Faithful Citizenship: Navigating Elections with Eternal Perspective

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the intersection of faith and civic duty, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. We began by acknowledging the temporary nature of our earthly existence, emphasizing that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. This perspective should guide our actions and attitudes, especially during times of political tension. We are reminded that while elections and political systems are important, they are not eternal. Our focus should remain on the eternal kingdom of God, which transcends any earthly government.

We delved into Romans 13, which teaches us to respect governing authorities, recognizing that all authority is established by God. This passage challenges us to consider how our faith influences our political choices. As we approach the voting booth, we must evaluate candidates and policies through the lens of biblical values, such as the sanctity of life, family roles, and moral integrity. Our decisions should reflect our commitment to God's word rather than personal preferences or societal pressures.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of being salt and light in our communities. This involves engaging in local and national elections, not just every four years, but consistently participating in the democratic process. Our involvement should be driven by a desire to influence society positively, aligning with biblical principles rather than being swayed by personalities or party lines.

We also touched on the significance of prayer for our nation and its leaders, regardless of the election outcome. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change and unity. It is crucial to pray for wisdom, peace, and God's will to be done in our country. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, demonstrating love and grace in our interactions, even when we disagree with others.

Finally, we extended an invitation to those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with Him. This relationship should be the foundation of all our decisions, including how we engage with the world around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Eternal Perspective: Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, and this should guide our actions and attitudes, especially during political seasons. Earthly governments are temporary, but God's kingdom is eternal. We must focus on what is everlasting and not get entangled in the temporary concerns of this world. [37:08]

2. Biblical Values in Voting: As Christians, our voting decisions should be informed by biblical values rather than personal preferences or societal pressures. We must evaluate candidates and policies through the lens of Scripture, considering issues like the sanctity of life and moral integrity. [41:25]

3. Active Civic Engagement: Being salt and light involves engaging in the democratic process, not just during national elections but also in local ones. Our involvement should reflect a desire to positively influence society according to biblical principles, rather than being swayed by personalities or party lines. [51:07]

4. Prayer for Leaders and Nation: Regardless of election outcomes, prayer is essential for our nation and its leaders. We should pray for wisdom, peace, and God's will to be done, demonstrating love and grace in our interactions, even amidst disagreements. [59:08]

5. Personal Relationship with Christ: A personal relationship with Christ should be the foundation of all our decisions, including how we engage with the world. This relationship influences every aspect of our lives, guiding us to live according to God's will. [01:01:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:26] - Unity in Diversity
- [35:59] - God's Sovereignty in Authority
- [37:08] - Temporary vs. Eternal Perspective
- [38:42] - Political Signs and Neighborly Love
- [40:31] - Biblical Values in Voting
- [41:25] - Sanctity of Life and Other Issues
- [43:05] - Beyond Personalities: Platform Matters
- [44:54] - Race, Gender, and Voting
- [45:47] - Moral Integrity and National History
- [51:07] - Civic Engagement and Influence
- [52:44] - Eternal Focus Over Temporary Concerns
- [54:26] - God's Control Over All
- [55:18] - Daily Life Beyond Elections
- [56:48] - Privilege and Responsibility of Voting
- [59:08] - Prayer for Leaders and Nation
- [01:01:02] - Invitation to a Personal Relationship with Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 13:1-7
- Philippians 3:20
- 1 Peter 3:15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 13, what is the source of all governing authority, and how should this influence our attitude towards political leaders? [35:59]

2. How does Philippians 3:20 describe our citizenship, and what implications does this have for how we view earthly political systems? [37:08]

3. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the temporary nature of our earthly existence compared to our eternal citizenship? [37:08]

4. What role does prayer play in our engagement with political processes, according to the sermon? [59:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might understanding that all authority is established by God (Romans 13) change a person's perspective on political disagreements? [35:59]

2. What does it mean to be "salt and light" in the context of civic engagement, and how can this be practically applied in today's political climate? [51:07]

3. How can a believer balance their earthly responsibilities with their heavenly citizenship as described in Philippians 3:20? [37:08]

4. In what ways can prayer for leaders and the nation bring about change and unity, as suggested in the sermon? [59:08]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your recent voting decisions. How have they been influenced by biblical values rather than personal preferences or societal pressures? [41:25]

2. Consider your involvement in local and national elections. How can you be more consistent in participating in the democratic process as a way to positively influence society? [51:07]

3. Identify a political issue that you find challenging. How can you approach this issue with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's kingdom rather than temporary concerns? [37:08]

4. Think of a leader in your community or nation. How can you commit to praying for them regularly, asking for wisdom, peace, and God's will to be done? [59:08]

5. How does your personal relationship with Christ influence your interactions with others, especially those with differing political views? [01:01:02]

6. What steps can you take to ensure that your conversations about politics reflect love and grace, even when you disagree with others? [59:08]

7. How can you be a peacemaker in your community, demonstrating unity and love amidst political tensions? [59:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Citizenship is in Heaven
Our earthly existence is temporary, and as believers, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven. This eternal perspective should guide our actions and attitudes, especially during political seasons. Earthly governments and systems, while important, are not eternal. Our focus should remain on the kingdom of God, which transcends any earthly government. By keeping our eyes on what is everlasting, we can avoid getting entangled in the temporary concerns of this world. This mindset helps us navigate political tensions with grace and wisdom, knowing that our true allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom. [37:08]

"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." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily that your ultimate citizenship is in heaven, especially when faced with political or societal pressures?

Day 2: Voting Through the Lens of Scripture
As Christians, our voting decisions should be informed by biblical values rather than personal preferences or societal pressures. Romans 13 teaches us to respect governing authorities, recognizing that all authority is established by God. This passage challenges us to consider how our faith influences our political choices. When evaluating candidates and policies, we must do so through the lens of Scripture, considering issues like the sanctity of life, family roles, and moral integrity. Our decisions should reflect our commitment to God's word, ensuring that our actions align with His teachings. [41:25]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: As you prepare to vote, what specific biblical values will guide your decision-making process, and how can you ensure they take precedence over personal biases?

Day 3: Engaging as Salt and Light
Being salt and light involves engaging in the democratic process, not just during national elections but also in local ones. Our involvement should reflect a desire to positively influence society according to biblical principles, rather than being swayed by personalities or party lines. By consistently participating in the democratic process, we can be a force for good, bringing about change that aligns with God's will. This active civic engagement is a way to live out our faith, demonstrating our commitment to being agents of transformation in our communities. [51:07]

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take to be more actively engaged in your local community, ensuring your influence aligns with biblical principles?

Day 4: The Power of Prayer for Our Nation
Regardless of election outcomes, prayer is essential for our nation and its leaders. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about change and unity. It is crucial to pray for wisdom, peace, and God's will to be done in our country. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers, demonstrating love and grace in our interactions, even when we disagree with others. By committing to pray for our leaders and nation, we can contribute to a spirit of unity and hope, trusting that God is in control of all things. [59:08]

"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." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate regular prayer for your nation's leaders into your daily routine, and what specific issues will you lift up to God?

Day 5: Building a Personal Relationship with Christ
A personal relationship with Christ should be the foundation of all our decisions, including how we engage with the world. This relationship influences every aspect of our lives, guiding us to live according to God's will. By committing our lives to Christ, we can ensure that our actions and choices reflect His teachings and love. This relationship is not just about personal salvation but also about how we interact with others and the world around us. It calls us to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His love and truth in all we do. [01:01:02]

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your personal relationship with Christ, ensuring it remains the foundation of your daily decisions and interactions?

Quotes

1. "And if we understand that no matter what happens, Jesus is on the throne, no matter what happens. God loves everybody, no matter how they vote, don't vote or listen, live in countries where they can't vote. God loves everybody. And he wants us to be salt and light to repeat, reach people for him. But there are some things that we need to consider as we go into the election booth on Tuesday, or maybe you got to early vote like I did." [00:33:59] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Remember this, we are not of this world. The election, the president, this week, it's all temporary. It's temporary. We're just passing through, church. Pastor Anthony and I used to joke about, I come up here two, three times a year. We have a great time together. We do some different things with our families. We've taken vacations together, and we just love spending time together, and it really is a privilege to be here with you today." [00:36:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Because what we're striving for, Paul said this, he said, I look for the day. I can't wait for the day. I'm going to be in heaven forever. You may have 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years left. But when we start eternity, it never ends. And I'm going to tell you this, we'll never have to vote in another candidate when we start eternity. And I'm going to get to heaven because the King of kings and the Lord of lords is going to be in charge forever." [00:38:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We don't get stuff because we need it. We get stuff because we work for it. Right? Not handed to us. Not handed to us. We work for it. That's called character and integrity. That's what people that fought in all of our imperfect countries' wars fought for. The right to vote, the right to live in a country that's free. It's not always what we think it is. We look at the history of our country. Oh, it's founded on the Bible. No, we've got bumps and bruises back from day one, church." [00:46:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "What does the Bible say about marriage? What does the Bible say about gender? What does the Bible say about sex and it's not something we need to be afraid to talk about. I shared a very similar message to this in my church last week. I had a 19 year old boy and an 18 year old girl come up to me tears in his eyes pastor I took my girlfriend and we got an abortion this week I said buddy tell me what happened he said we just couldn't handle it I'm afraid God's gonna be mad at me forever I said no he's not because you know what God wants to do right now forgive you right now ask him for forgiveness." [00:48:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God's kingdom is a lot bigger than the election of the United States of America. Just vote. And I'm going to tell you what's going to happen. I'm going to tell you what's going to happen to everybody on Tuesday. I hope you all vote and I hope you all vote biblical standards. You're going to go to bed. You're going to watch it. You're going to stay up too late, but guess what you got to do on Wednesday? Get up and go to work." [00:55:18] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Because if you're scaring your kids, they're going to be scared. But if your kids and other people in your lives see that you believe in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, they're going to lean into you when things don't make any sense, because we got to be ready to give an answer of the hope that lies within us with meekness and fear, as it says in first Peter three and number four, God's word is true. You believe that say, amen." [00:56:31] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "People in different parts of the world lay their lives down. They've been through some election lines where they'll put paint or magic marker on their arm just to show that they voted. And if they tried to vote again, some of those people get their hands cut off. That happens in our world today. get to vote Tuesday. Don't be salty at somebody that's voting different than you. Be kind." [00:57:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And it's a privilege to live in our republic. It really, really is. But don't forget, it's all temporary. Pray for it. Whoever wins on Tuesday, pray for them on Wednesday. Give you about two hours to be mad. Go out back, cuss a little bit, throw some bottles up against your shed, do whatever you need to do, get it out. Maybe go boxing with somebody, okay? Do whatever you got to do, get it out, and then get up the next day. Pray for our new president, pray for our country, and pray for God's will to be done." [00:59:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I do get a little frustrated when people say we ought not to mix religion and politics because I can't separate myself from my relationship with you. None of us can. We're followers of Jesus. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican. I'm a son of God called to do righteousness, called to live a holy and separated life." [01:00:17] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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