Jesus + Politics
As we inch closer and closer to the presidential election in November, if there’s anything we can all agree on—regardless of political ideology—it’s that there is very little we all agree on. This week, we will talk about six Kingdom Values that should shape how we live, vote, and engage in this politically charged world.
1. When you think of the upcoming election, what emotions and feelings do you experience?
2. Pastor James talked about Six Kingdom Values that should shape how we live and vote. Those were Sanctity of Life, Unity in Diversity, Compassionate Justice, Sacred Sexuality, and Radical Generosity. As you vote in the upcoming election, how do these values help give you a framework for voting and discussing these political issues? How can we make a habit of considering God’s word before defending our political views?
3. Read John 18:36, Jesus said, “my kingdom is not of this world?” What do you think Jesus means by this statement? How should we live as people in this world knowing that we live for a greater kingdom not of this world?
4. Read Genesis 1:27. How should we treat others according to this verse? What does it mean to be made in the image of God?
5. Read Galatians 3:28. How does this verse bring unity across all cultures and nationalities?
6. Read Matthew 25:40; what does this verse say about injustice?
7. Read Hebrews 13:4. What is Jesus saying about kingdom values of marriage and sexual purity?
8. Read Acts 2:44-45. The early church demonstrated what it means to be radically generous. How well do we do at living this way? How does this verse challenge you to live radically generous?
9. Read Philippians 3:20. If you examined your life today, where would you say your allegiance lies? Do you struggle to live for God’s Kingdom in your country?
10. The three takeaways from this sermon are “Pray for Wisdom,” “Examine the Kingdom Issues,” and “Vote as Worship.” Which of these is most challenging to you? What practical ways can we implement these three steps in our lives?
Pastor James’ Sermon Notes:
Jesus + Politics
• As followers of Jesus how do we respond to and engage with divisive political issues?
• (Matthew 22:21 NIV): "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
• (John 18:33 NIV): "Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, 'Are you the king of the Jews?'
• (John 18:36 NIV): "Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'"
• Our Allegiance is to Jesus the King, Not Political Parties
• (Philippians 3:20 NIV): "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
• Live for God’s Kingdom in your country.
• Sanctity of Life (Genesis 1:27)
• Genesis 1:27 — "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
• Unity in Diversity (Galatians 3:28)
• Galatians 3:28—"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"
• People Over Points (Matthew 5:9)
• Matthew 5:9—"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
• Compassionate Justice (Matthew 25:40)
• Matthew 25:40—"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
• Sacred Sexuality (Hebrews 13:4)
• Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
• Radical Generosity (Acts 2:44-45)
• Acts 2:44-45 "All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."
- Sanctity of Life (Republican)
- Unity in Diversity (Democratic)
- People Over Points (None)
- Compassionate Justice (Democratic)
- Sacred Sexuality (Republican)
- Radical Generosity (None)
•Three Takeaways for Election Day:
- Pray for Wisdom
- Examine the Kingdom Issues
- Vote as Worship