Bible Reading
Ephesians 2:11-22 “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
[30:34]Luke 10:25-37 “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise.”
[44:30]Romans 13:1-7 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
[34:59]Observation questions
- In Ephesians 2:11–22, what descriptions does Paul give of the believers’ former condition, and what changes because of Christ’s blood?
- What barriers does Paul say Christ has destroyed, and what new shared identity does He give to Jews and Gentiles? [31:16]
- According to Ephesians 2, what role does Christ play in the foundation and alignment of God’s household? [41:22]
- In the Good Samaritan story, which people pass by the wounded man, and who stops to care for him? What question led Jesus to tell this parable? [44:30]
Interpretation questions
- If Christ is the chief cornerstone of God’s household, what does it mean for a Christian’s political commitments to come under His authority rather than shape His authority? [41:26]
- Romans 13 recognizes government as legitimate, while Ephesians 2 gives believers a deeper citizenship in God’s household. How can believers take earthly government seriously without treating it as their ultimate hope? [35:42]
- The Good Samaritan makes the unexpected person the example of neighbor-love. How does this challenge the way believers may allow party labels or single issues to decide whose suffering deserves attention? [45:38]
- Ephesians 2 says Christ put hostility to death and made former outsiders fellow citizens. What should this mean when Christians strongly disagree about candidates, policies, or voting decisions? [56:40]
Application questions
- When people hear the way you speak about public issues, politicians, or election outcomes, would they most clearly recognize you as a follower of Jesus or as a defender of a political side? What might need to change? [26:36]
- Is there a leader, candidate, policy, or political movement you tend to defend quickly? What would it look like to let Scripture correct your preferred side and to say, “I do not support that,” when it is necessary? [43:32]
- What is one issue that matters deeply to you? How can you continue to care about it while also giving serious attention to other neighbors who are vulnerable, poor, unborn, harmed by violence, or treated unjustly? [45:38]
- Think of someone whose political views frustrate you. Have you questioned their faith, assumed the worst about their motives, shared something to ridicule them, or treated them with contempt? What step toward respect, listening, or reconciliation could you take? [57:20]
- What practical habits could help you vote and engage thoughtfully rather than being shaped mainly by advertisements, sound bites, social media, or party loyalty? [01:03:10]
- How does remembering that Christ brought you near by grace change the way you respond when your preferred candidate wins or loses? [01:03:33]
