Aligning Democracy with the Kingdom of God

 

Summary

In today's discussion, we explored the intricate relationship between the Kingdom of God and democracy, particularly in the context of an election year in America. Democracy, while not a perfect system, is a significant form of government that reflects certain values aligned with the teachings of Jesus. We delved into the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Matthew 6:33, which urges us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This imperative serves as a guiding principle for followers of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's Kingdom in our lives.

Democracy is built on three core values: consent, majority, and the rule of law. Consent reflects the Kingdom principle of honoring individual will, as seen in Genesis where God grants humans dominion. Majority rule acknowledges the equality of all human beings, while the rule of law ensures that power is not wielded arbitrarily. These values resonate with the biblical understanding of human dignity and justice.

Furthermore, democracy employs tools such as citizenship, elections, and freedom of expression to implement these values. Citizenship, as Paul notes in Philippians, extends to all who bear God's image, reflecting the universal nature of God's grace. Elections provide accountability, a biblical concept of living under judgment, while freedom of expression allows for diverse voices to be heard, echoing the freedom found in Christ.

However, democracy's success hinges on the virtue and character of its people, grounded in a transcendent order. Jesus' call to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness underscores the necessity of aligning our lives with God's will. This alignment fosters humility and love, essential virtues for navigating political dynamics and loving those different from us.

In conclusion, while democracy is not a savior, it can reflect Kingdom values when rooted in righteousness. As we engage with our governments, let us pray for humility, open-mindedness, and love, seeking God's Kingdom in our nations and within ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

- Seek First the Kingdom: The call to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is a foundational principle for believers. It challenges us to prioritize God's will and values above worldly concerns, trusting that all else will be provided. This pursuit aligns our lives with God's purposes, fostering peace and assurance. [01:49]

- Consent and Dominion: The concept of consent in democracy mirrors the biblical idea of dominion, where each person has a realm of influence. This reflects God's design for human agency and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of honoring individual will and choices. [04:24]

- Equality and Human Rights: Democracy's emphasis on equality and human rights resonates with the biblical truth of bestowed worth. Every person is created in God's image, deserving dignity and respect, independent of their abilities or status. This understanding forms a solid foundation for justice and equality. [02:54]

- Virtue and Character: The effectiveness of democracy relies on the virtue and character of its citizens, grounded in a transcendent moral order. Jesus' teachings on righteousness highlight the need for integrity and moral courage, essential for sustaining a just and equitable society. [10:09]

- Humility and Love: In a politically divided world, humility and love are crucial virtues. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and learn from those different from us, fostering unity and understanding. This approach transforms political adversaries into opportunities for Kingdom growth. [12:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Kingdom and Democracy
- [00:24] - Democracy and Its Importance
- [00:38] - The Influence of Jesus on Government
- [01:08] - Sermon on the Mount: Seek First the Kingdom
- [01:49] - The Antidote to Worry
- [02:10] - Democracy and Human Rights
- [02:54] - Bestowed Worth and Equality
- [04:24] - Consent and Dominion
- [05:40] - The Role of Majority and Law
- [07:12] - Tools of Democracy: Citizenship
- [08:26] - Elections and Accountability
- [08:56] - Freedom of Expression
- [09:36] - The Importance of Virtue
- [10:25] - Kingdom and Righteousness
- [11:39] - Humility and Love in Politics
- [12:43] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.'"
3. Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the priorities of a believer's life? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on seeking the Kingdom of God first? [01:49]
2. How does the concept of dominion in Genesis 1:26 relate to the idea of consent in democracy as discussed in the sermon? [04:24]
3. According to Philippians 3:20, where is a believer's true citizenship, and how does this concept of citizenship compare to the democratic idea of citizenship mentioned in the sermon? [08:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might seeking the Kingdom of God first influence a believer's engagement with political systems like democracy? Consider the sermon’s discussion on aligning with God's will. [10:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that democracy reflects Kingdom values, and how does this understanding impact a believer's view of government? [09:08]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of virtue and character in a democracy. How does this relate to the biblical call for righteousness and integrity? [10:09]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. How can you practically seek the Kingdom of God first in your daily life, especially during politically charged times? [01:49]
2. Think about a recent political discussion you had. How did you approach it, and how might you incorporate humility and love, as suggested in the sermon, in future conversations? [12:11]
3. Identify an area in your life where you can exercise your God-given dominion responsibly. How does this align with the concept of consent discussed in the sermon? [04:24]
4. Consider your role as a citizen in both your country and the Kingdom of Heaven. How can you balance these identities in a way that honors God? [08:11]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of virtue and character. What specific steps can you take to cultivate these qualities in your interactions with others, particularly those with differing views? [10:09]
6. How can you actively promote equality and human rights in your community, reflecting the biblical truth of bestowed worth? [02:54]
7. In what ways can you pray for your government and its leaders, as encouraged in the sermon, and how might this practice influence your perspective on political issues? [11:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritizing God's Kingdom in Our Lives
The call to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is a foundational principle for believers. It challenges us to prioritize God's will and values above worldly concerns, trusting that all else will be provided. This pursuit aligns our lives with God's purposes, fostering peace and assurance. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:33 remind us that when we focus on God's Kingdom, we are aligning ourselves with a higher purpose that transcends earthly worries. This alignment not only brings peace but also assures us that God will provide for our needs as we prioritize His will. [01:49]

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." - Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize God's Kingdom in your daily routine this week, and how might this change your perspective on your current challenges?


Day 2: Honoring Individual Will and Choices
The concept of consent in democracy mirrors the biblical idea of dominion, where each person has a realm of influence. This reflects God's design for human agency and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of honoring individual will and choices. In Genesis, God grants humans dominion, highlighting the value of personal agency and the responsibility that comes with it. This principle is echoed in democratic systems where consent and individual choice are foundational. Recognizing this connection can deepen our understanding of how our personal decisions align with God's broader plan for humanity. [04:24]

"Behold, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it." - Deuteronomy 30:15-16 (ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you consider God's will in that decision, and what might you do differently next time to align more closely with His guidance?


Day 3: Embracing Equality and Human Dignity
Democracy's emphasis on equality and human rights resonates with the biblical truth of bestowed worth. Every person is created in God's image, deserving dignity and respect, independent of their abilities or status. This understanding forms a solid foundation for justice and equality. Recognizing the inherent worth of every individual as image-bearers of God challenges us to advocate for justice and equality in our communities. It calls us to see beyond societal labels and to treat each person with the dignity they deserve. [02:54]

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 (ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or marginalized. How can you intentionally show them dignity and respect this week?


Day 4: Cultivating Virtue and Character
The effectiveness of democracy relies on the virtue and character of its citizens, grounded in a transcendent moral order. Jesus' teachings on righteousness highlight the need for integrity and moral courage, essential for sustaining a just and equitable society. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these virtues, allowing them to guide our interactions and decisions. This commitment to righteousness not only strengthens our communities but also reflects the character of Christ to the world. [10:09]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." - Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can demonstrate greater integrity. What steps can you take this week to align your actions with your values?


Day 5: Practicing Humility and Love
In a politically divided world, humility and love are crucial virtues. Jesus calls us to love our enemies and learn from those different from us, fostering unity and understanding. This approach transforms political adversaries into opportunities for Kingdom growth. By embracing humility and love, we can bridge divides and create spaces for meaningful dialogue and reconciliation. This not only strengthens our relationships but also advances God's Kingdom on earth. [12:11]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)

Reflection: Consider someone with whom you disagree politically or ideologically. How can you approach them with humility and love this week, seeking to understand their perspective?

Quotes

"Democracy is a particularly important form of government. It's not an idol; it will not save us. Winston Churchill used to say democracy is the worst form of government except for all the other ones. Churchill also said the American people can be counted on to do the right thing after they have exhausted every other option. But it's worth thinking about ways in which our culture, our government have been impacted, formed, shaped by Jesus and his movement." [00:46:08]

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added. That's the formative statement: seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And I want to talk about how that relates a bit to democracy and government. GZA talks about how at the core of this form of government is the idea that all human beings are created with certain rights and that we all have them." [01:12:79]

"Consent is a deeply Kingdom word. Think back to Genesis chapter one where God makes human beings in his own image, and he says let them exercise Dominion. Your little kingdom, you may remember, is the range of your effective will. So Kingdom and Will are deeply connected, and in democracy, this notion that it's built on its Authority is the consent of the governed." [04:31:60]

"In a democracy, we are governed by the will of the majority, and the idea here is this again reflects the fact that every human being is created equal. So there's not one person, not the wealthy, not the really smart, not the really strong. It is the will of the majority that is to govern, but there's also a recognition that human nature is corrupt and even the majority are capable of tyrannizing the minority." [05:58:00]

"Gary Hgan at International Justice Mission talks about societies where the law, even though it might exist in the abstract, is not honored. Ever since Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the law, to be governed by the law is a precious gift from God. So those are the core values in a democracy." [06:57:20]

"Citizenship and then secondly elections. Elections are a way to make the consent of the Govern real and palpable and also introduce another important idea from scripture: the idea of accountability, that we all shall live under a kind of judgment. And then the third tool is freedom, freedom of expression." [08:06:36]

"Democracies that use their tools well accomplish many great things, but the Adroid handling of these tools depends on something less visible, a set of shared assumptions that the Ancients called virtue. The habits, conventions, assumptions, instincts, Customs, codes that keep the free individual or a domineering majority from running off the rails or degenerating into chaos." [09:42:40]

"A democracy actually depends on something other than a democracy to work, and that is the virtue, the character of its people, and that must be grounded in some Transcendent order. And so Jesus says seek first the kingdom of God. God, where are you right now, and his righteousness, and that's not an arbitrary pairing." [10:15:48]

"Righteousness is simply God's will as it is being incarnated in my body, in my mind, my thoughts. So your will be done, your kingdom come on Earth starting with me. And even when it comes to a government, the observation is the government itself, the kingdom, whatever you call it, can't work right apart from righteousness." [10:54:12]

"Today, thank God for your government, whatever it is. Thank God for the idea of democracy. Today, pray for the people that lead your government, and then ask God, God, would you help your kingdom to come in our country, and would you help it to come beginning with me." [11:21:76]

"Ask God for humility. Our nation could use a lot of humility in the political sphere. God, could I be open-minded? May I be able to learn, and in particular, might I be able to learn from people who are different than me, and then love. As Jesus says, particularly if you want to be a child of your heavenly father, learn to love not just people who are like you." [11:56:04]

"Love your enemies, and political Dynamics in our days creates a lot of enemies, not for followers of Jesus, not in the kingdom of God. Today, seek the kingdom of God. God, what are you doing? Where are you at work right now, and his righteousness? Everything else will be added. Make it a golden rule day." [12:36:76]

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Transcript
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