Jesus: Our Sovereign King Amidst Political Turmoil
Summary
In today's talk, we explored the profound truth that Jesus Christ is King over all, regardless of political outcomes or societal changes. As we navigate through a politically charged season, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, not to any political party or candidate. The anxiety and polarization that often accompany election seasons can be overwhelming, but we are reminded that Jesus is in control, and His kingdom is not of this world. This truth provides us with peace and stability amidst the chaos.
We reflected on the conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate, where Jesus declared that His kingdom is not an earthly one. This conversation highlights the distinction between earthly political systems and the eternal kingdom of God. Jesus' mission was not to establish a political regime but to bring about a spiritual revolution through the gospel. This revolution starts from the bottom up, transforming individuals, families, and communities through the power of the gospel.
As followers of Christ, we are called to participate in the world while maintaining our primary focus on the gospel. This means engaging in politics and societal issues, but always with the understanding that our ultimate hope and allegiance lie with Jesus. We are to bring the peace and shalom of Christ into every sphere of life, including politics, while recognizing that true and lasting change comes through the gospel.
In this season, let us be reminded of our mission to share the gospel and live out our faith in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. Our hope is not in political systems but in the transformative power of Jesus, who is the only one capable of making all things right.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus is King Over All: Regardless of political outcomes, Jesus remains sovereign. His kingship transcends earthly politics, providing us with peace and assurance that He is in control. This truth should anchor us in times of uncertainty and anxiety. [07:56]
- The Gospel is Our Primary Mission: While political engagement is important, our primary mission is the gospel. It is the gospel that brings lasting change to individuals and societies, not political systems. We must prioritize sharing the gospel above all else. [38:50]
- Participate with Purpose: As exiles in this world, we are called to participate in society, including politics, but with the understanding that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus. Our involvement should reflect the values of the kingdom of God, bringing peace and shalom into every sphere. [47:53]
- The Power of Jesus' Kingdom: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, and it operates differently from earthly political systems. It is a kingdom of peace, humility, and love, and it is through this kingdom that true transformation occurs. [19:09]
- Longing for Jesus' Return: In the midst of political turmoil, we are reminded to long for the return of Jesus, who will ultimately make all things right. Our hope is in His return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. [16:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:03] - Jesus is King Over All
- [07:56] - The Humility and Power of Jesus
- [10:25] - Our Allegiance to Jesus
- [14:27] - Participating in the World
- [16:05] - Longing for Jesus' Return
- [19:09] - Jesus' Encounter with Pilate
- [23:40] - Peter's Misunderstanding
- [25:04] - Bringing Shalom into Chaos
- [26:35] - Jesus' Kingdom Agenda
- [28:33] - Jesus is Still in Control
- [30:41] - The Peace of Christ
- [32:17] - The Mission of the Gospel
- [34:53] - Pilate's Political Dilemma
- [37:20] - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World
- [40:27] - The Truth of the Gospel
- [42:26] - Choosing the Right Kingdom
- [45:09] - Myths About Politics
- [47:53] - The Role of Christians in Politics
- [01:04:22] - Aligning with the Party of the Lamb
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 18:33-37
2. Philippians 2:5-11
3. Jeremiah 29:4-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 18:33-37, how does Jesus describe His kingdom to Pontius Pilate, and what does this reveal about the nature of His kingship? [37:20]
2. According to Philippians 2:5-11, what attitude did Christ demonstrate, and how did God respond to His humility? [07:56]
3. In Jeremiah 29:4-7, what instructions does God give to the exiles in Babylon, and how might this relate to Christians living in a secular society today? [47:53]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Christians in politics, and what is the primary mission emphasized? [38:50]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' statement that His kingdom is "not of this world" imply about the relationship between His followers and earthly political systems? [37:20]
2. How does the humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2, challenge the way Christians should engage with political and societal issues? [07:56]
3. In what ways does the instruction in Jeremiah 29 to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city" apply to Christians' involvement in their communities today? [47:53]
4. How does the sermon suggest that the gospel can bring about lasting change in individuals and societies, and what role do Christians play in this process? [38:50]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current political engagement. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains with Jesus, even amidst political discussions and debates? [14:27]
2. In what ways can you bring the peace and shalom of Christ into your workplace or community, especially during politically charged times? [25:04]
3. Consider the anxiety and polarization mentioned in the sermon. How can you personally find peace in the truth that Jesus is in control, regardless of political outcomes? [30:41]
4. How can you actively participate in societal issues while keeping the gospel as your primary mission? What practical steps can you take to prioritize sharing the gospel in your daily life? [38:50]
5. Think about a recent situation where you felt anxious about political or societal changes. How can the reminder of Jesus' eternal kingdom help you navigate such feelings in the future? [16:05]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can demonstrate the humility of Christ, as described in Philippians 2, in your interactions with others. What specific actions will you take this week? [07:56]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or community to focus on the transformative power of the gospel rather than getting caught up in political divisions? [38:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus' Sovereignty Transcends Politics
In a world often divided by political affiliations and societal changes, it is essential to remember that Jesus Christ is the ultimate King. His sovereignty is not contingent upon earthly political outcomes, and His reign provides peace and stability amidst chaos. The conversation between Jesus and Pontius Pilate serves as a reminder that His kingdom is not of this world. This truth anchors believers, offering assurance that Jesus is in control, regardless of the political climate. As followers of Christ, our ultimate allegiance is to Him, and this should guide our actions and attitudes during politically charged times. [07:56]
John 18:36 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of Jesus' sovereignty when faced with political discussions or decisions this week?
Day 2: The Gospel as Our Primary Mission
While political engagement is important, the primary mission of believers is to share the gospel. Political systems may bring temporary change, but it is the gospel that transforms individuals and societies for eternity. Jesus' mission was not to establish a political regime but to initiate a spiritual revolution through the gospel. This revolution begins with personal transformation and extends to families and communities. As Christians, we are called to prioritize the gospel above all else, ensuring that our actions and words reflect the love and truth of Christ. [38:50]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally prioritize sharing the gospel in your daily interactions this week?
Day 3: Purposeful Participation in Society
As exiles in this world, Christians are called to engage in society, including politics, with a focus on the values of God's kingdom. Our involvement should reflect the peace and shalom of Christ, bringing His love and truth into every sphere of life. While participating in societal issues, it is crucial to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus. This perspective allows us to engage with purpose, knowing that true and lasting change comes through the transformative power of the gospel. [47:53]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But 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."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring the peace of Christ into a societal issue you care about this week?
Day 4: The Distinct Nature of Jesus' Kingdom
Jesus' kingdom operates differently from earthly political systems. It is a kingdom characterized by peace, humility, and love, and it is through this kingdom that true transformation occurs. Unlike earthly kingdoms, Jesus' kingdom is not established through power or force but through the transformative power of the gospel. As believers, we are called to embody the values of this kingdom, allowing its principles to guide our actions and interactions with others. [19:09]
Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
Reflection: How can you embody the values of Jesus' kingdom in your relationships and community this week?
Day 5: Longing for Jesus' Return
In the midst of political turmoil and societal unrest, believers are reminded to long for the return of Jesus, who will ultimately make all things right. Our hope is not in political systems but in the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This longing should inspire us to live out our faith with urgency and purpose, sharing the gospel and reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. As we await His return, we are called to be faithful stewards of the message of hope and reconciliation entrusted to us. [16:05]
Titus 2:11-13 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one way you can live with a sense of urgency and purpose as you anticipate Jesus' return?
Quotes
I want to welcome those of you who are online, y 'all have no idea how excited I am to preach with thunder going at the same time. That is pretty cool. [00:00:00] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
So we're in this series called Changed, and we're talking about these conversations that Jesus would have with these different individuals, and we've been breaking some of that down. The name of the talk today, I think couldn't be more appropriate, is Jesus and the Politician. Jesus has a conversation with a politician, and we're going to get into that in just a moment. [00:00:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
That people are very anxious right now. People feel anxiety and fear. And there's a, right, there's a lot of polarization and there can be a lot of cynicism and negativity and you're being blitzed with campaign ads over and over again, whether it's in your mailbox, whether it's online, whether it's just watching TV, like, I mean, how many of you can't wait for this season to be over just for the campaign ads to stop, right? [00:07:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus is showing is that I'm in control, still in this situation. And then Jesus tells Peter, and I take you over to Matthew chapter 26, okay? Same story, but Matthew gives a description where Jesus says to Peter, put away your sword. [00:26:00] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus is saying, then, and he says it still today, I'm still in control no matter what happens. I'm in control no matter what the outcome is on a Tuesday in 2024, 2 ,000 years later from back then, right? I'm still in control. And I just was feeling this week that not only did I need to remember this, but many of us need to remember this, that Jesus is our king. [00:28:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus said, I give you a peace that this world can't give you. I give you a peace that a political party can't give you. I give you a peace that no political candidate can give you. Do you know why? Because he's unchanging. [00:31:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus would have said, let me tell you what truth is. But at this point, he doesn't. He goes on, he goes back out into the crowd, and he says, look, he's not guilty. We all know this. We know that what you're saying to me, he's not guilty of this, of any crime, okay? Do you hear that Pilate himself is saying, this guy didn't do what you're saying he has done. [00:42:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I love what J .D. Greer said. He said, I'll end with this. J .D. Greer said this. The hope for the world is not found in the stars and stripes of our flag, but in the scars and stripes of our Savior. [01:03:52] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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