Faith Over Politics: Aligning with the Kingdom of God

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the intersection of faith and politics, a topic that often stirs strong emotions and divisions. The core message was to redirect our focus from the political chaos that drains our spiritual vitality to the life-giving way of Jesus. We began by acknowledging the cultural and political shifts that have influenced our church community over the years. Historically, Crossroads was apolitical, but as the congregation evolved, so did the need to address political issues from a biblical perspective.

We explored the dilemma of political identity, especially within the evangelical community, and how it often reduces faith to a voting bloc. Jesus did not come to start a political movement but to establish the Kingdom of God, which transcends earthly politics. The early church was both left-leaning in its social justice and right-leaning in its moral stances, making it difficult to fit into modern political categories.

The sermon emphasized that our ultimate allegiance should be to Jesus, not to any political party or candidate. On election day, we have several options: vote for the candidate with the highest character, the one whose policies align most closely with biblical values, or choose not to vote at all. The Bible does not mandate voting, and our primary duty is to live in a way that honors God.

We examined Jesus' response to political traps, particularly the question of paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus taught that while we should fulfill our civic duties, our ultimate loyalty belongs to God, who has stamped His image on us. This means giving our whole lives to God, which brings peace and reduces the emotional turmoil often associated with politics.

Electing Jesus as our ruler means ushering in the Kingdom of God, which is characterized by hope, faith, and unity, in contrast to the fear, divisiveness, and personal interest that dominate political campaigns. We are called to live in harmony, even with those who hold different political views, and to pray for our leaders, regardless of who they are.

Finally, we were encouraged to participate in an upcoming revival event aimed at renewing our spirits and deepening our relationship with God. This event promises to be a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit, offering a chance to refocus on what truly matters: our walk with Jesus.

### Key Takeaways

1. Ultimate Allegiance to Jesus: Our primary loyalty should be to Jesus, not to any political party or candidate. This means that our decisions, including voting, should be made with the understanding that we will one day give an account to Jesus for our actions. This perspective helps us prioritize our spiritual well-being over political affiliations. [10:15]

2. Living in Harmony: We are called to live in harmony with others, even those who hold different political views. This requires us to see beyond political labels and recognize the image of God in every person. By doing so, we can foster unity and love within our community, reflecting the Kingdom of God. [10:47]

3. Peace Over Politics: When our entire life is dedicated to God, we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not dependent on political outcomes but on our relationship with Jesus. It allows us to remain calm and centered, regardless of the political climate. [17:15]

4. Praying for Leaders: Regardless of who is in power, we are instructed to pray for our leaders. This practice aligns us with God's will and helps us maintain a godly attitude. It also acknowledges that God is ultimately in control, and our trust should be in Him rather than in human leaders. [37:07]

5. Kingdom Identity: Our identity should be rooted in the Kingdom of God rather than in national or political identities. This means that our primary concern is to live out the values of the Kingdom, such as love, justice, and mercy, and to bring others into a relationship with Jesus. [20:54]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:49] - Introduction to Politics and Faith
3. [01:54] - Prayer for Guidance
4. [02:50] - Cultural and Political Shifts
5. [04:11] - Defining Evangelicalism
6. [06:10] - Voting Options for Christians
7. [08:58] - Electing Jesus as Ruler
8. [10:15] - Accountability Before Jesus
9. [11:23] - Jesus and Political Traps
10. [15:12] - Render to Caesar
11. [17:15] - Peace Through Total Surrender
12. [19:43] - Ushering in the Kingdom of God
13. [20:54] - Kingdom Identity vs. National Identity
14. [22:36] - Campaigns vs. Kingdom
15. [24:25] - Unity in Diversity
16. [29:51] - Learning to Lose
17. [32:09] - Being All Things to All People
18. [34:08] - Discipled by Media vs. Jesus
19. [35:26] - Knowing Jesus Personally
20. [37:07] - Praying for Leaders
21. [38:31] - Upcoming Revival Event
22. [39:54] - Final Reflections and Worship Transition

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Mark 12:13-17 - "And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians to trap him in his talk. And they came and said to him, 'Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone's opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?' But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, 'Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.' And they brought one. And he said to them, 'Whose likeness and inscription is this?' They said to him, 'Caesar's.' Jesus said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' And they marveled at him."

2. Romans 14:19 - "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding."

3. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 - "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."

### Observation Questions
1. What was the trap that the Pharisees and Herodians set for Jesus in Mark 12:13-17?
2. How did Jesus respond to the question about paying taxes to Caesar, and what was the significance of His answer? [15:12]
3. According to Romans 14:19, what should believers pursue in their interactions with others?
4. What does 1 Timothy 2:1-2 instruct believers to do for their leaders, and what is the intended outcome of these actions?

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized giving to God what is God's in His response about paying taxes? How does this relate to our ultimate allegiance? [15:12]
2. How can pursuing peace and mutual upbuilding, as mentioned in Romans 14:19, help in living harmoniously with those who hold different political views? [10:47]
3. What is the significance of praying for leaders according to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, and how does this practice align with the idea that God is ultimately in control? [37:07]
4. How does the concept of Kingdom identity, as discussed in the sermon, challenge the way we view our national or political identities? [20:54]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your political discussions. How can you ensure that your ultimate allegiance remains with Jesus rather than a political party or candidate? [10:15]
2. Think of a recent political disagreement you had. How could you have approached it differently to foster harmony and recognize the image of God in the other person? [10:47]
3. In what ways can you experience and maintain peace that surpasses all understanding, especially during politically turbulent times? [17:15]
4. How often do you pray for your leaders, regardless of your political stance? What steps can you take to make this a regular practice? [37:07]
5. How can you root your identity more deeply in the Kingdom of God rather than in your national or political identity? What practical steps can you take to live out Kingdom values such as love, justice, and mercy? [20:54]
6. Consider the upcoming revival event mentioned in the sermon. How can participating in such events help you refocus on your walk with Jesus and renew your spiritual vitality? [38:31]
7. Identify one person with whom you have had political disagreements. How can you show them love and respect this week, reflecting the unity and hope of the Kingdom of God? [10:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Ultimate Allegiance to Jesus
Our primary loyalty should be to Jesus, not to any political party or candidate. This means that our decisions, including voting, should be made with the understanding that we will one day give an account to Jesus for our actions. This perspective helps us prioritize our spiritual well-being over political affiliations. When we place Jesus at the center of our lives, we are reminded that our ultimate purpose is to serve Him and His Kingdom. This can often mean making choices that are counter-cultural or that challenge our personal preferences, but it is a call to live a life that is pleasing to God.

In a world where political identities can often overshadow our spiritual identity, it is crucial to remember that our faith in Jesus should guide our actions and decisions. This does not mean disengaging from politics but rather engaging with a heart aligned with God's will. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of political life with integrity and peace, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus. [10:15]

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 is one decision you need to make this week where you can prioritize your allegiance to Jesus over any political or personal preference?

Day 2: Living in Harmony
We are called to live in harmony with others, even those who hold different political views. This requires us to see beyond political labels and recognize the image of God in every person. By doing so, we can foster unity and love within our community, reflecting the Kingdom of God. Living in harmony means actively seeking peace and understanding, even in the midst of disagreements. It involves listening with empathy, speaking with kindness, and acting with grace.

In a polarized world, this can be challenging, but it is a powerful testimony of our faith. When we choose to love and respect others despite our differences, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. This harmony is not about compromising our beliefs but about embodying the love of Christ in all our interactions. [10:47]

Romans 12:16-18 (ESV): "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

Reflection: Think of someone with whom you have a political disagreement. How can you show them the love and respect of Christ this week?

Day 3: Peace Over Politics
When our entire life is dedicated to God, we experience a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace is not dependent on political outcomes but on our relationship with Jesus. It allows us to remain calm and centered, regardless of the political climate. This peace comes from knowing that God is sovereign and that His plans are perfect. It frees us from the anxiety and stress that often accompany political engagement.

By focusing on our relationship with Jesus, we can navigate political discussions and decisions with a sense of calm and assurance. This peace is a powerful witness to those around us, showing that our hope is not in earthly leaders but in our Heavenly Father. [17:15]

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace in your life this week, especially in the context of political discussions or decisions?

Day 4: Praying for Leaders
Regardless of who is in power, we are instructed to pray for our leaders. This practice aligns us with God's will and helps us maintain a godly attitude. It also acknowledges that God is ultimately in control, and our trust should be in Him rather than in human leaders. Praying for our leaders, even those we disagree with, is an act of obedience and faith. It is a way to seek God's guidance and wisdom for those in authority and to ask for His will to be done.

This practice can transform our hearts and attitudes, helping us to see our leaders through God's eyes. It also reminds us that our ultimate hope is in God, not in any political system or leader. [37:07]

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV): "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way."

Reflection: Take a moment to pray for a political leader you disagree with. Ask God to give them wisdom and to help you see them through His eyes.

Day 5: Kingdom Identity
Our identity should be rooted in the Kingdom of God rather than in national or political identities. This means that our primary concern is to live out the values of the Kingdom, such as love, justice, and mercy, and to bring others into a relationship with Jesus. When we understand our identity in Christ, it shapes our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. It calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the character of God.

This Kingdom identity transcends earthly boundaries and affiliations, uniting us with believers around the world. It challenges us to prioritize God's Kingdom over any earthly kingdom, seeking to advance His purposes in all we do. [20:54]

Philippians 3:20-21 (ESV): "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Reflection: How can you live out your Kingdom identity in a practical way this week? What specific actions can you take to reflect the values of the Kingdom of God in your daily life?

Quotes

1. "I'm going to tell you this, because I know that we're thirsty, and I know that the political process, the political system, American culture as it is right now, is just sucking all the spiritual hydration out of us. It's not giving us life, and I want to redirect us to the way of Jesus and try to bring a little bit of help and a little bit of hydration." [00:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Jesus didn't come to start a voting bloc. Jesus didn't come to start a group of people who politicians would pander to to get their votes. It's really odd. We just don't fit in. I don't fit in. The church of the first century was way left of the evangelical church and way right of many other churches in our culture." [05:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You can elect to have Donald Trump as your president for any of those reasons. You can elect to have Kamala Harris as your president, or you can elect to have Jesus as your ruler. You can elect to have Jesus as your ruler. Now, I know this sounds like a cop-out. So, oh, you're just doing like the, no, no, no, no, it's not. Just, just, just, just wait, wait on me here." [08:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Bible says in the book of Romans that there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ, which means Jesus will never spank us. We go to God, we never get condemnation. Condemnation already came when Jesus was on the cross. Jesus got condemned. So you and I will never get condemned." [09:41] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If your entire heart, your entire mind, your entire life is about God, you recognize that he has his imprint on you, therefore he owns you. He owns you and the country in which you dwell, and therefore you can have a peace, a peace that passes all understanding." [17:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Campaigns have a candidate. A kingdom has Christ. A campaign is all about fear. Oh no, don't let those people get in. If they get in, it's gonna be really bad. Oh no. Oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no. And a kingdom is about faith. Trusting that God's going to have his way. Trusting that God's going to make a way." [20:20] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you want a heart that's aligned right, if you want a spirit that's lush and vibrant instead of sucked dry, you have to be different. Not just to be different, but because life doesn't work that way. Relationships don't work that way. The kingdom of God doesn't work that way. Jesus didn't work that way." [24:25] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You just want me to take your stand. It's a huge difference. You've got to take a stand. Everyone says that because they assume I'm going to agree with you. Can't tell you the number of people. We're going to have to vote. A voter. I've lost friends. One friendship I lost because they wanted to have a voter drive." [25:05] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you decide to give your whole life to Christ and vote to make him your own, your ruler, get used to losing on election day because your values are going to be different than the average Americans and you're just not going to vote for a lot of people who win. So, sorry. Sorry. Join the club of losers." [29:51] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We're being discipled by our media more than we're being discipled by Jesus. We're more interested in fitting into whatever cultural narrative we align with than fitting in with the kingdom of God narrative. Where do we get our information? What's our heart? What's our desire?" [34:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?