UnChristian: Too Political
Romans 13:1-7 and Selected Scriptures
Connect:
Share how you have seen God in the Highs and Lows of your week.
Discuss how resolutions made last week in “growing more like Jesus” worked themselves out – what God did in and through you (Phil. 2:13) Celebrate and thank God for those together and pray with those who experienced some “Lows” this week, for God’s encouragement for them.
Prayer:
Pray that God would lead your discussion time and bring fresh insight, conviction, and hope through your time together.
Review:
We are launching into a new series looking at ways that Christian engagement in politics is perceived by those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Each week we are taking a key aspect of reputation, grounded on research of the Barna group, and looking at this while avoiding defensiveness, seeking to understand, and engaging authentically in the conversation.
Last week we looked at the perception that Christians are “Hypocritical”, and this week, we are looking at, “Christians are too political”
The Grand Tour of the message: Thinking back on what you heard this Sunday…
o What did you learn about God?
o What did you learn about people?
o What did you learn about yourself?
o What do you want to commit to putting into practice?
Reflect:
Share a story about your own political engagement beyond voting— in what way did you engage, what were the reasons that made sense to you, what kind of impact did you see?
Discuss the following Scriptures and read the verses in context:
How does the Bible define our boundaries regarding our response to government? ( Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-16, Acts 5:27-29 )
In America, God has allowed us to vote to change those in control. How does He expect us to respond to this freedom? ( Proverbs 31:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 10:32-39,)
What attitudes of heart prepare us to influence people towards God's ways? ( 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 12:11-12,)
In what manner are we to engage in political dialogue with those who disagree with us… and how are we doing with that? ( 2 Timothy 2:24-26, 1 Peter 3:13-16, Proverbs 15:1 and 16:32, )
What are the character qualities that equip us with the ability to respond to political tensions with tact and wisdom? ( Proverbs 18:13 and 20:5, Daniel 1:8-16 and 2:9-16,)
Respond:
Mark ended the message this week with an encouragement to keep Scripture at the center and seek God’s wisdom as we engage as citizens of faith in the issues of our times. Lets pray that the Lord will grant us that wisdom, humility, and diligence to engage here in a way that honors Him!
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