Choosing Service Over Politics: A Faithful Response
Summary
In today's message, I addressed the decision to suspend our weekend services for the foreseeable future, a choice that has sparked a range of reactions. This decision is not a defense but a reflection of a core principle of our faith, one that becomes especially relevant in challenging times. Our current climate is marked by a perfect storm of confusion, driven by the politicization of everything, the rise of cancel culture, and a version of Christianity that I call Culture War Christianity. This version is consumed with winning and sees itself as perpetually under attack, which is a perversion of our faith. It sets the church up to be a tool of politicians rather than the conscience of the nation.
Jesus taught and modeled a different way. He refused to take sides in the political and social battles of His time, choosing instead to play a different game with different rules. He played to lose so that others might win, a concept that is counterintuitive to our natural desire to win. Jesus' approach was not about leveraging power for personal gain but about serving others selflessly. This is the essence of the gospel and the foundation of our faith.
Our decision to suspend services is not about fear or political pressure but about loving our neighbors and putting the community's well-being above our own desires. We are choosing to say no to ourselves to say yes to those around us. This is our stand, our expression of faith, and our commitment to the law of Christ. We are not in it to win anything for ourselves but to serve others in Jesus' name.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Perils of Culture War Christianity: Culture War Christianity is a version of faith that focuses on winning and sees itself as under attack. This approach is a distortion of true Christianity, which should be about serving others and being the conscience of the nation, not a tool for political agendas. [05:15]
2. Jesus' Radical Approach to Power: Jesus refused to play the political games of His time, choosing instead to serve others selflessly. He played to lose so that others might win, demonstrating that true power is found in humility and service, not in domination or control. [12:08]
3. The Church's Role in Society: The church should not align itself with political parties or agendas. Instead, it should focus on being the conscience of the nation, advocating for justice, fairness, and dignity for all, as taught by Jesus. [23:08]
4. Our Decision to Suspend Services: The decision to suspend services is not about fear or political pressure but about loving our neighbors and prioritizing the community's well-being. This is our stand and our expression of faith, putting others first as Jesus did. [27:07]
5. Embracing New Opportunities: In this season, we have a unique opportunity to inspire more people to follow Jesus. By focusing on what we can do rather than what we can't, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. [28:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Introduction to the Decision
[01:04] - The Perfect Storm of Confusion
[01:43] - Politicization of Everything
[02:10] - The Rise of Cancel Culture
[05:15] - Culture War Christianity
[06:29] - The Church as the Conscience
[09:44] - Jesus' Refusal to Take Sides
[12:08] - Jesus' Radical Approach
[15:20] - The Disciples' Misunderstanding
[18:08] - The Kingdom's Different Rules
[20:11] - The First Christians' Example
[23:08] - The Church's Role in Society
[25:00] - Our Decision Explained
[28:18] - Embracing New Opportunities
[31:57] - Four New Habits for the Season
[33:32] - A Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross."
2. Matthew 20:28 - "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. John 13:14-15 - "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key characteristics of "Culture War Christianity" as described in the sermon? [05:15]
2. How did Jesus' approach to power differ from the political and social expectations of His time? [12:08]
3. What reasons were given for the decision to suspend weekend services? [27:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in society? [23:08]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "playing to lose" as Jesus did challenge traditional views of success and power? [12:08]
2. In what ways might "Culture War Christianity" distort the message and mission of the church? [05:15]
3. How can the church act as the conscience of the nation without aligning with political agendas? [23:08]
4. What does it mean to put the community's well-being above personal desires, according to the sermon? [27:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to "win" in a situation. How might adopting Jesus' approach of "playing to lose" have changed the outcome? [12:08]
2. How can you personally avoid falling into the trap of "Culture War Christianity" in your daily interactions and conversations? [05:15]
3. What are some practical ways you can serve others selflessly in your community this week, following Jesus' example? [12:08]
4. How can you ensure that your actions and words reflect the church's role as the conscience of the nation rather than a political tool? [23:08]
5. In what ways can you contribute to the well-being of your community during this time of suspended services? [27:07]
6. Identify one new opportunity to inspire someone to follow Jesus in this season. How will you pursue this opportunity? [28:18]
7. How can you establish a new routine that keeps you connected to your faith community during this time? [30:14]
Devotional
Day 1: The Distortion of Culture War Christianity
Culture War Christianity is a version of faith that focuses on winning and perceives itself as under attack. This approach distorts the essence of true Christianity, which should be about serving others and acting as the conscience of the nation, rather than being a tool for political agendas. In today's world, where everything seems politicized, it's easy to fall into the trap of aligning faith with political ideologies. However, true Christianity calls for a focus on love, service, and humility, transcending political divides. By stepping away from the culture wars, believers can better reflect the teachings of Jesus and serve as a beacon of hope and conscience in society. [05:15]
"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed political or cultural battles to influence your faith? How can you refocus on serving others and being a conscience in your community today?
Day 2: Jesus' Counterintuitive Approach to Power
Jesus refused to engage in the political games of His time, choosing instead to serve others selflessly. His approach was radical, as He played to lose so that others might win, demonstrating that true power is found in humility and service, not in domination or control. This counterintuitive approach challenges our natural desire to win and leverage power for personal gain. By following Jesus' example, believers can embrace a life of service and humility, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal success. This is the essence of the gospel and the foundation of our faith. [12:08]
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice humility and service in your daily life, especially in situations where you are tempted to assert power or control?
Day 3: The Church as the Conscience of Society
The church should not align itself with political parties or agendas. Instead, it should focus on being the conscience of the nation, advocating for justice, fairness, and dignity for all, as taught by Jesus. In a world where the church is often used as a tool for political gain, it's crucial to remember its true role as a moral compass. By prioritizing justice and dignity, the church can influence society positively and reflect the teachings of Christ. This requires a commitment to stand apart from political affiliations and focus on the core values of the gospel. [23:08]
"Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place." (Jeremiah 22:3, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you and your church community advocate for justice and dignity in your local context, without aligning with political agendas?
Day 4: Prioritizing Community Well-being
The decision to suspend services is not about fear or political pressure but about loving our neighbors and prioritizing the community's well-being. This decision reflects a commitment to the law of Christ, putting others first as Jesus did. In times of uncertainty, it's essential to focus on the well-being of the community, even if it means making difficult decisions. By choosing to say no to ourselves, we can say yes to those around us, embodying the love and selflessness that Jesus taught. This is a powerful expression of faith and a testament to the church's role in society. [27:07]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prioritize the well-being of your community in your daily decisions, even when it requires personal sacrifice?
Day 5: Embracing New Opportunities
In this season, we have a unique opportunity to inspire more people to follow Jesus. By focusing on what we can do rather than what we can't, we can make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. This perspective shift allows believers to see challenges as opportunities for growth and service. By embracing new ways to connect and serve, the church can continue to fulfill its mission and reach more people with the message of Jesus. This requires creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of comfort zones to make a difference. [28:18]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV)
Reflection: What new opportunities can you embrace today to serve others and share the message of Jesus, even in challenging circumstances?
Quotes
Our decision to suspend services is not about fear or political pressure but about loving our neighbors and prioritizing the community's well-being. This is our stand and our expression of faith, putting others first as Jesus did. [00:27:07]
Culture War Christianity is a version of Christianity consumed with winning. It sees itself perpetually under attack and consequently feels the need to attack back. It requires an enemy for sustainability. I am convinced that it is a perversion of our faith. [00:05:15]
Jesus refused to play the political games of His time, choosing instead to serve others selflessly. He played to lose so that others might win, demonstrating that true power is found in humility and service, not in domination or control. [00:12:08]
The church should not align itself with political parties or agendas. Instead, it should focus on being the conscience of the nation, advocating for justice, fairness, and dignity for all, as taught by Jesus. [00:23:08]
Jesus, who being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [00:23:08]
The first generation of Christians refused to leverage privilege or power for their own benefit. It was always for the benefit of others. They were not in it to win anything. They lived selfless lives in Jesus' name. [00:20:11]
Jesus played to lose so that the other team, that would be me and that would be you, could win. This is why He never took sides because neither side was willing to lose for the sake of the other side. [00:12:08]
The church always looks more Christ-like when we are defending other people's rights rather than our own. The church always looks more Christ-like when we are giving away rather than demanding our way. [00:15:20]
We are saying no to us as a way of saying yes to those around us, because it's not about us. We did not suspend services because of government pressure. There was none. We're not afraid. We're not bowing to social, cultural, or political pressure. [00:27:07]
Throughout history when the church has opted for the tools and the machinery of the kingdoms of this world, the church ends up looking just like this world. And the church ultimately becomes a pawn. [00:23:08]
Jesus refused to attach His name to the what's-in-it-for-us party. The party that insists on winning. The party that fears losing. The party or the person who clings to rather than gives up. [00:12:08]
We are not in it to win anything for ourselves. We are Jesus' followers. Jesus, who being in very nature, God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. [00:23:08]
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