Empowered to Vote: Unity and Forgiveness in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound responsibility and privilege we hold as Christians in the context of voting and living under God's commanded blessing. We began by addressing the alarming statistic that over 31 million evangelical Christians are choosing not to vote in the upcoming election. This decision, often based on dissatisfaction with the candidates, overlooks the significant impact that a unified Christian vote could have on local and national levels. We are reminded that our voting rights were secured at a high cost and that abstaining from voting is essentially relinquishing our voice to those who may not share our biblical values. As followers of Christ, we are called to vote in alignment with biblical principles, focusing on platforms rather than personalities, and to engage in prayer and fasting for our nation's spiritual future.
Transitioning into our new series, "Unoffended," we delved into the inevitability of offenses in our lives and the critical question of how we choose to respond to them. Offenses, described as wounds to the heart, are traps set by the enemy to lead us into division and away from God's blessing. The key to overcoming these offenses lies in understanding and living under the commanded blessing of God, which is rooted in unity. Unity is a powerful force that God blesses, while division is a tool of the enemy. We explored the stages of unforgiveness, from initial hurt to bitterness and slander, and the importance of addressing these issues to prevent them from taking root in our hearts.
The path to freedom from offense is found in the way of the cross, where we are called to forgive as Christ forgave us. This forgiveness is not based on the severity or frequency of the offense but is a continual act of grace. By choosing to forgive, we align ourselves with the heart of God and open the door to His abundant life and blessing. As we move forward in this series, we will continue to explore the steps to living a life free from offense, rooted in the grace and forgiveness of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Voting: As Christians, we have a responsibility to engage in the political process, not just as a civic duty but as a spiritual act. Our vote is a voice for biblical values, and abstaining from voting is relinquishing that voice to those who may not share our beliefs. Consider the impact of a unified Christian vote on local and national levels. [35:41]
- Living Under God's Commanded Blessing: Unity is the key to living under God's commanded blessing. When we walk in unity, God commands His blessing upon us, and no power can revoke it. Division, on the other hand, is a tool of the enemy to disrupt God's work in our lives. [44:22]
- The Trap of Offense: Offenses are inevitable, but how we respond to them determines our spiritual health. Holding onto offenses leads to bitterness and division, while forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's heart. Recognize offenses as traps set by the enemy and choose to forgive. [51:17]
- Stages of Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness progresses from hurt to anger, bitterness, and slander. Each stage further entraps us and distances us from God's blessing. It's crucial to address offenses early and seek reconciliation to prevent them from taking root in our hearts. [58:16]
- Forgiving as Christ Forgave: True forgiveness mirrors the forgiveness we have received from Christ. It is immediate, complete, and not based on the severity of the offense. By choosing to forgive, we reflect the grace of God and open ourselves to His abundant life. [01:11:46]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:45] - Praise and Announcements
- [2:30] - Pray and Vote Initiative
- [5:15] - The Importance of Voting
- [8:00] - Voting with Biblical Values
- [10:45] - Introduction to "Unoffended" Series
- [13:30] - The Inevitability of Offenses
- [16:00] - Living Under God's Commanded Blessing
- [19:45] - The Power of Unity
- [22:30] - The Trap of Offense
- [25:00] - Stages of Unforgiveness
- [28:45] - The Path to Forgiveness
- [32:00] - Forgiving as Christ Forgave
- [35:00] - Invitation to Walk the Way of Jesus
- [38:00] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Proverbs 6:16-19
- Psalm 133
- Colossians 3:12-13
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what is the significance of voting as a Christian, and how does it relate to biblical values? [35:41]
2. What does Psalm 133 say about the relationship between unity and God's blessing? How was this concept explained in the sermon? [44:22]
3. How does the sermon describe the progression of unforgiveness, and what are the stages mentioned? [58:16]
4. What is the "scandalon" as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the concept of offense? [53:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon suggest that unity among believers can impact the perception of the church by the outside world? [47:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon connect the act of voting with spiritual responsibility and biblical principles? [38:58]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of forgiveness in living under God's commanded blessing, and what biblical examples are used to illustrate this? [51:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between unresolved offense and division within the church? [49:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your voting habits. How can you ensure that your political choices align with your biblical values, as discussed in the sermon? [35:41]
2. Consider a situation where you have experienced division in a community or relationship. How can you work towards unity and reconciliation in that context? [44:22]
3. Identify a personal offense you have been holding onto. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness and healing? [58:16]
4. How can you actively guard against bitterness and slander in your interactions with others, especially within your church community? [58:16]
5. Think of a time when you were offended by someone close to you. How can you apply the principles of Matthew 18 to address and resolve that offense? [01:03:13]
6. How can you cultivate a heart of forgiveness that mirrors the forgiveness you have received from Christ, even when it feels difficult? [01:11:46]
7. Reflect on the concept of living under God's commanded blessing. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is aligned with God's will and open to His blessings? [44:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Spiritual Act of Voting
As Christians, voting is not just a civic duty but a spiritual responsibility. The decision to vote should be guided by biblical principles, focusing on platforms rather than personalities. Abstaining from voting is akin to relinquishing our voice to those who may not share our values. The impact of a unified Christian vote can be profound on both local and national levels. It is essential to remember that our voting rights were secured at a high cost, and we are called to use them wisely. Engaging in prayer and fasting for our nation's spiritual future is a crucial part of this process. [35:41]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to vote in alignment with biblical values in the upcoming election?
Day 2: Unity Under God's Commanded Blessing
Unity is a powerful force that God blesses, while division is a tool of the enemy. Living under God's commanded blessing requires walking in unity with others. When we are united, God commands His blessing upon us, and no power can revoke it. Division disrupts God's work in our lives and hinders the flow of His blessings. It is crucial to strive for unity in our relationships, communities, and churches to experience the fullness of God's blessing. [44:22]
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore." (Psalm 133:1, 3b, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively promote unity in your community or church this week?
Day 3: Recognizing and Overcoming the Trap of Offense
Offenses are inevitable in life, but how we respond to them determines our spiritual health. Holding onto offenses leads to bitterness and division, while forgiveness brings freedom and aligns us with God's heart. Offenses are described as wounds to the heart and are traps set by the enemy to lead us away from God's blessing. Recognizing offenses as traps and choosing to forgive is essential for spiritual growth and health. [51:17]
"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." (Proverbs 19:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent offense you have experienced. How can you choose to forgive and release it to God today?
Day 4: The Stages of Unforgiveness
Unforgiveness progresses from hurt to anger, bitterness, and slander. Each stage further entraps us and distances us from God's blessing. It is crucial to address offenses early and seek reconciliation to prevent them from taking root in our hearts. By doing so, we can prevent the destructive cycle of unforgiveness and maintain a healthy spiritual life. Understanding these stages helps us to be vigilant in guarding our hearts against bitterness and division. [58:16]
"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." (Ephesians 4:31, ESV)
Reflection: Are there any stages of unforgiveness present in your heart today? How can you begin to address them with God's help?
Day 5: Forgiving as Christ Forgave
True forgiveness mirrors the forgiveness we have received from Christ. It is immediate, complete, and not based on the severity of the offense. By choosing to forgive, we reflect the grace of God and open ourselves to His abundant life. Forgiveness is a continual act of grace that aligns us with the heart of God. It is through the way of the cross that we find the path to freedom from offense and experience the fullness of God's blessing. [01:11:46]
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Colossians 3:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life do you need to forgive today? How can you extend the same grace and forgiveness that Christ has given you?
Quotes
1. "Now offenses are inevitable in this broken planet, but here is the key question. How will I deal with the offenses that come my way? Because that will set the path you walk on. It will set your future. It will determine destiny." [40:38] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants to bring every area of your life under his blessing. He wants you to have a marriage full of romance and love and peace. He wants your children to come to a saving faith. He wants to bless your business. He wants to bless your finances so that you can live out Genesis 12 and you can be a blessing to the nations of the earth." [42:30] (20 seconds)
3. "God blesses unity and the enemy, demonic forces of hell, work through division." [44:22] (7 seconds)
4. "The greatest evangelistic tool that's been given to the church is the unity of the body of Christ. That's such a powerful thought. Jesus said when the church is walking together in unity, the world, that is the cosmos, those far from God, will look at the bride of Christ and... go, wow, there must be a real God in heaven." [47:53] (21 seconds)
5. "It is impossible to live in this world without offense. Could you read that with me? It is impossible to live in this world without offense, Jesus. You're welcome. So offenses are going to come. Let me define an offense. It's people sinning against you. It's people wounding your heart. Offense is a heart wound. People betraying you. It's people betraying you. And these offenses are inevitable." [53:16] (26 seconds)
6. "Unforgiveness is an infection in your heart. You're like, oh, I'm okay. I'll be fine. I'll get over it. They're dead to me. It means nothing. No big deal. But whoa, if you got infection, infection will not eradicate itself. You must deal with the infection." [56:44] (17 seconds)
7. "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." [01:11:46] (9 seconds)
8. "God's not offended with you. A lot of people live like, ooh, I must be such an offense, man. God looks at my sin and my mess and he must have to glance away. God's not surprised or embarrassed by your sin. And he's not offended. He's not offended by your sin. You know why? He took the weight of all the sin of humanity and he poured it one day, one afternoon upon his precious, sinless son. Jesus became the offense so that you can live offense -free toward God." [01:09:05] (29 seconds)
9. "Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Can you read that with me? Forgive as the Lord forgave you." [01:11:01] (8 seconds)
10. "There's a river of grace that's so strong that the entire world will say, I don't know what those people got, but I want some of that." [01:14:29] (7 seconds)
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