Faith Talk - October 13, 2024
Sunday: October 13, 2024
Series: Faith and Politics
Sermon: Faith and Politics
Series: Faith and Politics
Sermon: Faith and Politics
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, or kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Summary
Today, we began a new series, Faith and Politics. With so much misinformation, intimidation, and brokenness in our politicians and our political process, Pastor Brian began a series to teach what the Bible teaches on how a Christian is to engage in politics.
As Christians, our identity is not like that of the world. We don't identify as Democrat or Republican; we identify as Christian (Galatians 2:20). As a Christian, I realize I have dual citizenship; I am a citizen of this country, but my first loyalty is as a citizen of God’s Kingdom (Philippians 3:20). My loyalty is to a greater King. God’s Kingdom doesn't come to take sides; God’s Kingdom comes to take over. How does God advance His Kingdom? By the internal change of the human heart. What changes the heart of man to follow and reflect God’s Kingdom? The gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:14-15). The gospel addresses the core issue of life change that brings about the change in our country we long for.
We also learned God does restrain evil in our world. First, by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through the church (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8), and second, through government punishing evil and praising good (1 Peter 2:13-14). We understand Christians must be part of the political process so Christians can vote according to biblical Kingdom principles in our effort to restrain evil and praise good according to God’s design.
The secular culture will try to suppress your vote and tell you not to vote according to your Christian values, which is misinformation and a hypocritical manipulation (ex., Separation of Church and State or Christian Nationalism). Every person in a democracy votes according to their values, and Christians have every right to do the same.
We must be active in the political process, but it cannot replace our evangelistic mission (1 Timothy 2:1-4). God is not just after policy; He is after people, and we have been sent as fishers of men.
As Christians, our identity is not like that of the world. We don't identify as Democrat or Republican; we identify as Christian (Galatians 2:20). As a Christian, I realize I have dual citizenship; I am a citizen of this country, but my first loyalty is as a citizen of God’s Kingdom (Philippians 3:20). My loyalty is to a greater King. God’s Kingdom doesn't come to take sides; God’s Kingdom comes to take over. How does God advance His Kingdom? By the internal change of the human heart. What changes the heart of man to follow and reflect God’s Kingdom? The gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:14-15). The gospel addresses the core issue of life change that brings about the change in our country we long for.
We also learned God does restrain evil in our world. First, by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit through the church (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8), and second, through government punishing evil and praising good (1 Peter 2:13-14). We understand Christians must be part of the political process so Christians can vote according to biblical Kingdom principles in our effort to restrain evil and praise good according to God’s design.
The secular culture will try to suppress your vote and tell you not to vote according to your Christian values, which is misinformation and a hypocritical manipulation (ex., Separation of Church and State or Christian Nationalism). Every person in a democracy votes according to their values, and Christians have every right to do the same.
We must be active in the political process, but it cannot replace our evangelistic mission (1 Timothy 2:1-4). God is not just after policy; He is after people, and we have been sent as fishers of men.
Discussion
- Share what stood out to you most from today’s sermon.
- What challenged you the most? What encouraged you the most?
- Discuss the challenges you have personally faced in living out your faith in politics and in particular this election season.
- How have you felt discouraged to share your Christian position?
- As stewards of the gospel, how can we stay on mission to advance God’s Kingdom during this divided election season?
- Who is someone you know where politics has created a wall between you? How can you build a bridge for the sake of the gospel?
- Christians must get out and vote! If you are 18 years old or older, what is the place and time for you to vote?
- How can you be sure to vote in the upcoming election?
Pray Together
Father, thank You for Your sovereignty over all rulers and authority. I ask that You give us the humility to know the biblical values of your Kingdom and the courage to stand for Your truth and to vote accordingly. We commit to being engaged in the political process of voting to represent Your good and to restrain evil. Help us to live out of faith during this election season. We entrust our country and this election to You. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Posted in Faith Talk