Faith and Politics: Unity Beyond Division
Summary
In today's message, we explored the intersection of faith and politics, especially in the context of a divided nation following a recent election. We acknowledged the diverse political views within our congregation and emphasized that neither political party holds the moral high ground. Our primary allegiance as followers of Jesus is to a kingdom that transcends earthly politics. This kingdom calls us to a higher standard of love, unity, and humility, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.
We discussed the tendency of politics to become a new religion in our secular age, where political affiliations can overshadow our spiritual identity. This shift can lead to division and hostility, even among believers. However, we are reminded that our hope is not in political victories or defeats but in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus. Our call is to pray for our leaders, regardless of our political preferences, and to engage in politics through the lens of our faith, not the other way around.
The Apostle Paul's teachings in Philippians were highlighted, urging us to lower the bar for unity by valuing encouragement, comfort, and sympathy, even when we disagree. This approach challenges the zero-sum game of politics and invites us to prioritize relationships over political differences. We are called to embody humility, considering others more significant than ourselves, and to pursue unity without demanding uniformity.
Furthermore, we reflected on the example of Jesus, who, despite being in the form of God, humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. This self-sacrificial mindset is available to us as followers of Jesus, enabling us to choose love and unity in a divided world. We are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth over political power, recognizing that God's kingdom is not threatened by any election outcome.
Finally, we are reminded of the inevitability of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing that Jesus is Lord. This truth invites us to live with a perspective that transcends political cycles, focusing on our role as ambassadors of God's kingdom. As we navigate the complexities of our political landscape, let us be agents of reconciliation, offering empathy, praying for our nation, and choosing to be more than mere consumers in the kingdom of heaven.
Key Takeaways:
1. Transcending Political Divisions: Our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, which transcends earthly politics. We are called to engage in politics through the lens of our faith, not the other way around, recognizing that neither political party holds the moral high ground. [27:59]
2. Unity Through Humility: The Apostle Paul urges us to lower the bar for unity by valuing encouragement, comfort, and sympathy, even when we disagree. This approach challenges the zero-sum game of politics and invites us to prioritize relationships over political differences. [32:54]
3. The Example of Jesus: Jesus' humility, exemplified by his willingness to die on the cross, sets a standard for us to follow. We are called to adopt a self-sacrificial mindset, choosing love and unity in a divided world, even when culture says it's impossible. [42:18]
4. Spiritual Growth Over Political Power: We are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth over political power, recognizing that God's kingdom is not threatened by any election outcome. Our hope is in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus, not in political victories or defeats. [43:33]
5. Living with Eternal Perspective: Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. This truth invites us to live with a perspective that transcends political cycles, focusing on our role as ambassadors of God's kingdom and agents of reconciliation. [46:49]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to the Political Climate
- [03:15] - Acknowledging Diverse Political Views
- [06:45] - Politics as the New Religion
- [10:20] - The Call to Pray for Leaders
- [14:00] - The Rhetoric of Elections
- [18:30] - Trusting God's Plan Over Politics
- [22:50] - The Tension of Dual Citizenship
- [27:59] - Transcending Political Divisions
- [30:55] - Unity Through Humility
- [34:55] - The Example of Jesus
- [39:30] - The Kingdom of Heaven vs. Political Categories
- [42:18] - Spiritual Growth Over Political Power
- [46:49] - Living with Eternal Perspective
- [51:48] - Hope for Everyone Initiative
- [55:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 2:1-11
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he urges believers to "lower the bar for unity" in Philippians 2:1-2? How does this challenge the typical political mindset? [29:30]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of politics in our current secular age, and what impact does this have on our spiritual identity? [24:56]
3. What example does Jesus set for us in Philippians 2:5-8, and how is this relevant to the sermon’s message about humility and unity? [39:30]
4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate victory that believers should focus on, and how does this differ from political victories? [43:33]
---
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "politics as the new religion" affect the way believers engage with political issues? What are the potential dangers of this mindset? [24:56]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that political affiliations can overshadow spiritual identity? How can believers guard against this? [24:56]
3. How does the example of Jesus' humility in Philippians 2:5-8 challenge the cultural norms of power and success? What does this mean for believers today? [39:30]
4. What does it mean to live with an eternal perspective, as mentioned in the sermon, and how can this influence our daily decisions and interactions? [46:49]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your political views. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains to God's kingdom rather than a political party? What steps can you take to align your political engagement with your faith? [27:59]
2. Think of a recent political discussion you had. How did you approach it in terms of humility and unity? What could you do differently next time to prioritize relationships over political differences? [32:54]
3. Consider the example of Jesus' self-sacrificial mindset. What is one area in your life where you can practice humility and put others' needs before your own? [42:18]
4. How can you prioritize spiritual growth over political power in your life? Identify one specific action you can take this week to focus on your spiritual development. [43:33]
5. Reflect on the idea of living with an eternal perspective. How does this change the way you view current political events? What practical steps can you take to be an ambassador of God's kingdom in your community? [46:49]
6. How can you offer empathy and understanding to those who have different political views, especially in a divided nation? What is one specific way you can practice this in your interactions this week? [48:23]
7. In what ways can you be more than a consumer in the kingdom of heaven? Consider how you can actively participate in your faith community and serve others. [50:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Allegiance to a Higher Kingdom
Our primary allegiance as followers of Jesus is to a kingdom that transcends earthly politics. This kingdom calls us to a higher standard of love, unity, and humility, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. In a world where political affiliations can overshadow our spiritual identity, we are reminded that our hope is not in political victories or defeats but in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus. Our call is to pray for our leaders, regardless of our political preferences, and to engage in politics through the lens of our faith, not the other way around. Recognizing that neither political party holds the moral high ground, we are invited to live with a perspective that transcends political cycles, focusing on our role as ambassadors of God's kingdom. [27:59]
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 actively seek the welfare of your community and pray for its leaders, even if you disagree with their politics?
Day 2: Unity Through Encouragement and Sympathy
The Apostle Paul urges us to lower the bar for unity by valuing encouragement, comfort, and sympathy, even when we disagree. This approach challenges the zero-sum game of politics and invites us to prioritize relationships over political differences. By embodying humility and considering others more significant than ourselves, we can pursue unity without demanding uniformity. This mindset allows us to engage in meaningful conversations and build bridges, rather than walls, in our communities. As we navigate political tensions, let us remember that our unity in Christ is more important than any political affiliation. [32:54]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement you had with someone. How can you approach that person with encouragement and sympathy to foster unity?
Day 3: Emulating Christ's Humility
Jesus' humility, exemplified by his willingness to die on the cross, sets a standard for us to follow. We are called to adopt a self-sacrificial mindset, choosing love and unity in a divided world, even when culture says it's impossible. This self-sacrificial mindset is available to us as followers of Jesus, enabling us to choose love and unity in a divided world. By prioritizing spiritual growth over political power, we recognize that God's kingdom is not threatened by any election outcome. Our hope is in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus, not in political victories or defeats. [42:18]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice self-sacrifice and humility in your daily interactions, especially with those who hold different views from you?
Day 4: Prioritizing Spiritual Growth
We are encouraged to prioritize spiritual growth over political power, recognizing that God's kingdom is not threatened by any election outcome. Our hope is in the ultimate victory secured through Jesus, not in political victories or defeats. This perspective invites us to focus on our spiritual journey and the development of Christ-like character, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of political influence. As we grow spiritually, we become more effective ambassadors of God's kingdom, embodying the values of love, peace, and justice in our communities. [43:33]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize your spiritual growth over political concerns?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. This truth invites us to live with a perspective that transcends political cycles, focusing on our role as ambassadors of God's kingdom and agents of reconciliation. As we navigate the complexities of our political landscape, let us be agents of reconciliation, offering empathy, praying for our nation, and choosing to be more than mere consumers in the kingdom of heaven. By living with an eternal perspective, we can rise above the temporary nature of political conflicts and invest in what truly matters—our relationship with God and others. [46:49]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary political issues to eternal values in your daily life?
Quotes
If you're a follower of Jesus, then you have a hope that is bigger than the setback that some of you may feel right now. And for others of you, you may need to be reminded today that if you feel like you just experienced a political victory, it pales in comparison to the ultimate victory secured for you and me in Jesus. [00:22:08] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
While we vote, our conscience will always be in tension between our citizenship in America, and if you're a follower of Jesus, your citizenship in heaven. [00:28:26] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The good news of God's great plan for the world is that God's plan is bigger than parties and politicians. [00:28:44] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because God's plan was worth the weight of the moment, he was willing to die on the cross, the most embarrassing way to die at the time, for our sake, so that in choosing to follow him, we would live his life for ours, what's sometimes been called the great exchange. [00:42:18] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
What would you give up? Like, what would you do to gain the legislative, judicial, and executive branches? How much hope have you placed in the political system of our moment? Has your political identity become your idolatry, your main identity, the thing that shapes your decisions? [00:43:59] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Regardless of how you voted and how the results have impacted you personally this week, if you're a follower of Jesus, never forget the unwavering king you serve, not as an excuse to be uninvolved, but as a way to be involved in the process of serving our world and the person of Jesus. [00:47:24] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The kingdom of heaven has no re-election. The king of heaven has never and will never be elected. [00:51:29] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God, I'm so thankful that we can be a church where we don't have to agree politically to agree spiritually, that we can choose unity even when there are areas with which we might disagree. [00:55:40] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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