Aligning Faith with Politics: A Call to Prayer
Summary
In our gathering today, I wanted to create a space for a family-like discussion, much like the conversations we have around the dinner table. As we approach the 2024 election, my focus is not on the immediate political outcomes but on how we can align our lives with God's word over the next four years. Politics can be divisive, and while we've often avoided discussing it in small groups to maintain unity, it's crucial to understand that Jesus' lordship extends to every area of life, including politics. Our goal should be to think God's thoughts after Him, transforming our minds to discern His will, as Romans 12:2 instructs us.
We must avoid contention and instead lead with prayer, lifting holy hands without wrath or dissension. Contention blinds us, causing us to see others as adversaries rather than fellow image-bearers of God. Instead, we should focus on the policies that align with God's heart, such as protecting the unborn and the vulnerable, and promoting personal responsibility. Our engagement in politics should be about seeking the well-being of our temporary home, much like the Israelites were instructed to do in Babylon. We are called to be a blessing to the land we inhabit, influencing it positively for future generations.
Moreover, we must be cautious of idolatry, placing our trust in God rather than political figures. Our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, and our actions should reflect His teachings. As Christians, we are to pray for all in authority, seeking God's will and the salvation of all people. Prayer is a powerful tool that can transform hearts and influence leaders. As we navigate the political landscape, let us prioritize the gospel of Jesus Christ above all else, allowing it to guide our actions and interactions.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transforming Our Minds: As followers of Christ, we are called to continually renew our minds, aligning our thoughts with God's will. This transformation allows us to discern His good, perfect, and pleasing will, impacting every area of our lives, including politics. By thinking God's thoughts after Him, we become more like Christ and better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world. [02:02]
2. Avoiding Contention: Contention and strife blind us to the truth and hinder our ability to see others as God sees them. Instead of engaging in arguments, we should lead with prayer, lifting holy hands without wrath or dissension. This posture of humility and peace allows us to focus on the policies that align with God's heart, rather than getting caught up in personal attacks. [10:39]
3. Seeking the Well-being of Our Temporary Home: Like the Israelites in Babylon, we are called to seek the prosperity of the land we inhabit. By engaging positively in our communities and political systems, we can influence them for good, leaving a legacy for future generations. Our actions should reflect our commitment to being a blessing to those around us. [17:58]
4. Policy Over Personality: In a political climate often driven by personality, we must focus on the policies that align with biblical principles. While we may not always agree with the character of political leaders, our priority should be on the outcomes their policies will bring about, ensuring they reflect God's justice and mercy. [22:00]
5. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a vital tool for Christians, enabling us to influence leaders and bring about change. By praying for all in authority, we align ourselves with God's desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Our prayers can open doors for the gospel and transform hearts, making a lasting impact on our world. [35:17]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:02] - The Role of Politics in Faith
- [04:15] - Avoiding Political Contention
- [06:04] - Christian Conduct in Politics
- [07:39] - Praying for Tranquility and Salvation
- [08:58] - The Role of a Mediator
- [10:39] - Lifting Holy Hands in Prayer
- [12:42] - The Danger of Contention
- [13:55] - Judging Motives and Arguments
- [15:07] - Finding Good in Others
- [16:59] - Building Unity in Fellowship
- [17:58] - Seeking the Prosperity of Our Land
- [18:52] - Leaving a Legacy for Future Generations
- [20:41] - Engaging in Political Action
- [22:00] - Policy Over Personality
- [23:27] - Avoiding Political Idolatry
- [24:46] - The Importance of Policies
- [25:34] - The Direction of Political Trains
- [26:57] - Aligning Policies with Jesus' Teachings
- [28:16] - Protecting the Unborn and Vulnerable
- [29:13] - Personal Responsibility and Generosity
- [31:05] - The Role of Free Speech
- [32:58] - Speaking the Truth in Love
- [34:03] - The Call to Prayer
- [35:17] - Praying for Influencers
- [37:19] - Reflecting on Our Interactions
- [38:30] - Time for Reflection and Prayer
- [39:22] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform 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."
2. 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 12:2, what is the result of transforming and renewing our minds? How does this relate to discerning God's will in our lives, including in political matters? [02:02]
2. In 1 Timothy 2:1-8, what types of prayers does Paul encourage believers to make, and for whom should these prayers be made? [07:39]
3. What are the two main outcomes that God desires according to 1 Timothy 2:1-8, and how do they relate to our conduct in society? [08:58]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should approach political discussions within the church community? [04:15]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the transformation of our minds, as described in Romans 12:2, influence our political views and actions? What does it mean to think God's thoughts after Him? [02:02]
2. Why does Paul emphasize praying for all people, including those in authority, in 1 Timothy 2:1-8? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the power of prayer in political contexts? [07:39]
3. The sermon mentions the danger of contention and strife. How does this relate to the biblical instruction to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness? [10:39]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between policy and personality in political engagement? How does this reflect biblical principles? [22:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current political views. How can you ensure they are aligned with a transformed mind as described in Romans 12:2? What steps can you take to renew your mind in this area? [02:02]
2. Consider your approach to political discussions. How can you lead with prayer and avoid contention, as encouraged in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to foster peace and unity? [10:39]
3. How can you actively seek the well-being of your community, as the Israelites were instructed in Babylon? Identify one specific action you can take this week to be a blessing to your local area. [17:58]
4. In what ways might you be placing too much trust in political figures rather than in God? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's will and the gospel of Jesus Christ? [24:46]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer for those in authority. Choose one leader or influencer to pray for this week. What specific prayers will you offer for them? [35:17]
6. Reflect on a recent political discussion you had. How did you handle differing opinions? What could you do differently next time to ensure the conversation is respectful and constructive? [13:55]
7. Identify a policy issue that you feel strongly about. How can you engage with this issue in a way that reflects Christ's teachings and promotes justice and mercy? [22:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Renewing Our Minds for God's Will
In a world filled with diverse opinions and ideologies, it is crucial for believers to continually renew their minds to align with God's will. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that allows us to discern what is good, perfect, and pleasing to God. By thinking God's thoughts after Him, we become more like Christ and are better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world, including the political landscape. This renewal empowers us to engage with the world in a way that reflects God's heart and purposes. [02:02]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What specific area of your thinking needs renewal to better align with God's will today?
Day 2: Leading with Prayer, Not Contention
Contention and strife can blind us to the truth and hinder our ability to see others as God sees them. Instead of engaging in arguments, believers are called to lead with prayer, lifting holy hands without wrath or dissension. This posture of humility and peace allows us to focus on the policies that align with God's heart, rather than getting caught up in personal attacks. By prioritizing prayer over contention, we open ourselves to God's guidance and wisdom in our interactions with others. [10:39]
"I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling." (1 Timothy 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you have been in conflict with recently? How can you pray for them today instead of engaging in further contention?
Day 3: Being a Blessing to Our Temporary Home
Just as the Israelites were called to seek the prosperity of Babylon, believers today are called to seek the well-being of the land they inhabit. By engaging positively in our communities and political systems, we can influence them for good, leaving a legacy for future generations. Our actions should reflect our commitment to being a blessing to those around us, demonstrating God's love and justice in tangible ways. This involves actively participating in the welfare of our communities and seeking to make a positive impact. [17:58]
"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 practical way you can contribute to the well-being of your community this week?
Day 4: Prioritizing Policy Over Personality
In a political climate often driven by personality, it is essential for believers to focus on the policies that align with biblical principles. While we may not always agree with the character of political leaders, our priority should be on the outcomes their policies will bring about, ensuring they reflect God's justice and mercy. This approach helps us to remain grounded in our faith and values, rather than being swayed by the charisma or flaws of individuals. [22:00]
"Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34, ESV)
Reflection: What is one policy issue you feel passionate about? How can you advocate for it in a way that reflects God's justice and mercy?
Day 5: Harnessing the Power of Prayer
Prayer is a vital tool for Christians, enabling us to influence leaders and bring about change. By praying for all in authority, we align ourselves with God's desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Our prayers can open doors for the gospel and transform hearts, making a lasting impact on our world. This powerful practice invites God's intervention in the affairs of humanity and aligns our hearts with His purposes. [35:17]
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is a leader you can commit to praying for regularly? How can your prayers support their leadership in a way that aligns with God's will?
Quotes
1. "I'm really way more concerned about not so much Tuesday's election. For those who are listening, maybe in the future, we are the weekend before the 2024 election. I'm less concerned about what you're going to do then because I'm guessing most of you know, if you're going to do anything or you've already done anything, you already know what you're going to do. What I want to do is I want to influence perhaps with God's word, the coming four years, because it's true. This is going to be more elections. If you and I stay alive, we're going to be around a little bit longer. And while the election will end, perhaps the political turmoil will not." [00:00:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Here's what I would tell you though. As a pastor, I'm asked by Jesus to teach God's word pretty much on every part of life. So if you're married, I'm supposed to teach God's word on marriage, on parenting, on what to do as a business person, on what to do in the home, what to do with just about anything. And as I'm thinking this through, I'm like, why do we leave politics out of that? Like, does Jesus not have lordship over everything?" [00:02:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Like, dude, we just need to know God's word in every area of life. So that's my heart. That's what I'm trying to do here. I want to encourage you. I'll bet you there's something, even though I might say something that makes you mad, there's probably also something that might be genuinely God for you today. And even if 90 % of it isn't, please be open for the 10 % that might be. Because what we're going to try to do is we're going to try to fine tune our brains. It's really true that as we grow up in all things into Christ, one of the things that should be shifting is we should be increasingly thinking God's thoughts after him." [00:03:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's one other warning that we're going to take from the scriptures, and that is, Christian, if you really trust Jesus, and you may not, okay? So you are just like, what do these Christians think? This is going to be a hard message maybe for you to really get your arms around, because it's from the Bible, and it's from a people that are exalting the Bible as the highest standard, and the thing that we have to obey. So if you're not there, just kind of roll with me. At least you'll have a good education on the way Christians are trying to think about this. But Christian, if you're a Christian, the truth is there should be a radical difference between how you act in a political climate and how everybody else acts." [00:05:27] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I do think we need to be exceedingly prayerful about not only what happens, but about our steps and the people that we're around as we do it. And finally, I think we need to seek the good of the land that we're in. And that's what we're gonna see. Let's start with 1 Timothy 2, verses one through eight. So Paul is talking to Timothy and he knows Timothy's gonna pass on this letter to others and he knows Timothy's going to instruct his church and he wants to make sure in the church, they've got a lot of secular authorities. And he says, guys, I wanna make sure that you relate rightly to your secular authorities. I wanna make sure even though you're persecuted, even though you know very much you're in exile here, you're not like at home here in this world, even so you've been given secular authorities and I don't want you to just forget about them. I want you to remember them." [00:06:23] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Contention means arguments and fighting, especially over the law. Contention means over beliefs and that kind of thing. I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without wrath and dissension. Let's just pull these apart a little bit at a time. I want the men. That doesn't mean he doesn't want the ladies, but men, sometimes we're challenged. Hey, dude, you're supposed to lead. You're supposed to lead your family. You're supposed to lead in spiritual things, and men want to be tough, and men want to be strong. Men maybe want the position, and God says, whatever you do, men, first of all, pray." [00:09:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I really think most of the time Jesus would say, don't opt out, guys. Don't opt out of the land that I put you in. You can make it better, but you've got to go after it for the decades that are going to follow you. You can renew your mind. You can keep growing. You can keep growing and keep making things better. Now, some are going to say, but Carter, what if, okay, what if there's actually good things I want to happen, but the person that would usher that in is super mean, sometimes funny, sometimes a bully, sometimes yelling." [00:21:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Here's what I would encourage you, what I feel like is a good biblical idea. Policy over personality. Policy over personality. Because here's why. I don't get to vote for the person I would pick. And you don't either. Have you noticed that? Like, it doesn't matter what you wish. I wish different things too. I wish Craig Rochelle could be president of the United States. I'd totally vote for him. He'd be my pick for sure. Like, I'd pick him. Here's the problem. He's not running." [00:22:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Now, some of us, I'm just going to, I'm going to meddle for a second. Now, you're my family, okay? So, we're at the family dinner table, not picking on anybody. I'm just going to give you some thoughts because I think they're saved thoughts. There's a real thing that I think is, whether it's Trump or Harris, it's Trump derangement syndrome or Harris derangement syndrome, meaning it is so emotional that it can't quite think straight. You're so hating this person that you can't quite think straight. But I think there's another side to it, and I think we need to look at it. And we could call it Trump idolatry syndrome or Harris idolatry syndrome. Check it out." [00:23:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I know you're going into a holiday season. I know you're going to see some people. I know you're going into this coming Tuesday and you're going to have feelings. And I'm not asking you to not have very provoked feelings about things, but I'm asking, can we, can we just reflect for a moment and say, what if as I interact with people, as I see old girl on TV, instead of being like venom in my throat, instead say, I'm going to try to think of something good about her. Or if I see old boy, I'm going to try to think of something good about him. I'm going to try to be gracious with the people that I'm around. I'm going to be going to turn off just only slander." [00:36:41] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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