 “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,

"Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.”

Never forget that God works on his time frame. You have to think like a spiritual SWAT officer, ready to respond any time day or night.

We should be viewing co-workers and citizens whom we encounter as individuals who God places in our path for spiritual need.

1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”

What does it mean to love others as God loves us?

Missionaries get very little pay They work in the cold, rain, and heat; They work in natural disasters, They see famine, war, death, and are

often killed and placed into harms way to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

What other occupation does this sound like?

You are in a mission field consistently being exposed to people around you with needs.

Proverbs 24:10-11 “If you falter in times of trouble, how small is

your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”

If you had the cure for cancer, would you share it?

You are in a mission field consistently being exposed to people around you with needs.

Proverbs 24:10-11 “If you falter in times of trouble, how small is

your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.”

If you had the cure for cancer, would you share it?

Roman 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this

world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

John 15:5 "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.”

What does it mean to be transformed by the renewal of your mind?

What does it mean to remain in Christ?

Worship is a lifestyle of loving God.

What are some of the ways we can worship God while on the job?

In what ways do you think God would want you to serve his kingdom as a law enforcement officer?

1 Timothy 4:7b “rather, train yourself to be godly.”

Read your Bible daily Acts 17:11b

“for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Pray continuously 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“pray continually; “

Attend worship regularly Acts 2:46-47

“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Associate with with a group of believers Hebrews 10:25

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

It is easy for those involved in the criminal justice system to become bitter.

Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one misses the grace of God

and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

God has given us a an ethics manual in the form of the Bible.

Many of us do not view citizens as people who may need a spiritual shoulder to lean on.

Romans 12:14-21

Romans 12:14-21 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On 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.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Do you as a law enforcement officer believe that Romans 12:14-21 is applicable to today’s modern law enforcement officers?

What does it mean “in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head?”

Have you ever been bitter on the job?

Do you as a law enforcement officer believe that Romans 12:14-21 is applicable to today’s modern law enforcement officers?

What does it mean “in doing this you will heap burning coals on his head?”

Have you ever been bitter on the job?

Identify Those around you who are not believers.

Testify Testify to what God has done in your life

Listen Listen to questions and be ready to respond

with compassion and respect. Live It

Be seen as a Christian