Aligning Hearts and Votes with Kingdom Values
Summary
In today's gathering, I emphasized the importance of voting as a Christian duty, urging everyone to participate in the electoral process. With a significant number of Christians abstaining from voting, it is crucial to recognize that our participation is not just a civic duty but a spiritual one. We must not place our hope in political leaders but in Jesus Christ, understanding that our role is to elect those who align with our values, even if imperfectly. The church's mission is to uphold the gospel, and our voting should reflect the values we hold dear from the Bible.
Transitioning to the topic of money and possessions, I explored Jesus' teachings from Matthew 6:19-24. Jesus challenges us to consider where we store our treasures—on earth or in heaven. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable to decay and theft, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. Our relationship with material possessions reveals our spiritual condition, and Jesus invites us to invest in the kingdom of God, which offers true and lasting value.
Jesus uses three metaphors to illustrate our choices regarding material possessions: the heart, the eyes, and the hands. Our heart follows our treasure, indicating that where we invest our resources reveals our true priorities. The eyes, as the lamp of the body, reflect our generosity and how we view others. Good eyes are generous and compassionate, while bad eyes are selfish and blind to others' needs. Finally, Jesus warns that we cannot serve two masters; we must choose between God and money. Our allegiance to one will dictate our life's direction and priorities.
In closing, I shared the story of Humphrey Monmouth, a businessman who supported William Tyndale's translation of the Bible into English. Monmouth's investment in God's kingdom work had a lasting impact, reminding us that our material resources can be used for eternal purposes. Jesus invites us to live the good life by aligning our hearts, eyes, and hands with His kingdom values.
Key Takeaways:
- Voting is a spiritual responsibility for Christians, reflecting our values and beliefs. By participating in elections, we contribute to shaping a society that aligns with biblical principles, even if the candidates are imperfect. Our hope should remain in Jesus Christ, not in political leaders. [24:01]
- Jesus teaches us to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth. Earthly possessions are temporary and vulnerable, while heavenly investments are eternal and secure. Our heart follows our treasure, revealing our true priorities and spiritual condition. [36:23]
- The eyes, as the lamp of the body, reflect our generosity and how we view others. Good eyes are generous and compassionate, focusing on others' needs, while bad eyes are selfish and blind to others' needs. Our perspective on material possessions reveals our spiritual condition. [47:24]
- We cannot serve two masters; we must choose between God and money. Our allegiance to one will dictate our life's direction and priorities. Jesus invites us to live for something greater than ourselves, aligning our lives with His kingdom values. [52:56]
- The story of Humphrey Monmouth and William Tyndale illustrates the impact of investing in God's kingdom work. Our material resources can be used for eternal purposes, and Jesus invites us to live the good life by aligning our hearts, eyes, and hands with His kingdom values. [59:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[22:27] - The Importance of Voting
[24:01] - Hope in Jesus, Not Politics
[25:18] - Church Values vs. Political Issues
[26:39] - The Void of Not Voting
[27:30] - Voting as a Privilege and Duty
[28:35] - Platforms Over Personalities
[29:49] - Silence as Approval
[31:51] - Introduction to Money and Possessions
[33:03] - Treasures on Earth vs. Treasures in Heaven
[35:03] - The Choice of the Heart
[37:35] - The Booming Business of Storage
[39:33] - The Risk of Earthly Investments
[41:41] - Investing in Heaven
[42:51] - Where Your Treasure Is
[46:03] - The Greatest Treasure
[47:24] - The Choice of the Eyes
[50:15] - Good Eyes vs. Bad Eyes
[51:17] - The Choice of the Hands
[52:56] - Serving Two Masters
[55:16] - The Invitation to the Good Life
[55:58] - Money as a Servant or Master
[57:00] - The Story of Humphrey Monmouth
[59:02] - Investing in Kingdom Work
[01:00:29] - Invitation to Participate
[01:01:32] - Preparing for Communion
[01:02:40] - Communion: The Bread
[01:04:03] - Communion: The Cup
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:19-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two types of treasures Jesus contrasts in Matthew 6:19-24, and what are their characteristics? [35:03]
2. How does Jesus describe the role of the eyes in relation to the body, and what does this metaphor suggest about our spiritual condition? [47:24]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the story of Humphrey Monmouth and William Tyndale in the context of investing in God's kingdom? [57:00]
4. What does Jesus mean when He says, "No one can serve two masters," and how does this relate to our relationship with money? [52:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth change a person's priorities and lifestyle? [36:23]
2. In what ways can having "good eyes" influence a person's interactions with others and their view of material possessions? [48:38]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between voting and Christian values, and how does this reflect one's spiritual responsibilities? [24:01]
4. How does the story of Humphrey Monmouth challenge modern Christians to use their resources for kingdom purposes? [59:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current investments of time, money, and energy. Are they more aligned with earthly treasures or heavenly ones? What changes can you make to prioritize heavenly investments? [36:23]
2. Consider your perspective on material possessions. Do you have "good eyes" that are generous and compassionate, or "bad eyes" that are selfish? How can you cultivate a more generous outlook? [47:24]
3. How do you currently balance your allegiance between God and money? What practical steps can you take to ensure God remains your primary master? [52:56]
4. In what ways can you actively participate in the electoral process to reflect your Christian values, even when candidates are imperfect? [24:01]
5. Think about a specific area in your life where you might be serving two masters. What is one action you can take this week to realign your priorities with God's kingdom? [52:56]
6. How can you use your resources, like Humphrey Monmouth, to support kingdom work in your community or globally? Identify one specific action you can take this month. [59:02]
7. Reflect on a recent decision involving money or possessions. How did your spiritual condition influence that decision, and what would you do differently in light of Jesus' teachings? [50:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Voting as a Spiritual Responsibility
As Christians, participating in the electoral process is not merely a civic duty but a spiritual one. By voting, believers have the opportunity to influence society in a way that aligns with biblical values. While political leaders are imperfect, the act of voting allows Christians to express their values and contribute to shaping a society that reflects those principles. It is essential to remember that our ultimate hope should be in Jesus Christ, not in political figures. Engaging in the electoral process is a way to live out our faith and demonstrate our commitment to the values we hold dear. [24:01]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself spiritually to vote in a way that reflects your Christian values in the upcoming election?
Day 2: Storing Treasures in Heaven
Jesus teaches that earthly possessions are temporary and vulnerable, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. Our relationship with material possessions reveals our spiritual condition, as our heart follows our treasure. By investing in the kingdom of God, we align our priorities with eternal values. This perspective challenges us to evaluate where we store our treasures and to consider the lasting impact of our investments. Jesus invites us to focus on what truly matters and to seek treasures that will endure beyond this life. [36:23]
Matthew 6:20-21 (ESV): "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one earthly possession you hold onto tightly, and how can you begin to shift your focus towards investing in heavenly treasures?
Day 3: The Eyes as the Lamp of the Body
The eyes, as the lamp of the body, reflect our generosity and how we view others. Good eyes are generous and compassionate, focusing on others' needs, while bad eyes are selfish and blind to others' needs. Our perspective on material possessions reveals our spiritual condition and influences how we interact with the world. Jesus calls us to have eyes that are open to the needs of others and to be generous in our actions. By doing so, we reflect the light of Christ and demonstrate His love to those around us. [47:24]
Proverbs 22:9 (ESV): "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you had to be generous. How did you respond, and what can you do to cultivate a more generous perspective in the future?
Day 4: Choosing Between God and Money
Jesus warns that we cannot serve two masters; we must choose between God and money. Our allegiance to one will dictate our life's direction and priorities. This choice challenges us to evaluate where our true loyalty lies and to consider the impact of our decisions on our spiritual journey. Jesus invites us to live for something greater than ourselves, aligning our lives with His kingdom values. By choosing God over money, we find true fulfillment and purpose in serving His kingdom. [52:56]
1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV): "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself torn between serving God and pursuing material wealth? How can you realign your priorities to serve God wholeheartedly?
Day 5: Investing in God's Kingdom Work
The story of Humphrey Monmouth and William Tyndale illustrates the impact of investing in God's kingdom work. Monmouth's support of Tyndale's translation of the Bible into English had a lasting impact, demonstrating that our material resources can be used for eternal purposes. Jesus invites us to live the good life by aligning our hearts, eyes, and hands with His kingdom values. By investing in God's work, we contribute to something greater than ourselves and leave a legacy that extends beyond our lifetime. [59:02]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Consider a cause or ministry that aligns with God's kingdom values. How can you use your resources to support and invest in this work today?
Quotes
1. "As I've reminded you many times, the church alone is the institution that God gave to present the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not our government, not our president, not our legislatures. We're glad if they do. But if they don't, we want them to still, align with some of our values and I trust you do that when you go to the booth this week if you haven't already." [00:24:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So check yourself as you go. Where are you putting your hope? If you're putting your hope in a man or a woman for the changes you want, you're gonna be totally disappointed. As the Bible does tell us as believers in Christ, our only hope is in Jesus Christ. We've sung about that today." [00:24:40] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But as believers, we follow Jesus Christ and his word and we do our best as active citizens to choose those people. We get the privilege to do this who align with our values and our moral understanding that comes from the word of God. Understand that none are gonna be perfect in that." [00:24:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We're called to be faithful. And number one, when you don't vote, you create a void. If there's 105 million Christians not voting, that's one-fourth of our population that's not getting a vote on the values and morals. And somebody will fill that gap for you. And you might not like it." [00:26:18] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Let me just lastly say that silence in your vote is a form of approval of what's going on, because somebody will fill the gap. It's a sign of approval. The Bible says, he who knows the truth and doesn't do it, what is that to him? Sin." [00:29:46] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And so Jesus is just inviting you to say the one who calls me master, no matter whether he eats or drinks or goes about doing business, buys or sells or loans, the one who calls me master can do all to the glory of God. But you can't do all to the glory of God. You can't do both." [00:55:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And he invites you into his kingdom. And just remember, money is a wonderful servant. It's a horrible master. But there is a wonderful master that invites you to bow down to." [00:55:58] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And that's still happening in our world today. People who have a vision to see what they can stockpile in the Lord's good work. And I want to invite you into that process as well. Remember, Jesus is inviting you to the good life." [01:00:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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