WK 3 | POLITICS & THE BIBLE. | September 15, 2024
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Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT) -
25 But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
What do we believe about the Bible?
The Bible is
Plenary Verbal Inspiration: Both Old & New Testaments are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) -
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Bible is
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV) -
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
What is the purpose of the Bible?
“The goal of Bible engagement is not information but formation. When we study and apply the Bible so thoroughly and consistently that it becomes the main story by which we understand our identity and determine our actions, we are being biblically formed.” —Allen Tennison
The Bible is used to
“It is folly to think of advancing the “Christian worldview” in politics separate and apart from advancing in formation into Christlikeness. This has been the fatal flaw at the heart of so many Christian advocacy organizations, worldview movements, political campaigns, city ministries, and strategies for influence.” —Michael Wear in The Spirit of Our Politics
James 1:22-25 (NLT) -
22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
How do we use the Bible in Life & Politics?
The Bible determines our
Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT) -
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
“As Christians, failing to apply biblical values to our political decisions is unfaithful to our mission. Christianity is not just about going to church. It’s a way of seeing and understanding the world around us that should affect everything we do. In other words, Christianity is both a lifestyle and a worldview. We can’t separate what we believe in the political arena from who we are in Christ and what obedience to God demands.” —Justin Giboney in Compassion & Conviction
The Bible is our guide for
Psalm 119:105 (NIV) -
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV) -
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
“Our preferences, interests, and sociopolitical ideologies aren’t the ultimate authority and can’t take precedence over biblical principles. Outside ideologies and philosophies can inform us, but they should never be the masters of our political action.” —Justin Giboney in Compassion & Conviction
ACTION POINT: Allow the Bible to FORM & INFORM your life & politics.