Engaging the Church in Politics and Society
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the critical role of the church in engaging with government and societal issues. The Bible is not just a book of promises and personal faith; it is deeply governmental, filled with examples of God's people actively participating in political and cultural realms. From Joseph in Egypt to Daniel in Babylon, and from John the Baptist confronting Herod to Paul disputing in the public square, the scriptures are replete with instances of believers taking a stand in the public arena.
We explored how the church has often shied away from political engagement, focusing instead on personal piety and spiritual growth. However, the Bible calls us to a broader mission. Ephesians 4 emphasizes the role of church leaders in maturing the saints, equipping them to engage with all aspects of life, including politics and culture. The early apostles were not afraid to confront rulers and societal norms, and neither should we be.
We also discussed the Great Commission in a new light, understanding it as a call to engage with all nations and cultures, teaching them to observe everything Jesus commanded. This includes moral standards, justice, and righteousness. The church must be the moral compass of society, speaking truth in love and standing against deception and evil.
In today's world, where political and cultural battles are more intense than ever, the church must take its rightful place in the public square. We must be bold in our preaching, unafraid to address hot-button issues like abortion, sexual morality, and justice. The Bible provides a blueprint for this engagement, showing us that our involvement in politics is not just permissible but necessary for fulfilling the Great Commission.
### Key Takeaways
1. Biblical Engagement in Politics: The Bible is filled with examples of God's people engaging in political and cultural realms. From Joseph in Egypt to Daniel in Babylon, these figures show us that political engagement is a part of our spiritual mandate. Ignoring this aspect means neglecting a significant part of our calling. [14:03]
2. Role of Church Leaders: Ephesians 4 emphasizes that church leaders are to equip the saints for all aspects of life, including political engagement. This involves maturing believers so they can discern truth from deception and stand firm in their faith, even in the public square. [06:14]
3. The Great Commission: The Great Commission is not just about personal evangelism but also about teaching nations to observe all that Jesus commanded. This includes moral and ethical teachings that impact societal norms and laws. Our mission field includes the political and cultural arenas. [22:04]
4. Confronting Deception: The early apostles were not afraid to confront rulers and societal norms. They spoke boldly against deception and evil, even at great personal risk. This boldness is a model for us today as we face similar challenges in our society. [35:39]
5. Moral Compass of Society: The church must be the moral compass of society, speaking truth in love and standing against deception and evil. This involves addressing hot-button issues like abortion, sexual morality, and justice, providing a righteous standard for the world to follow. [28:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction and Announcements
[05:29] - The Role of the Church in Government
[06:14] - Ephesians 4: Maturing the Saints
[07:40] - Deception in Society
[08:50] - Speaking Truth in Love
[09:41] - Bold Preaching and Accountability
[10:24] - Engaging in the Public Square
[11:26] - The Critical Election
[12:10] - Biblical Examples of Political Engagement
[14:03] - Old Testament Figures in Government
[18:05] - New Testament Examples
[19:13] - The Great Commission and Political Engagement
[22:04] - Teaching All Nations
[28:13] - The Church as the Moral Compass
[35:39] - Confronting Deception and Evil
[49:13] - Call to Action
[53:56] - Closing Remarks and Next Week's Topic
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
2. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
3. Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there."
#### Observation Questions
1. What roles did Christ give to the church according to Ephesians 4:11-13, and for what purpose? ([06:14])
2. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions did Jesus give to his disciples regarding their mission? ([22:04])
3. How did Paul respond to the idolatry he observed in Athens according to Acts 17:16-17? ([38:06])
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate biblical figures engaging in political and cultural realms? ([14:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Ephesians 4:11-13 suggest that church leaders should prepare believers for engagement in all aspects of life, including politics? ([06:14])
2. What does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 imply about the church's role in addressing societal and cultural issues? ([22:04])
3. Why was Paul distressed by the idolatry in Athens, and what does his response teach us about engaging with cultural issues today? ([38:06])
4. How do the examples of biblical figures engaging in politics, as mentioned in the sermon, challenge the modern church's approach to political and cultural involvement? ([14:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Ephesians 4:11-13, how can you personally contribute to the maturity and unity of your church community, especially in the context of engaging with societal issues? ([06:14])
2. Considering the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, what steps can you take to teach and uphold Jesus' commandments in your local community or workplace? ([22:04])
3. Paul was bold in addressing the idolatry he saw in Athens. What are some modern "idols" in our society, and how can you address them in your daily life? ([38:06])
4. The sermon emphasized the church's role as the moral compass of society. How can you speak truth in love when discussing hot-button issues like abortion, sexual morality, and justice with others? ([28:13])
5. The early apostles were not afraid to confront rulers and societal norms. What are some practical ways you can stand firm in your faith and address deception and evil in today's world? ([35:39])
6. How can you support your church leaders in equipping the congregation to engage with political and cultural issues, as suggested by Ephesians 4? ([06:14])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt hesitant to speak out on a societal issue. What can you learn from the boldness of biblical figures like Paul, and how can you apply that to future situations? ([38:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Biblical Engagement in Politics
The Bible is filled with examples of God's people engaging in political and cultural realms. From Joseph in Egypt to Daniel in Babylon, these figures show us that political engagement is a part of our spiritual mandate. Ignoring this aspect means neglecting a significant part of our calling. [14:03]
Joseph, Daniel, and other biblical figures were not just passive participants in their societies; they were active agents of change. Joseph rose to power in Egypt and used his position to save many lives during a famine. Daniel, despite being in exile, held high positions in the Babylonian and Persian empires and influenced the kings he served. These stories illustrate that political engagement is not separate from our faith but an integral part of it.
As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world, which includes the political and cultural arenas. Our faith should inform our actions and decisions in every aspect of life, including how we engage with government and societal issues. By doing so, we fulfill our calling to be agents of God's kingdom on earth.
Genesis 41:39-40 (ESV): "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.'"
Reflection: Think about a current political or societal issue that you feel passionate about. How can you engage with this issue in a way that reflects your faith and values?
Day 2: Role of Church Leaders
Ephesians 4 emphasizes that church leaders are to equip the saints for all aspects of life, including political engagement. This involves maturing believers so they can discern truth from deception and stand firm in their faith, even in the public square. [06:14]
Church leaders have a critical role in preparing believers to engage with the world around them. Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks of the various roles within the church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers—whose purpose is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. This equipping is not limited to spiritual matters but extends to all areas of life, including political and cultural engagement.
By maturing in their faith, believers can better discern truth from deception and stand firm in their convictions. This maturity enables them to engage thoughtfully and effectively in the public square, advocating for justice, righteousness, and truth. Church leaders must therefore prioritize holistic discipleship that prepares believers for this broader mission.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on how your church leaders have equipped you for engaging with societal issues. What areas do you feel you need more growth in, and how can you seek that growth?
Day 3: The Great Commission
The Great Commission is not just about personal evangelism but also about teaching nations to observe all that Jesus commanded. This includes moral and ethical teachings that impact societal norms and laws. Our mission field includes the political and cultural arenas. [22:04]
The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is often understood as a call to personal evangelism. However, it also includes a mandate to teach nations to observe all that Jesus commanded. This broader understanding encompasses moral and ethical teachings that influence societal norms and laws.
Jesus' teachings on love, justice, and righteousness are not just for individual believers but for entire communities and nations. As followers of Christ, we are called to bring these teachings into every sphere of life, including politics and culture. By doing so, we help shape a society that reflects God's kingdom values.
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: Consider how you can incorporate Jesus' teachings into your daily interactions and decisions. How can you influence your community to reflect these values?
Day 4: Confronting Deception
The early apostles were not afraid to confront rulers and societal norms. They spoke boldly against deception and evil, even at great personal risk. This boldness is a model for us today as we face similar challenges in our society. [35:39]
The early apostles set a powerful example of boldness in confronting deception and evil. They did not shy away from speaking truth to power, even when it meant facing persecution or death. For instance, John the Baptist confronted Herod about his unlawful marriage, and Paul frequently disputed in the public square, challenging the prevailing cultural norms.
This courage is a model for us today. In a world where deception and evil are prevalent, we are called to stand firm in our faith and speak the truth in love. This may involve addressing controversial issues and challenging societal norms, but it is a necessary part of our witness as followers of Christ.
Acts 4:19-20 (ESV): "But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have witnessed deception or injustice. How can you respond with boldness and truth, following the example of the early apostles?
Day 5: Moral Compass of Society
The church must be the moral compass of society, speaking truth in love and standing against deception and evil. This involves addressing hot-button issues like abortion, sexual morality, and justice, providing a righteous standard for the world to follow. [28:13]
The church has a vital role as the moral compass of society. This means speaking truth in love and standing against deception and evil. In today's world, this often involves addressing controversial and sensitive issues such as abortion, sexual morality, and justice. By providing a righteous standard, the church helps guide society towards God's truth and righteousness.
This responsibility requires courage and wisdom. It is not enough to merely point out what is wrong; the church must also offer a vision of what is right, rooted in the teachings of Jesus. By doing so, the church can influence societal norms and laws, helping to create a culture that reflects God's kingdom values.
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: Reflect on a hot-button issue that you feel strongly about. How can you engage with this issue in a way that reflects God's love and truth, providing a righteous standard for others to follow?
Quotes
1. "I like decree books. I like prayers. You know, part of the reason I write those is because I feel like it gets us speaking right when our emotions go wrong. Because sometimes they do that, right? And you don't, and when you're frustrated and you're overwhelmed, it's hard to speak right sometimes. But you have a little blueprint right in front of you. You can open and sometimes you've got to make yourself say those words." [01:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How do the saints get mature? It's when the pulpits bring us into maturity. Able to fulfill all of the mandate of heaven. So we come into that. And then it goes on to say, so we come to the unity of faith of the stature of the fullness of Christ. And watch these next two verses. This is the result of. Right? The result is we come to the unity of faith." [06:14] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The body of Christ ought to be the most discerning people when there is lies coming across our screens. Carried about with a doctrine. I'm telling you, you know, there are winds of doctrine going around more than we've ever seen. The Bible says in the last days people will heap to themselves. Teachers, instructors, people that preach that only tell them what feels good and what they want to hear." [07:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Love loves people enough that you'll tell them repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. I'm going to show you today that the apostles' early preaching and teaching wasn't just a gospel message that didn't hold anybody accountable. Peter stood up on the day of Pentecost and said, This Christ whom you've crucified has now become the Lord and Christ. He confronted them with their sin. He held them accountable for putting. Jesus on the cross." [09:41] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many of you believe it is time for the church to take its rightful place in the public square? Come on, have a seat at the table. Now watch, this scripture just really blew me away. You know this. Matthew 28, 18. This is the scripture we use for the Great Commission. I never cried. I never taught this before. And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, all exousia, all delegated right has been given to me. Verse 19, here comes the commissioning. Go ye therefore." [22:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "He said, go and teach. Somebody say teach. All nations. In other words, that's every culture. That's every background. That's every ethnic group. That's every society. Okay. That's the north. That's the south. Right? The east, the west. Go and teach them something. Baptizing them in the name of the father. The son of the Holy Ghost. Now here's what I want you to grasp. Verse 20. Teaching them what? He tells you what to teach them. It's not just we preach the cross. It's not just we tell them Jesus loves them." [26:17] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill, which was the high point of the court and said, you men. Now watch this. Keep down. All of the info I have here read out about the early seers. Well, how good we want to each of you. The word themes. It's great. Look, what I stopped at first. renewing. god they didn't even know who they worshiped thank god somebody spoke up whom therefore you ignorantly worship him i declare i unto you and now he goes in in the next few verses and i want you to see this and he confronts all of the different hot buttons of culture." [44:02] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I feel like if every Christian would just get out and vote and vote righteousness and said, come on, if you're going to sit there and promote men with men and women with women, come on, and the abuse of children, that waltz who stood up, I couldn't believe my ears. We heard it with our own hearing. I didn't search it on Google. I really listened to the man say it. Who said, nobody, no party is going to tell us what we can and can't do. We're going to read to our children in the schools." [49:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Some of these athletes over at the Olympics, you know, what would happen if people would just start walking out? You know, I may have trained all my life, but bye. I'm not going to tolerate this kind of mockery against Jesus. Okay, we're done with men. You know, it's interesting. You know, men always want to come into women's sports, but it never seems to be much the other way around. You know, you don't ever see. You know, some little girl going up and saying, I want to box Mike Tyson. You ever notice that?" [23:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I like what Brother Copeland said. He said it like this. If you don't know who to vote for, look what the... Look what evil is doing and run the other way. Not deep. I've heard people talk about abortion and say, well, I'm not a one-topic voter. Like, you know, there's other stuff more important than the killing of babies, the murdering of children in the room. Well, I'm not a one-topic voter. There's other stuff to discuss." [50:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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