Finding Divine Truth Amidst Political Turmoil
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the complex and often contentious topic of politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming election. The focus was not on endorsing any candidate or political party but rather on understanding the deeper truths that govern our actions and beliefs. We explored the idea that while political figures and parties vie for power, often under the guise of pursuing truth, the ultimate truth lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
We examined the biblical account of Jesus before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus, despite appearing powerless, held the ultimate authority and truth. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that true power and authority come from God, and our earthly pursuits of power often lead us away from this divine truth.
The sermon emphasized the importance of discerning the "truer truth" in our political engagements. This involves looking beyond the surface-level facts and political spin to understand the deeper, spiritual truths that God is revealing to us. We were encouraged to pray for discernment, to seek unity within the body of Christ, and to engage in the political process with a heart aligned with God's truth.
We also discussed the role of the church in embodying and upholding these truths. Historically, the church has been a beacon of moral and ethical guidance, addressing issues like slavery, racial equality, and the sanctity of life. In today's polarized climate, it is crucial for the church to continue to stand firm in these truths, offering a counter-narrative to the often divisive and expedient nature of political discourse.
In conclusion, we were reminded that our ultimate hope and truth lie not in any political system or party but in Jesus Christ. As we navigate the complexities of the upcoming election, let us do so with a heart attuned to God's truer truth, seeking to embody His love and justice in all our actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Truer Truth Beyond Politics: While political figures and parties often claim to pursue truth, the ultimate truth lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Earthly power is fleeting and often misleading, but divine truth is eternal and unchanging. We must seek to discern this truer truth in all our political engagements. [04:33]
2. Jesus Before Pilate: A Lesson in True Authority: The biblical account of Jesus before Pilate illustrates that true authority and power come from God. Despite appearing powerless, Jesus held the ultimate authority. This serves as a reminder that our earthly pursuits of power should always be aligned with God's divine truth. [09:19]
3. The Role of the Church in Upholding Truth: Historically, the church has been a beacon of moral and ethical guidance, addressing issues like slavery, racial equality, and the sanctity of life. In today's polarized climate, it is crucial for the church to continue to stand firm in these truths, offering a counter-narrative to the often divisive nature of political discourse. [41:55]
4. Praying for Discernment: As we approach the upcoming election, it is essential to pray for the gift of discernment. We need to understand the deeper truths that God is revealing to us, beyond the surface-level facts and political spin. This discernment will guide us in making decisions that align with God's will. [35:52]
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: Jesus prayed for the unity of the body of Christ, emphasizing that our unity is a testament to the world of God's truth. In the context of political divisions, it is vital for the church to embody this unity, showing the world that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, not any earthly political system. [38:51]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:02] - Introduction to the Topic
3. [02:01] - The Church's Role in Politics
4. [02:46] - Current Geopolitical Crises
5. [03:41] - Speaking Truth to Power
6. [04:33] - The Nature of Truth
7. [05:25] - Facts vs. Truth
8. [07:12] - Disappointment in the Church
9. [08:15] - Biblical Examples of Political Engagement
10. [09:19] - Jesus Before Pilate
11. [11:09] - Power vs. Authority
12. [14:36] - Pilate's Interrogation of Jesus
13. [17:50] - The Truer Truth
14. [21:14] - Personal Story on Political Beliefs
15. [23:14] - Pilate's Dilemma
16. [27:57] - Jesus' Authority from Above
17. [29:38] - The Irony of Jesus' Trial
18. [31:14] - The Deception of Control
19. [34:18] - Pilate's Spiritual Realization
20. [35:52] - Praying for America
21. [38:51] - Unity in the Body of Christ
22. [41:55] - The Church's Historical Role
23. [44:49] - Closing Hymn and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 18:33-37 (ESV)
> So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
2. Romans 13:1 (ESV)
> 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.
3. John 17:17 (ESV)
> Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "My kingdom is not of this world"? (John 18:36)
2. According to Romans 13:1, where does all authority come from?
3. In John 17:17, what does Jesus ask the Father to do for His disciples?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' statement about His kingdom not being of this world challenge our understanding of earthly power and authority? (John 18:36)
2. What implications does Romans 13:1 have for how Christians should view and interact with political authorities?
3. How can the church embody the truth that Jesus speaks of in John 17:17 in today's polarized political climate? ([38:51])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt conflicted about a political issue. How did you seek God's guidance in that situation? ([35:52])
2. How can you practice discernment in your political engagements to ensure they align with God's truth rather than just political spin? ([04:33])
3. In what ways can you contribute to unity within the body of Christ, especially during politically divisive times? ([38:51])
4. How can you actively pray for discernment and wisdom as you approach the upcoming election? ([35:52])
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your political actions and beliefs are rooted in your relationship with Jesus Christ rather than in earthly power? ([09:19])
6. How can you support your church in being a beacon of moral and ethical guidance in today's society? ([41:55])
7. Think of a specific political issue that is important to you. How can you approach this issue with a heart aligned with God's truth and love? ([04:33])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Truer Truth Beyond Politics
Description: In the realm of politics, figures and parties often claim to pursue truth, but these truths are frequently transient and influenced by human agendas. The ultimate truth, however, lies in our relationship with Jesus Christ, whose divine truth is eternal and unchanging. As believers, we are called to discern this "truer truth" in all our political engagements, looking beyond surface-level facts and political spin to understand the deeper, spiritual truths that God is revealing to us. This discernment requires prayer and a heart aligned with God's will, enabling us to navigate the complexities of political life with wisdom and integrity. [04:33]
Bible Passage: "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a recent political discussion or debate you were involved in. How can you seek God's truer truth in that context, and what steps can you take to align your political views with His eternal truth?
### Day 2: Jesus Before Pilate: A Lesson in True Authority
Description: The biblical account of Jesus before Pilate is a profound lesson in true authority and power. Despite appearing powerless in the face of Roman political might, Jesus held the ultimate authority, rooted in His divine nature. This narrative reminds us that earthly pursuits of power are often misleading and transient, whereas true authority comes from God. As we engage in political processes, it is crucial to remember that our actions and decisions should be aligned with God's divine truth, recognizing that His authority surpasses all earthly power. [09:19]
Bible Passage: "Jesus answered him, 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.'" (John 19:11, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you felt powerless or overwhelmed by authority. How can you remind yourself of God's ultimate authority in such moments, and how can this perspective change your approach to earthly power dynamics?
### Day 3: The Role of the Church in Upholding Truth
Description: Historically, the church has played a vital role in upholding moral and ethical truths, addressing significant issues such as slavery, racial equality, and the sanctity of life. In today's polarized political climate, it is more important than ever for the church to stand firm in these truths, offering a counter-narrative to the often divisive and expedient nature of political discourse. The church must continue to be a beacon of moral guidance, helping believers navigate political complexities with a heart aligned with God's truth and justice. [41:55]
Bible Passage: "But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." (John 11:10, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a current social or political issue that the church is addressing. How can you support your church in upholding God's truth in this matter, and what actions can you take to contribute to a more just and ethical society?
### Day 4: Praying for Discernment
Description: As we approach the upcoming election, it is essential to pray for the gift of discernment. This involves seeking God's guidance to understand the deeper truths beyond surface-level facts and political spin. Discernment allows us to make decisions that align with God's will, helping us to navigate the political landscape with wisdom and integrity. By praying for discernment, we open our hearts to God's truth, enabling us to act in ways that reflect His love and justice in our political engagements. [35:52]
Bible Passage: "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to pray for discernment regarding a specific political issue or candidate. How can you seek God's guidance in this matter, and what steps can you take to ensure your decisions align with His will?
### Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
Description: Jesus prayed for the unity of the body of Christ, emphasizing that our unity is a testament to the world of God's truth. In the context of political divisions, it is vital for the church to embody this unity, showing the world that our ultimate allegiance is to God's kingdom, not any earthly political system. By fostering unity within the body of Christ, we can present a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating that our faith transcends political differences and is rooted in the eternal truth of God's love and justice. [38:51]
Bible Passage: "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a fellow believer with whom you have political disagreements. How can you work towards unity with this person, focusing on your shared faith in Christ rather than your political differences? What practical steps can you take to foster this unity today?
Quotes
1. "I feel like in these next five months going into the end of January, I feel like God said, what happened in the last election cannot happen to the church in this election. And I'm not talking about New Covenant. I mean, I get all over the world these days, U.S. and even internationally, and I listen to pastors talk about what they went through during the pandemic, during the last election, and during all of that. And the church's capacity to disregard one another, to fall out of love, not only with Christ, but with one another." [02:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You can't love Jesus and not love the jerk sitting behind you, right? I mean, assuming he's really a jerk and you're not the jerk, right? All right. So, so I want to talk about this, and I can see some of you're grabbing the edge of your seats. And what's he going to say here? Well, look, we live in a time where there's all these crises that we're looking at, right? We've got the South China Sea now. This morning, Israel attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon. So you've got the whole Gaza thing going on. You've got the Ukraine-Russian thing going on." [02:46] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How many of you know this? All of the fact checking in the world, everybody's fact checking, right? How many of you know all the fact checking in the world does not guarantee that you arrive at the truth? Huh? Because facts and truth aren't, the facts can be true without getting the truth. Are you there? You know, there's the old story of a CFO and a CEO. CFO is a chief financial officer in a corporation. CEO is a chief executive officer. The chief financial officer goes into the chief executive officer. Chief executive officer says, hey, I want to know, I want you to put the books together and I want to know where we stand." [06:14] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we find ourselves in a position of power of some kind, how do we speak the truth in love? Pretty important, isn't it? And, and then, and then on the other hand, how do we speak the truth to those over whom, you know, who have power over us? And I, and I can't certainly cover all those bases here, but I want to do this. Why can't we look at the Bible for this stuff? Huh? Where do you find Jesus decrying Caesar? Where do you find Paul, Peter, James, John going after the civil authorities in their, wherever they're living, whether it's in Antioch or Athens or what, you know, where do you see that?" [08:15] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Power is my ability to act or influence the world. The world around me. Say that again. Power is my ability to act or influence the world around me. I want to differentiate that from authority. Authority is the position granted to me by God. Remember Paul says all authority is granted by God. Authority is the position granted to me by God from which I can exercise power. I had, I, Patricia and I had the joy of raising four kids. It was joyous a couple of months anyway. And so, especially in the teen years, anyway, so, so, so we had, we had a position. We were called mom and dad. And from that we exercised power. We had this authority." [11:09] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The ultimate hope in this world is no political party, no system of government. No government. It's Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. Amen? Yeah. So, OK, Pilate, after he said this, he went back outside. He's going back and forth, right? You can tell he's dancing, right? He's dancing. OK. He went back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you this king of the Jews? He's being sarcastic. King of the Jews? And they cry out again and said, no, not this man, Mick Jagger. No, Barabbas. All right, so Barabbas, you know, is disdained by the crowd." [23:14] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we are confronted with the truth of God and we refuse to embrace it, sometimes that means act upon it. When we're confronted with that truth and we refuse it, we exchange real kingdom power, which we all have. Everybody here, everybody in the country, everybody online, we have kingdom power through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We exchange that for the deception that we can really control our own lives. Huh? Yeah. You know, I mean, one of the, one of the reasons we journey in growth as Christians is we, it's, it's this thing from the time you accept Christ to the time you meet Christ, you, you slowly realize how not in control you are and how much in control he is." [31:14] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Pray for America, which is, most of you are already doing that, right? But I want to say, pray for America. Pray for our country. All right. Pray that you will be able to discern the truer truth that God is pursuing in the election than what everybody else says is true. Should I say that again? Pray that you will be able to discern the truer truth of what God is saying in this election than what everybody else is saying. Do you notice, I mean, you know, like if you're into, I'm a pro-life guy. This is a pro-life church, right? You know, if you're into pro-life, you're going to be able to discern the truer truth of what God is doing." [35:52] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The ultimate hope in this world is no political party, no system of government. No government. It's Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. Amen? Yeah. So, OK, Pilate, after he said this, he went back outside. He's going back and forth, right? You can tell he's dancing, right? He's dancing. OK. He went back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you this king of the Jews? He's being sarcastic. King of the Jews? And they cry out again and said, no, not this man, Mick Jagger. No, Barabbas. All right, so Barabbas, you know, is disdained by the crowd." [23:14] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The ultimate hope in this world is no political party, no system of government. No government. It's Jesus Christ, the son of the living God. Amen? Yeah. So, OK, Pilate, after he said this, he went back outside. He's going back and forth, right? You can tell he's dancing, right? He's dancing. OK. He went back outside to the Jews and told them, I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you this king of the Jews? He's being sarcastic. King of the Jews? And they cry out again and said, no, not this man, Mick Jagger. No, Barabbas. All right, so Barabbas, you know, is disdained by the crowd." [23:14] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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