Allegiance to the Kingdom: Navigating Faith and Politics

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound and often challenging concept of allegiance in the life of a believer. We began by examining the trial of Jesus before Pilate, where Jesus declared that His kingdom is not of this world. This statement invites us to consider our own allegiances and the nature of the kingdom we are called to represent. As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom, called to embody its values and ethos in our daily lives. This kingdom is characterized by sacrificial love, humility, and a commitment to justice and peace, contrasting sharply with the power dynamics and political systems of the world.

We delved into the historical context of Israel's desire for a king, as recorded in 1 Samuel, and how this reflects humanity's tendency to seek security and identity in earthly power structures rather than in God. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of placing our trust in human institutions over divine sovereignty. The temptation to conflate political power with spiritual authority has been a recurring issue throughout church history, leading to significant crises and divisions.

Our discussion also touched on the concept of enmeshment, where our identities become intertwined with political affiliations, leading to defensiveness and a loss of perspective. We are reminded that our primary allegiance is to Christ and His kingdom, which transcends national and political boundaries. This allegiance calls us to be a non-anxious presence in the world, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel even amidst societal turmoil.

As we navigate the complexities of living in a representative democracy, we are encouraged to engage thoughtfully and critically, always prioritizing our witness to the kingdom of God. This involves a commitment to embodying the values of the kingdom in our interactions and decisions, recognizing that our ultimate hope and identity are found in Christ alone.

Key Takeaways:

1. Kingdom Allegiance: Jesus' declaration that His kingdom is not of this world challenges us to examine where our true allegiance lies. As citizens of heaven, we are called to embody the values of God's kingdom, which often stand in stark contrast to worldly power structures. This allegiance requires a commitment to sacrificial love, humility, and justice. [02:14]

2. Historical Lessons: The story of Israel's desire for a king serves as a reminder of the dangers of seeking security in human institutions rather than in God. This narrative highlights the recurring temptation to conflate political power with spiritual authority, leading to significant crises throughout church history. [20:27]

3. Enmeshment and Identity: Our identities can become enmeshed with political affiliations, leading to defensiveness and a loss of perspective. We must remember that our primary allegiance is to Christ and His kingdom, which transcends national and political boundaries. This calls us to be a non-anxious presence in the world. [25:09]

4. Engagement in Democracy: Living in a representative democracy requires thoughtful and critical engagement, always prioritizing our witness to the kingdom of God. Our ultimate hope and identity are found in Christ, and this should guide our interactions and decisions in the political sphere. [36:15]

5. Witness to the Kingdom: Our task as followers of Jesus is to bear witness to the kingdom of God through our actions and attitudes. This involves embodying the values of the kingdom in our daily lives, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel even amidst societal turmoil. [42:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:53] - Jesus Before Pilate
- [01:45] - The Kingdom Not of This World
- [03:17] - Political Reflections
- [04:23] - Civility and Politics
- [05:15] - Our Calling as Witnesses
- [06:28] - Biblical Literacy and Politics
- [08:54] - Allegiance and Identity
- [09:59] - The Gospel of the Kingdom
- [13:58] - Colony of Heaven
- [14:34] - Vision of Heaven
- [15:24] - Jesus' Vision of Power
- [16:43] - Jesus' Trial and Power
- [18:03] - Allegiance to Caesar
- [20:27] - Israel's Desire for a King
- [21:57] - Jesus' Refusal of Earthly Power
- [23:29] - The Temptation of Power
- [25:09] - Enmeshment in Politics
- [28:37] - Partisan Politics and Faith
- [29:43] - American Civil Religion
- [30:31] - Bearing Witness to Another Country
- [31:47] - Soldiers of Christ
- [33:24] - Engaging Political Systems
- [34:16] - Citizenship in Heaven
- [36:15] - Allegiance and Identity
- [37:39] - The Church's Unique Role
- [38:50] - The Transience of Empires
- [39:54] - Non-Anxious Presence
- [41:24] - Stories of Faith in Crisis
- [42:57] - Invitation to Remember Baptism
- [44:52] - Engaging with Hope
- [45:55] - Evaluating Allegiances
- [47:43] - Pledge of Allegiance to the Kingdom
- [50:07] - Reflection and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 18:28-36
2. 1 Samuel 8:4-7
3. Philippians 3:17-20

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 18:36, Jesus states, "My kingdom is not of this world." What does this imply about the nature of His kingdom compared to earthly kingdoms? [02:14]

2. According to 1 Samuel 8:4-7, why did the Israelites desire a king, and how did God interpret their request? [20:27]

3. Philippians 3:20 mentions that "our citizenship is in heaven." How does this concept of citizenship contrast with earthly citizenship as discussed in the sermon? [13:58]

4. The sermon discusses the concept of enmeshment with political affiliations. What does this term mean, and how can it affect a believer's identity? [25:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' response to Pilate in John 18:36 challenge the traditional understanding of power and authority? What implications does this have for believers today? [02:14]

2. Reflecting on 1 Samuel 8:4-7, what are the potential dangers of seeking security in human institutions rather than in God? How does this narrative serve as a cautionary tale for modern believers? [20:27]

3. In Philippians 3:20, Paul describes believers as citizens of heaven. How should this heavenly citizenship influence a believer's priorities and actions in their daily life? [13:58]

4. The sermon highlights the temptation to conflate political power with spiritual authority. How has this been a recurring issue throughout church history, and what lessons can be learned from past mistakes? [23:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Jesus' kingdom is characterized by sacrificial love, humility, and justice. How can you embody these values in your interactions this week, especially in situations where power dynamics are at play? [02:14]

2. Reflect on a time when you may have placed your trust in human institutions over divine sovereignty. What steps can you take to realign your trust in God? [20:27]

3. Consider your political affiliations and how they might be influencing your identity. Are there areas where you feel defensive or enmeshed? How can you ensure your primary allegiance remains with Christ? [25:09]

4. In what ways can you be a non-anxious presence in your community, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel amidst societal turmoil? [39:54]

5. How can you engage thoughtfully and critically in the political sphere while prioritizing your witness to the kingdom of God? What practical steps can you take to ensure your political engagement aligns with your faith? [36:15]

6. The sermon encourages believers to remember their baptism as a reminder of their allegiance to God's kingdom. How can you regularly remind yourself of your identity in Christ and the values of His kingdom? [42:57]

7. Identify one specific action you can take this week to bear witness to the kingdom of God in your community. How will you hold yourself accountable to this commitment? [47:43]

Devotional

Day 1: Kingdom Allegiance and Heavenly Citizenship
As believers, our allegiance is to a kingdom not of this world, as Jesus declared before Pilate. This kingdom, characterized by sacrificial love, humility, and justice, stands in stark contrast to worldly power structures. Our citizenship in this heavenly kingdom calls us to embody its values in our daily lives, challenging us to live out a commitment to justice and peace. This allegiance requires us to examine where our true loyalties lie and to prioritize the ethos of God's kingdom over earthly systems. [02:14]

John 18:36 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you embody the values of God's kingdom in your interactions today, especially in situations where worldly power dynamics are at play?

Day 2: Historical Lessons on Trust and Authority
The story of Israel's desire for a king, as recorded in 1 Samuel, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking security in human institutions rather than in God. This narrative highlights humanity's recurring temptation to conflate political power with spiritual authority, leading to significant crises throughout church history. By reflecting on this story, we are reminded to place our trust in divine sovereignty rather than in earthly power structures, recognizing the limitations and fallibility of human institutions. [20:27]

1 Samuel 8:6-7 (ESV): "But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, 'Give us a king to judge us.' And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, 'Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.'"

Reflection: Consider a time when you have placed your trust in human institutions over God. How can you shift your trust back to divine sovereignty in your current circumstances?

Day 3: Enmeshment and Identity in Christ
Our identities can become enmeshed with political affiliations, leading to defensiveness and a loss of perspective. This enmeshment can cause us to forget that our primary allegiance is to Christ and His kingdom, which transcends national and political boundaries. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be a non-anxious presence in the world, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel even amidst societal turmoil. This requires us to disentangle our identities from political affiliations and to root ourselves in the values of God's kingdom. [25:09]

Philippians 3:20 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: In what ways have your political affiliations influenced your identity? How can you re-center your identity in Christ and His kingdom today?

Day 4: Thoughtful Engagement in Democracy
Living in a representative democracy requires thoughtful and critical engagement, always prioritizing our witness to the kingdom of God. As citizens of heaven, our ultimate hope and identity are found in Christ, and this should guide our interactions and decisions in the political sphere. We are encouraged to engage with the political systems of our world thoughtfully, ensuring that our actions and attitudes reflect the values of God's kingdom. This involves a commitment to justice, peace, and humility in all our interactions. [36:15]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: How can you engage thoughtfully and critically in the political sphere today, ensuring that your actions reflect the values of God's kingdom?

Day 5: Bearing Witness to the Kingdom of God
Our task as followers of Jesus is to bear witness to the kingdom of God through our actions and attitudes. This involves embodying the values of the kingdom in our daily lives, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel even amidst societal turmoil. As we navigate the complexities of the world, we are called to be a light, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love and grace. Our witness to the kingdom is a powerful testimony to the world, inviting others to experience the peace and hope found in Christ. [42:57]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to bear witness to the kingdom of God in your community, reflecting the peace and hope of the gospel?

Quotes

Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:

1. "who are followers of Jesus or seeking to follow Jesus, that politics cannot adequately deal, these political parties cannot adequately deal with what is facing us. The more we depend on public policy to do the heavy lifting of the way of Jesus, the more we turn politicians or political parties into like low -key, lowercase m messiahs. And I just want to humbly submit to you, the more we lose our calling in the world." [05:15] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Our calling, the argument that I want to make, I'm just going to put it out there at the beginning, is to bear witness to this other world, this kingdom, this thing that Jesus, I just always want to imagine like what was Pilate's face when Jesus was like, my kingdom, you can't see it. If you're a follower of Jesus, we're told some things in the scriptures, and we're going to dive into these things in a minute, that we are citizens of heaven." [06:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "philippians 3 17 join together in following my example brothers and sisters and just as you have us a model keep your eyes on those who live as we do for i have often told you before and i'll tell you again even with tears that many live as enemies of the cross their destiny is destruction their god is their stomach their glory is their shame their mind is set on earthly things so he's saying look there's this just there's a group of people in a way of being in the world where your eyes are set on stuff that isn't good isn't true isn't beautiful isn't lovely isn't right isn't just or it's distorted perverted just like it's just not the stuff and then he says but our citizenship is in heaven our citizenship is in heaven philippi a colony of rome where the currency and ethos and ethics and government are just like rome is he uses this same language to describe the church then as a colony of heaven this raises all sorts of questions by the way there's even translations that use" [12:46] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "One of the greatest ironies of the history of Christianity is that its leaders constantly give in to a non -Christ -like vision of power. Power can be good. Power can be used well. Structures and systems can be used well. But we have seen a caving to something else. A sort of earthly, fleshly political power, military power, economic power." [22:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It seems easier to be God than to love God. It seems easier to control people than to love people. It seems easier to control people than to love people. It seems easier to own life than to love life. What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it's that power offers an easy substitute for the hard work of the devil." [24:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When Christians mistakenly think that they are furthering the kingdom by pronouncing which political options, candidates, or programs are the real Christian ones, they might be letting themselves get, distracted from the one task people in the kingdom are given. Our task, first and foremost, is to do what Jesus did. This is how the world changed. I'm all about exercising your right to vote. Again, next week, representative democracy. We're gonna get into it." [33:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "He goes around showing us what this new citizenship that we are to have looks like. He notices people. He blesses people. He goes out of his way to find those that are lost, and then he tells his followers. He tells us here in 2024 on the eve of an election, he says, be like this, and you'll be blessed. You'll be participating in the joy and have heaven now. It's a better way. It's a different way." [34:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "History is filled with folks coming together, forming close -knit communities, meeting each other's needs, caring for one another, blessing our city without kings and without presidents. His is a theology and practice for the people" [35:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Today, we pledge our ultimate allegiance to the kingdom of God, to a peace that is not like Rome's. We say together, we pledge allegiance to the gospel of enemy love, to the kingdom of the poor and broken. We pledge allegiance to a king that loves his enemies so much he died for them. We pledge allegiance to the global church that transcends the artificial borders of nations. We pledge allegiance come on, to the refugee of Nazareth, to the homeless rabbi who had no place to lay his head. We pledge allegiance to the cross rather than the sword, to the banner of love above any flag." [47:58] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We pledge allegiance to the one who rules with a towel at our feet, to the one who rides a donkey rather than a war horse. We pledge allegiance to the revolution that sets both oppressed and oppressors free. We pledge allegiance to the way that leads to life. We pledge allegiance." [49:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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