Refocusing Worship: Christ Over Politics and Division
Summary
In today's world, social media and political parties are vying for our allegiance, attempting to shape our identities and capture our worship. However, as followers of Christ, our worship belongs solely to the Lamb, Jesus Christ. In this politically charged season, it's crucial for us as a church to refocus our worship on Jesus, not on political symbols like the donkey or the elephant. The current political climate has led to unprecedented divisions within families and churches, but we are called to rise above this and unite in our worship of Christ.
The story of the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the times and knowing what to do. In a world where political parties seek to define our identities, we must remember that Jesus is King, and His kingdom is the object of our witness and work. Our role is not to build God's kingdom on earth but to build for it by praying for its coming, populating the earth with the life of heaven, and proclaiming gospel truth and justice to political powers.
In Romans 14, Paul teaches us to welcome fellow believers who may not share our political views, emphasizing the importance of unity in the church. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 further illustrates that our neighbors include those who differ from us politically, and we are called to love and work for their well-being. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, allowing God to shape our thoughts and actions.
As Christians, we must develop a theology for civil engagement, prioritizing the kingdom of God over political affiliations. We should see ourselves as "kingdom heavy" and "party light," ensuring that our political decisions and actions are filtered through the lens of our faith. In doing so, we avoid the trap of modern idolatry and remain steadfast in our worship of the Lamb.
Key Takeaways:
- In a world where political parties seek to capture our worship, we must remember that our allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ, the Lamb. Our identity should be rooted in Him, not in political symbols or ideologies. [00:55]
- The story of the men of Issachar teaches us the importance of understanding the times and knowing what to do. As Christians, we must discern the political climate and respond with wisdom and faithfulness. [03:04]
- Romans 14 emphasizes the need for unity within the church, even amidst political differences. We are called to welcome and love fellow believers, regardless of their political views, and to prioritize our shared faith in Christ. [12:26]
- The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to expand our definition of "neighbor" to include those who differ from us politically. We are called to love and work for the well-being of all, regardless of their political affiliations. [17:16]
- Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Our political engagement should be guided by our faith, with the kingdom of God as our primary focus. [22:36]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - The Political Climate and Division
[01:58] - A Dream and Its Meaning
[03:04] - Understanding the Times
[04:14] - Jesus is King
[05:56] - Building for the Kingdom
[07:25] - Democracy and Its Challenges
[08:25] - Three Big Questions
[09:52] - Romans 14 and Church Unity
[12:26] - Welcoming Different Views
[14:12] - Worshiping the Lamb Together
[15:16] - The Good Samaritan and Our Neighbors
[17:16] - Expanding the Definition of Neighbor
[19:29] - Building for the Kingdom Amidst Division
[20:51] - Romans 12:2 and Transformation
[22:36] - The Exhausted Majority
[24:05] - Common Ground in Politics
[25:28] - Theology for Civic Engagement
[26:58] - Kingdom Heavy, Party Light
[28:30] - The Influence of Social Media
[29:25] - Worshiping the Lamb Alone
[31:28] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Chronicles 12:32
2. Romans 14
3. Luke 10:25-37
4. Romans 12:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What does 1 Chronicles 12:32 say about the men of Issachar, and how does this relate to understanding our current political climate? [03:04]
2. In Romans 14, what specific instructions does Paul give about how believers should treat each other despite differing opinions? [12:26]
3. How does the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 challenge our understanding of who our "neighbor" is? [17:16]
4. According to Romans 12:2, what is the process by which believers are transformed, and how does this relate to political engagement? [22:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How can the wisdom of the men of Issachar be applied to discern the political climate today, and what actions should Christians take in response? [03:04]
2. What does Romans 14 suggest about the importance of unity in the church, especially when political views differ? How might this look in practice? [12:26]
3. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, why is it significant that Jesus chose a Samaritan as the hero, and how does this apply to political divisions today? [17:16]
4. How does Romans 12:2 encourage believers to approach political issues differently from the world, and what might this transformation look like in everyday life? [22:36]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current political views. How can you ensure that your primary allegiance remains with Jesus Christ rather than a political party? [29:25]
2. Think of a fellow believer with whom you disagree politically. How can you practice the unity and love described in Romans 14 in your relationship with them? [12:26]
3. Identify someone in your life who holds different political beliefs. How can you apply the lesson of the Good Samaritan to love and serve them this week? [17:16]
4. What specific steps can you take to renew your mind, as instructed in Romans 12:2, to align your political engagement with your faith? [22:36]
5. How can you develop a theology for civil engagement that prioritizes the kingdom of God over political affiliations? What changes might this require in your current approach to politics? [26:58]
6. Consider the influence of social media on your political views. What practical measures can you take to ensure that your worship and identity remain rooted in Christ? [28:30]
7. Reflect on a recent political discussion you had. How can you ensure that future conversations are characterized by grace and understanding, even when disagreements arise? [12:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Allegiance to the Lamb
In a world where political parties and social media vie for our allegiance, it is crucial to remember that our true identity and worship belong to Jesus Christ, the Lamb. Political symbols and ideologies often attempt to define who we are, but as followers of Christ, our identity should be rooted in Him alone. This means that our primary focus should be on Jesus, not on the political symbols of the donkey or the elephant. By doing so, we can rise above the divisions that the current political climate has created within families and churches, uniting in our worship of Christ. [00:55]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed political symbols or ideologies to shape your identity? How can you refocus your allegiance on Jesus today?
Day 2: Understanding the Times
The story of the men of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32 reminds us of the importance of understanding the times and knowing what to do. In today's politically charged environment, Christians are called to discern the political climate and respond with wisdom and faithfulness. This involves recognizing that Jesus is King and that His kingdom is the object of our witness and work. Our role is not to build God's kingdom on earth but to build for it by praying for its coming, populating the earth with the life of heaven, and proclaiming gospel truth and justice to political powers. [03:04]
"Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command." (1 Chronicles 12:32, ESV)
Reflection: How can you better understand the current political climate in light of your faith? What steps can you take to respond with wisdom and faithfulness?
Day 3: Unity Amidst Political Differences
Romans 14 emphasizes the need for unity within the church, even amidst political differences. As Christians, we are called to welcome and love fellow believers, regardless of their political views, and to prioritize our shared faith in Christ. This unity is essential for the church to function as the body of Christ, transcending political divisions and focusing on our common mission. By embracing this call to unity, we can create a more inclusive and loving community that reflects the heart of Jesus. [12:26]
"Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." (Romans 14:13, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity within your church community, especially with those who hold different political views? What practical steps can you take to foster a spirit of love and acceptance?
Day 4: Expanding the Definition of Neighbor
The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to expand our definition of "neighbor" to include those who differ from us politically. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and work for the well-being of all, regardless of their political affiliations. This means reaching out to those who may hold opposing views and seeking to understand and support them in their needs. By doing so, we embody the love of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel in our relationships. [17:16]
"But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion." (Luke 10:33, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life holds different political views from you? How can you show them love and compassion today, as the Good Samaritan did?
Day 5: Transformed by the Renewing of Our Minds
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Our political engagement should be guided by our faith, with the kingdom of God as our primary focus. This means developing a theology for civil engagement that prioritizes the kingdom of God over political affiliations. By being "kingdom heavy" and "party light," we can ensure that our political decisions and actions are filtered through the lens of our faith, avoiding the trap of modern idolatry and remaining steadfast in our worship of the Lamb. [22:36]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you conformed to the patterns of this world in your political engagement? How can you allow God to transform your mind and guide your actions today?
Quotes
1) "In an age where political parties are attempting to define our identity in a time of fear, fragmentation and faithless statecraft amidst global carnage and crisis, Jesus is king. And Jesus kingdom on earth, as in heaven, remains the object of the church's witness and work. That's why we're here. That's why Jesus established the church, is that we would witness and work towards the prayer that he taught us to pray to thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." [04:14] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We're not called to build the kingdom of God on earth. Only God can do that. But we are called to build for the kingdom. This means we do three things. We pray for the kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. The reason that God wants his kingdom on earth as in heaven, because whatever God administrates, people are blessed. Wherever God's administration takes place, all of society prospers across every level. And so Jesus tells us to pray for that." [05:56] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "How do we live out a faithful christian political witness in the church. How do we do it? By worshiping the lamb with donkeys and elephants. You and I are called to worship King Jesus. Worship the lamb, though you're sitting right next to a donkey. Look at your neighbor and say, you may be a donkey. No, don't do that. I'm just kidding. Or you might be sitting right next to an elephant. And yet we are called in the church to worship the lamb, to worship him right beside someone who disagrees with us politically. Why? Because Jesus is the king and your political opinion is not." [14:12] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We consider all who politically disagree with us as neighbors, all who politically see things different than we do. We consider them to be our neighbor, and we work for their personal well being. This is not to say that you give up all your political opinions, because I don't think you should. I think you should work hard to develop those. I think you should study the scriptures to understand those. But as you and I do, I think that the parable of the good Samaritan teaches us that we're sitting next to our neighbor, even though they represent a different political party than you do." [19:29] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is, his good, pleasing, and perfect will. That's from the Niv. Now listen to that same passage from the new living translation. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Who changes the way you think, or who should change the way you think? According to Romans, it's God himself, not your political party, not the influencer on social media who's trying to get you to live a lifestyle that's different than what you think." [20:51] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The lamb is far more important than the donkey or the elephant. Let me say it this way. If you attend Trinity Church and you are a Republican, we're super glad that you're here. If you attend Trinity Church and you are a Democrat, we are super glad that you're here. But having a theology for faithful civic engagement means this, that you consider yourself a republican light, or you consider yourself a Democrat light and the kingdom heavy. You see the kingdom as heavy and your party as light. When you're forming your opinions, you see the kingdom is heavy and the influence of your party is light." [26:58] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The goal of what's happening on social media from the parties today is to create a lifestyle. A lifestyle. And they're looking for you to be their convert. They have fashioned an image they want you to bear. They have a political worldview they want to occupy your imagination with. And all of this is designed to capture your worship. And the truth is, the only place you and I can give our worship is to the lamb. We must stop worshiping the donkey. That sounds really ludicrous, doesn't it, that we'd worship a donkey? We must stop worshiping the elephant. That sounds ludicrous, doesn't it, that we would worship an elephant or a donkey?" [28:30] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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