Show Notes
12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.
15-16 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-21
Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.
The Purpose of Human Government.
- The commendation of good
- The punishment of evil
- The maintenance of peace
- The protection of the oppressed
POLITICS IS ATTEMPTING TO SET THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY.
POLITICS IS ATTEMPTING TO SET THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY AND GOD GIVES US THE STANDARD FOR MORALITY.
When outsiders who have never heard of God’s law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman.
ROMANS 2:14-16
15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians,
MATTHEW 22:15-16
16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.[b] 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
MATTHEW 22:16-17
18 But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? 19 Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.[c] 20 And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 21 They said, “Caesar's.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.
MATTHEW 22:18-22
DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO BE DUAL CITIZENS
You should have more in common with a believer in another country than you do with an unbeliever in your own country.
JON TYSON
DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO GIVE GOVERNMENT HONOR
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
ROMANS 13:1-2
HOW DISCIPLES PARTICIPATE
“If you have the privilege of being a Christian in a Democracy, you are called to be consistent as a Christian in your voting and serving your country.”
NATHAN FINOCHIO
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
TITUS 3:9
DISCIPLES ARE CALLED TO GIVE GOD HOPE
For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.
PSALM 22:28
JESUS IS LORD.