Politics

Notes

Two foundational truths the Scriptures teach about God & politics:

1. The Kingdom of God is greater than the kingdom of man.
2. God is Sovereign over the city of man.  

How shall followers of Jesus respond to the political climate we live in?

1. Pray for our politicians.
2. Model unity amongst so much diversity. 

Verses

{And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Matthew 16:22-23 ESV}{He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.” Daniel 2:20-21 NLT}{“Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?” Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above.” John 19:10-11 NLT}{“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 NLT}{“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God… The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good.” Romans 14:1, 4 NLT}{“Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).” Matthew 10: 2-4 NLT}

Quotes

Vern Poythress : Politics mostly follows culture rather than leading it. A temporary victory in the voting booth does not reverse a downward moral trend driven by cultural gatekeepers in news media, entertainment, art, and education. Politics is not a cure-all.” (World Magazine ); St. Augustine : “Accordingly, two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self.”
(The City of God); Al Mohler : "The Kingdom is not riding on whatever happens on election day and the church's mission isn't going to change regardless of what happens on Election Day."
(Culture Shift); John Philipps : “In their ambition to rid their country of Roman rule, the Zealots were prepared to assassinate anyone. If Matthew had met Simon the Zealot before they both met Christ, Simon would have been quite prepared to kill him.” (Commentary);