Discussion Guide
So many people, opinions, thoughts, views, and ideas! What is the Church’s role in politics? We know that God has called us to stay united by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Join us as we look at what the Word of God says about these difficult matters. Ask God to help you be a person that creates unity within your sphere of influence.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Do you have family dynamics that are challenging when you get together? Co-workers that believe or vote differently than you? Share about a time where you met someone very different from you but now you are good friends.
2. Read Ephesians 2:16-19, John 13:35, Ephesians 2:22. How difficult is it for you to accept or understand someone else's viewpoint? Discuss how Jews, Gentiles, and even Jesus’ disciples were from different backgrounds, religions, races and somehow started the early church and spread the gospel all over the world. If you are a Christ follower what does Paul now call us in Christ Jesus?
Notes: The disciples, Jews, and Gentiles had their share of conflict. However, they laid down their old ways to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are Christ followers, then we have been united through His work on the cross. We should be living this out. If we have love for one another, people will see we are His disciples. This should be what we want to portray in our lives.
3. Read Ephesians 4:13-14. What does scripture say are the results when we don’t have unity? Do you feel the need to call others out when they do something wrong? Can you see the situations in our world today as schemes from the enemy?
Notes: We were challenged this weekend to look in the mirror at our own selves. Not that we should ignore things that are wrong but being aware that arguing, rioting, posting your opinion on social media clearly does not help. We must learn God’s way of handling conflict.
4. Read Ephesians 4:15-16, Proverbs 18:19, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. How are we to speak to others? In 1 Corinthians 22-23 what did Paul try to always do? In what ways can we change our mindset to that of Christ and stop getting so offended?
Notes: Paul teaches us that we are to speak to others in love. Learning to speak the truth without attacking people. What good will it do us if we offend others and damage our relationship with them permanently. Paul was willing to affiliate with the Jews or Gentiles to spread the Good News. This did not mean that he participated in sin, just that he drew as close as he could to win them over.
Action Step: We were given the challenge last Sunday to pray for both candidates running for president. Let’s continue to do so. Ask God to help you to walk in grace and love. Being more concerned about God’s Kingdom than anything around us.