Faith Over Politics: A Call to Christlike Service
Summary
In the spring of 2021, as we emerged from the grips of COVID-19 and a tumultuous election cycle, I found myself deeply troubled by the behavior of many Christian leaders. Their actions and rhetoric, particularly from those on the political right, left me embarrassed and compelled me to write a book titled "Not In It to Win It." This book is a reflection of the values and principles we've been living and discussing within our church community over the past two and a half years. Our focus has been on maintaining our mission as a local church, staying true to the teachings of Jesus, and not getting swept up in the political chaos that often surrounds us.
As Christians, we have a unique responsibility to uphold the teachings of Jesus, even amidst political and social turmoil. Our actions during the pandemic and election cycle should reflect a story of faith, compassion, and generosity, rather than fear and division. Our church has strived to be a good neighbor, prioritizing our reputation in the community over political posturing. We have resisted the temptation to politicize our faith, understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to any political party.
Uncertainty in life often reveals our true values and fears. It is during these times that our reactions speak volumes about our character. Many Christians and church leaders have allowed their political affiliations to overshadow their faith, exposing a hidden agenda that aligns more with winning cultural battles than with following Christ's mandate. This has led to a loss of influence and voice within the community, as the church becomes just another political entity rather than a beacon of hope and love.
Our mission is not to win elections or cultural wars but to win hearts and souls for Christ. The Apostle Paul exemplified this by becoming all things to all people, serving others to win them over to a new way of seeing the world. Our approach should be one of love, humility, and service, reflecting the posture and tone of our Lord. By doing so, we can truly be the conscience of our nation and make a lasting impact on the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Importance of Reputation: Our reputation in the community is crucial. As Christians, we must prioritize being good neighbors and maintaining a positive influence, even if it means making difficult decisions like suspending services during a pandemic. Our actions should reflect the love and compassion of Christ. [05:51]
- Uncertainty Reveals True Values: Times of uncertainty do not change our values; they expose them. Our reactions to crises reveal what we truly value and fear. As followers of Christ, we must ensure that our actions and reactions align with the teachings of Jesus, not with political agendas. [08:39]
- The Church's True Mission: The church's mission is not to win cultural or political battles but to win hearts and souls for Christ. When we focus on earthly victories, we lose sight of our divine mandate and risk becoming just another political entity. [11:15]
- The Power of Humility and Service: Like the Apostle Paul, we should adopt an other's-first strategy, serving and loving those around us, regardless of their beliefs or political affiliations. This approach, though seemingly passive, has the power to transform lives and communities. [30:06]
- Uncompromising Devotion to Christ: Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, the better King. By remaining devoted to His teachings and example, we can make our nation and the world a better, safer place. Our faith should inform our actions and interactions, transcending political divides. [40:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Personal Reflections on Political Climate
[01:13] - The Message of "Not In It to Win It"
[02:19] - Commitment to Local Church First
[03:03] - Staying True to Our Mission
[04:10] - Writing a Story of Faith and Compassion
[05:15] - Community Engagement During the Pandemic
[06:03] - Avoiding Politicization of the Church
[07:30] - Misunderstandings and Criticisms
[08:11] - Uncertainty Exposes Values
[09:21] - Reactions Reveal True Character
[10:36] - The Church's Mandate and Influence
[12:18] - Alienation Through Political Posturing
[14:09] - The Call for Unity
[16:39] - Shining as Stars in a Crooked Generation
[18:04] - Letting Our Light Shine
[20:06] - The Church's Resilience and Mission
[22:59] - Following Jesus' Example of Winning
[25:36] - Engaging in Politics with Christ's Love
[27:16] - Paul's Strategy for Winning Souls
[30:06] - Serving Others to Influence
[33:15] - Christ's Law Determines Our Approach
[35:29] - Building Relationships Across Divides
[37:35] - The Gospel's Transformative Power
[39:01] - Avoiding Ideological Traps
[40:15] - Devotion to Christ Makes a Better World
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:14-15 - "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."
2. Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
3. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific behaviors and attitudes does Paul instruct believers to avoid in Philippians 2:14-15? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on avoiding grumbling and arguing? [15:02]
2. According to the sermon, what was the reaction of some church members to the decision not to politicize the church during the pandemic? [06:16]
3. How did the Apostle Paul describe his approach to winning people over to a new way of seeing the world in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23? What was his strategy? [30:06]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of the church's reputation in the community during times of crisis? [05:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Philippians 2:14-15, Paul talks about shining like stars in a crooked generation. What might this look like in the context of today's political and social climate? [16:39]
2. The sermon mentions that uncertainty exposes our true values. How might this principle apply to the way Christians engage with political and social issues? [08:39]
3. How does the concept of being "all things to all people" in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 challenge the way Christians might typically engage with those who have different beliefs or political views? [30:06]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the church's mission to win hearts and souls rather than cultural or political battles. How does this align with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostle Paul? [12:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found yourself grumbling or arguing. How could you have responded differently to shine like a star in that moment? [15:02]
2. Think about your interactions with people who hold different political views. How can you apply Paul's strategy of becoming "all things to all people" to build bridges rather than walls? [30:06]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of the church's reputation in the community. What specific actions can you take to ensure your personal reputation reflects the love and compassion of Christ? [05:51]
4. Consider a time of uncertainty in your life. What did your reactions reveal about your true values and fears? How can you align your future responses more closely with the teachings of Jesus? [08:39]
5. How can you ensure that your faith remains uncompromised by political affiliations, and that your ultimate allegiance is to Christ? What practical steps can you take to prioritize this in your daily life? [40:15]
6. Identify one person in your life who might feel alienated by the church's political stance. How can you reach out to them with love and humility, reflecting the posture of Jesus? [12:31]
7. The sermon calls for an approach of love, humility, and service. What is one tangible way you can serve someone in your community this week, regardless of their beliefs or political affiliations? [30:06]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of a Good Reputation
In a world where actions often speak louder than words, maintaining a good reputation is crucial for Christians. The way we conduct ourselves in our communities can either reflect the love and compassion of Christ or detract from it. During challenging times, such as the pandemic, making difficult decisions like suspending services can demonstrate our commitment to being good neighbors. This approach prioritizes the well-being of others and upholds the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our faith is not politicized but remains a beacon of hope and love. [05:51]
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where your actions impacted your reputation. How can you ensure that your future actions consistently reflect the love and compassion of Christ in your community?
Day 2: Uncertainty as a Mirror to Our Values
Uncertain times have a way of revealing our true values and fears. As followers of Christ, it is essential to ensure that our actions and reactions align with His teachings rather than political agendas. When faced with crises, our responses should reflect faith, compassion, and generosity, rather than fear and division. By doing so, we demonstrate our allegiance to Christ and not to any political entity, allowing our faith to shine through in challenging circumstances. [08:39]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent crisis you faced. How did your response reveal your true values, and how can you align your future reactions more closely with the teachings of Jesus?
Day 3: The Church's Mission Beyond Politics
The true mission of the church is not to win cultural or political battles but to win hearts and souls for Christ. When the church becomes entangled in earthly victories, it risks losing sight of its divine mandate and becoming just another political entity. By focusing on the teachings of Jesus and serving others with love and humility, the church can maintain its influence and voice within the community, acting as a beacon of hope and love. [11:15]
"For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them." (1 Corinthians 9:19 ESV)
Reflection: Consider how your church community engages with political and cultural issues. How can you contribute to ensuring that the focus remains on winning hearts and souls for Christ?
Day 4: Humility and Service as Transformative Forces
Adopting an other's-first strategy, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, can have a transformative impact on lives and communities. By serving and loving those around us, regardless of their beliefs or political affiliations, we reflect the posture and tone of our Lord. This approach, though seemingly passive, holds the power to influence and transform, allowing us to truly be the conscience of our nation and make a lasting impact on the world. [30:06]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3 ESV)
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who holds different beliefs or political views. How can you serve and love them in a way that reflects Christ's humility and love?
Day 5: Unwavering Devotion to Christ
Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, the better King. By remaining devoted to His teachings and example, we can transcend political divides and make our nation and the world a better, safer place. Our faith should inform our actions and interactions, ensuring that we remain true to the teachings of Jesus and act as a beacon of hope and love in a divided world. [40:15]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where political or cultural influences may overshadow your devotion to Christ. How can you realign your focus to ensure that your ultimate allegiance remains with Him?
Quotes
Our actions during the pandemic and election cycle should reflect a story of faith, compassion, and generosity, rather than fear and division. Our church has strived to be a good neighbor, prioritizing our reputation in the community over political posturing. We have resisted the temptation to politicize our faith, understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not to any political party. [00:05:15]
Uncertainty, uncertainty does not alter our value system. Uncertainty exposes our value system. And during times of uncertainty, we're gonna talk about this detail about a month from now, in times of uncertainty, our reactions to the uncertainty give us away, our reaction. And you watch people's reactions to uncertainty, you learn a lot about a person. You learn a lot about yourself, our reactions give us away. [00:08:39]
Whenever the church abandons its Christ ordained mandate. Whenever the church loses sight of our mandate as a local church, we do in fact, lose our voice. We do in fact lose our influence. We do in fact lose our ultimate opportunity, which is to be the conscience of the nation. [00:11:15]
The church is not here to win. Think about this. I know this is disturbing, but we talk about it all the time. By every human, by every human measure, by every human measure, our savior didn't win. He lost, he lost on purpose, with a purpose. And we are his body. So like our savior, if you're a Jesus follower, if you're not a Jesus follower or whatever, if you're just a Christian who likes to believe things and not do anything, have at it, you're a hypocrite. [00:22:59]
He says, "Though I am free and I don't belong to anyone, I have made myself a slave to everyone." Now we see this word and we think of it figuratively. Remember, he's writing in a time when the entire economy of the world rose and fell on the amount of slaves, the ability of slaves to function and the ability to purchase slaves. [00:27:16]
He says, "Though I am free and belong to no one, I've made myself a slave to everyone to win," there's the win, "as many as possible." So you're into winning. Yes, I am into winning, I'm into winning as many people as possible. And again, Paul's goal, it's impossible, was to win people away from a generationally ingrained worldview to a new way of seeing everything in everybody. [00:30:06]
He says, "I have become all things to all people." In other words, don't miss this. I have learned, and this is what we must all learn, and some of you are great at this. And some of you, this is difficult for you because your personality, your temperament, just the way you were raised. But this is, this is an all skate. [00:35:29]
He was convinced as we are, he was convinced that Yahweh had done something new in the world for the world. And it was so new he wasn't gonna let it be co-opted. It was so new, it didn't fit in any current existing political bucket. It was so new, but it was in the world for the world. [00:37:35]
When a church becomes preoccupied with defending its own rights, rather than advocating for the rights of other people, its lost its way. The church always, we always look better when we're advocating for other people's rights rather than our own. [00:39:01]
Our uncompromising devotion to our better King will ultimately make America a better nation. It will ultimately make the world a better, safer place. Our uncompromising devotion to our better King will ultimately make America a better nation and the world a better, safer place. [00:40:15]
Our posture and our tone and our approach must reflect that of our Lord. Our posture, our tone, and our approach has been prescribed to us. You have the freedom to choose whether or not you follow Jesus, but you don't get to choose what following Jesus looks like, sounds like, acts like, or reacts like, because that has been prescribed to us as Jesus followers. [00:30:06]
The instructions are on the label. Now in his letter to Christians, the crazy church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul describes his win. He uses the word win. He says, there is a win, but it's not the win the way the world understands and kingdoms of this world defines winning. He says there is a win. [00:40:15]
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