Faithful Engagement: Navigating Politics Through a Biblical Lens

Summary

In today's message, we explored the intersection of faith and politics, a topic often avoided in polite conversation but crucial for us as believers. As we approach the election season, it's important to understand the role of the church in politics. Historically, churches have engaged in political discourse, and it's vital that we continue to do so. The separation of church and state was never intended to silence the church but to ensure religious freedom. If we, as godly leaders, don't speak up, the void will be filled by voices that may not align with our values.

We discussed three key realities: we are citizens of heaven, we are responsible, and we are salt and light. As citizens of heaven, our primary allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom, not the temporary systems of this world. This perspective should guide our actions and decisions, including how we vote. We are responsible to use our voice and vote to influence our nation positively. Abstaining from voting is not an option; it is a missed opportunity to stand for godly principles.

Moreover, we are called to be salt and light in the world. Salt preserves and prevents decay, while light reveals truth. Our role is to prevent moral decay and shine God's light in the darkness. This means voting for candidates who uphold religious freedom and moral values. It also means choosing the path of honor, even when we disagree with those in authority. We must pray for our leaders and our nation, trusting that God is in control and can bring about change.

In conclusion, our involvement in politics is not about endorsing a candidate or party but about living out our faith in every aspect of life. We must vote our biblical values, honor those in authority, and commit to prayer, seeking God's guidance and intervention for our nation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Citizens of Heaven: Our primary allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom, not the temporary systems of this world. This perspective should guide our actions and decisions, including how we vote. We must focus on eternal values rather than getting caught up in temporary political issues. [10:27]

2. Responsibility to Vote: As believers, we have a responsibility to use our voice and vote to influence our nation positively. Abstaining from voting is a missed opportunity to stand for godly principles. We must prayerfully consider our options and make choices that honor God. [21:52]

3. Salt and Light: We are called to be salt and light in the world. Salt preserves and prevents decay, while light reveals truth. Our role is to prevent moral decay and shine God's light in the darkness, voting for candidates who uphold religious freedom and moral values. [26:14]

4. Path of Honor: We must choose the path of honor, even when we disagree with those in authority. Honor is not about the other person; it reflects our character. We should engage in respectful dialogue and avoid divisive behavior, especially on social media. [30:49]

5. Power of Prayer: Prayer is essential in seeking God's guidance and intervention for our nation. We must pray for our leaders and our country, trusting that God is in control and can bring about change. Prayer changes circumstances and our hearts, aligning us with God's will. [34:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:28] - Church and Politics
- [03:38] - The Role of the Church
- [07:07] - Citizens of Heaven
- [10:27] - Eternal vs. Temporary
- [12:42] - Perspective on Elections
- [18:18] - Responsibility to Vote
- [20:11] - God's Sovereignty
- [21:52] - The Power of Christian Vote
- [23:25] - Salt and Light
- [26:14] - Preventing Moral Decay
- [27:36] - Voting Biblical Values
- [29:34] - Choosing Honor
- [30:49] - Praying for Leaders
- [34:01] - Prayer for America

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:17-21
2. Matthew 5:13-16
3. 2 Chronicles 7:14

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Philippians 3:17-21, what does Paul say about our citizenship and how should it influence our behavior? [07:07]

2. In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light. What are the functions of salt and light as described in the passage? [23:25]

3. How does 2 Chronicles 7:14 describe the process and promise of God’s healing for a nation? [34:01]

4. What are the three realities discussed in the sermon that believers need to understand regarding their role in politics? [03:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding our primary citizenship as being in heaven change the way we engage with political issues on earth? [10:27]

2. What does it mean to be "salt and light" in the context of voting and political engagement, according to the sermon? [26:14]

3. The sermon mentions the importance of prayer for leaders and the nation. How does this align with the biblical instruction in 2 Chronicles 7:14? [34:01]

4. How can believers balance their responsibility to vote with the understanding that God is ultimately in control of governmental authority? [20:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current political engagement. How does your understanding of being a citizen of heaven influence your political views and actions? [10:27]

2. In what ways can you actively be "salt and light" in your community, especially during election seasons? Consider specific actions you can take. [23:25]

3. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer. How can you incorporate regular prayer for your leaders and nation into your daily routine? [34:01]

4. Think about a recent political discussion you had. How did you approach it, and how might you choose the path of honor in future conversations? [30:49]

5. Identify one area where you feel called to use your voice and vote to stand for godly principles. What steps will you take to be informed and active in this area? [21:52]

6. How can you ensure that your political engagement reflects your biblical values rather than personal opinions or societal pressures? [27:36]

7. Consider the role of social media in your political expression. How can you use it to promote unity and respect rather than division? [30:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Our Allegiance to God's Eternal Kingdom
As believers, our primary allegiance is to God's eternal kingdom rather than the temporary systems of this world. This perspective should guide our actions and decisions, including how we vote. By focusing on eternal values, we can avoid getting caught up in the fleeting political issues that often dominate our attention. Our citizenship in heaven calls us to prioritize God's principles and purposes above all else. This means that our political engagement should reflect our commitment to God's kingdom, seeking to influence our nation in ways that align with His will. [10:27]

"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: In what ways can you ensure that your political decisions and actions reflect your allegiance to God's eternal kingdom rather than temporary worldly systems?

Day 2: The Responsibility of Voting
As believers, we have a responsibility to use our voice and vote to influence our nation positively. Abstaining from voting is a missed opportunity to stand for godly principles. We must prayerfully consider our options and make choices that honor God. Our vote is a tool that can be used to promote justice, mercy, and truth in our society. By engaging in the political process, we can help shape the future of our nation in a way that reflects God's values and priorities. [21:52]

"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." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you prepare yourself to vote in a way that aligns with godly principles and positively influences your community?

Day 3: Being Salt and Light
We are called to be salt and light in the world. Salt preserves and prevents decay, while light reveals truth. Our role is to prevent moral decay and shine God's light in the darkness, voting for candidates who uphold religious freedom and moral values. By being salt and light, we can influence our society for the better, promoting righteousness and justice in all areas of life. This calling challenges us to engage with the world around us, bringing God's truth and love into every situation. [26:14]

"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 specific actions can you take today to be salt and light in your community, especially in the context of political engagement?

Day 4: Choosing the Path of Honor
We must choose the path of honor, even when we disagree with those in authority. Honor is not about the other person; it reflects our character. We should engage in respectful dialogue and avoid divisive behavior, especially on social media. By choosing honor, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ to those around us, fostering unity and understanding in our communities. This approach requires humility and a willingness to listen, even when we hold different opinions. [30:49]

"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: How can you practice honoring those in authority today, even if you disagree with them, and what impact might this have on your relationships and community?

Day 5: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is essential in seeking God's guidance and intervention for our nation. We must pray for our leaders and our country, trusting that God is in control and can bring about change. Prayer changes circumstances and our hearts, aligning us with God's will. Through prayer, we can seek God's wisdom and direction, asking Him to guide our leaders and bring healing and restoration to our land. This spiritual discipline reminds us of our dependence on God and His sovereignty over all things. [34:01]

"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: What specific prayers can you offer today for your leaders and nation, trusting in God's power to bring about change and align your heart with His will?

Quotes

1. "A lot of people think that the church should just stay out of politics. But the funny thing is, that's a relatively new phenomena, a new idea in modern history, up until just a few decades ago, it was common for churches all across America the Sunday before the election to do an election-related message. And some people are like, well, these two things shouldn't coexist. What about the separation of church and state? I've got some news for you. It's not what a lot of people think it is. It doesn't mean that they have to stay separate." [00:01:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The reason this matters is the church needs to have a prophetic voice to the world, and the reason it matters so much is if you study the history of empires and the way they rise and they fall, most great empires only lasted for around 200 years. And if you study the history of them, very often it wasn't that they were attacked from an outside force, but they died of erosion from moral decay from the inside out. So hear me. So if the church doesn't speak up, somebody will." [00:07:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are citizens of heaven. Now this is an important thing for you to understand. Paul writes about this in the book of Philippians. Paul writes this letter to a church in a city called Philippi. It is known as the book of joy. Now I want you to think about this before we even get to the verse. How incredible would it be in the midst of this divided season, in the middle of the season where people are turned against each other, where neighbors have competing yard signs in their lawns about who to vote for, in a season where it feels like we are anything but the United States of America, how amazing would it be if the church was known for having joy in the middle of all of it?" [00:07:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "As citizens of heaven, our primary assignment is eternal, not temporary. And we get all jacked up about the temporary. Oh, what if he wins? What if she wins? What's gonna happen to the border? What's gonna happen to healthcare? What's gonna happen to my taxes? It's all temporary stuff that's here for a moment. And like the book of James says, it's like a mist. Then it's all gone. Instead of getting worked up and fired up and angry and fighting over the temporary, let's turn our attention to that which will last for eternity, which is the things of God." [00:10:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The stuff of this world, it's really actually not worth fighting for. It's not. Instead of taking up your sword like Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane, what if we took up our cross and made this decision to live a life worthy of following that brings honor and glory to God that is characterized by love and joy and peace?" [00:11:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Paul says that you are Christ ambassadors. That means that you live in America, but if you are a follower of Jesus, your citizenship belongs in heaven, and therefore you are representing Christ to this foreign country. So I want you to think about yourself. I want you to think about your life, your influence, your social media. I want you to think about the conversations you have. I want you to think about the fights you've had with people. I want you to think about your politics through the lens of your faith in Jesus, and I want you to ask the question, are you properly representing Christ?" [00:16:47] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "No matter who wins, no matter how it goes, no matter if you wake up on Wednesday happy or sad, angry or joy-filled, no matter what happens in the election on Tuesday, Scripture teaches that God is the one who appoints and sets kings on their throne and presidents in the Oval Office. He's the one who's ultimately doing this. It was all his idea. And I want you to understand something. God gets a lot of stuff done in the good times, but God also has this way of getting a lot of really wonderful things done in the turbulent times in our life. And in either case, I want you to hear this, God is still in control." [00:20:23] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established. God established a state and government. The authorities that exist have been established by God. So consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God instituted. And those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. God established this, and we have a responsibility. As believers, I want you to hear this, you have a responsibility to use your voice, to do your research, and to use your vote to take a stand for the things of God." [00:21:17] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I don't want us to lose this moment. I don't want us to lose our voice and lose our vote. So when you understand that God established this, then we have a responsibility. Let's take our responsibility to heart and let's do the right thing and let's use our voice to vote. We are citizens of heaven. We are responsible. But number three, I need you to get this. We are salt and light. This is what Jesus himself said. Jesus' words in Matthew chapter five. He said, you are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." [00:25:04] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Salt does something else. You need to understand that what salt's main intention was when it was discovered is that salt preserves. Salt preserves. Jesus says you're salt, so you're gonna prevent decay. And the second thing is he says that you are salt light. You're the light of the world, and what light does is light reveals. Leave this up here for me for just a moment. Let me try to explain this. Light reveals what darkness conceals. I really believe that one of the great missions of the church when it comes to the election and voting is to reveal where there's darkness and to shine God's light on it. That's your responsibility." [00:25:26] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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