POLITICS will not save you!

 

POLITICS won’t save you

 (The hierarchy of the Kingdom)

GOD THE FATHER

           GOD THE SON                                          GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE WORD (LOGOS)

THE WORD (RHEMA)

THE CHURCH

Apostles, Prophes, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers

THE GIFTS

(for all believers for building up the Body)

Service: The word translated as “ministry” is diakonia, which can also be translated “service”.  Since there are many types of ministries and service to the Church, this then describes a broad array of gifts rather than a single gift.

Exhortation: The ability to motivate Christians “to patient endurance, brotherly love, and good works”.

Giving: Those with this gift share their own possessions with others with extraordinary generosity. While all Christians should be givers, those possessing this gift will go beyond this normal giving.

Overseeing:  This gift speaks to the various roles found in the Church. While many think of roles such as administration, management of funds, strategy planning, etc. as functions outside of the supernatural realm, in reality individuals in these positions are just as in need of supernatural empowerment as are ministers of the gospel.  This is sometimes inappropriately called ‘leadership’.

Mercy:  Possibly identical to the gift of helps, the mercy-shower possesses a ministry of visitation, prayer, and compassion to the poor and sick.

​Word of wisdom:   An utterance or message of wisdom supernaturally granted to an individual. For Paul, wisdom refers to “the knowledge of the great Christian mysteries: the Incarnation, Passion, and Resurrection of Christ, and the indwelling in the believer of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2; Ephesians 1:17)”.

​Word of knowledge: The knowledge referred to is often said to relate to understanding Christian doctrine or scriptural truth.  It is sometimes said to be connected with the ministry of teachers.

Faith:  This refers to that strong or special faith “which removes mountains, casts out devils (Matthew 17:19–20), and faces the most cruel martyrdom without flinching”.  It is distinguished from the “saving” and “normal” Christian faith.

Gifts of healing:  The ability to supernaturally minister healing to others. The plural indicates the variety of sickness healed and the many forms the gift takes, such as healing by anointing with oil, by the laying on of hands, by saying the name of Jesus or by the sign of the cross.

​Working of miracles: The performance of deeds beyond ordinary human ability by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Visions. An outpouring of this gift is prophesied in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17 and is expected to increase and be of great value in the “last days”.

Discerning of spirits:  The capacity to discern, distinguish, or to discriminate the source of a spiritual manifestation—whether it emanates from a good or evil spirit. It seemed to have been particularly associated with prophecy as it would be necessary to know whether a prophetic utterance was truly inspired by God.

​Tongues:  The supernatural ability of speaking an unlearned language.  Paul seems to have distinguished between the public use of the gift (which must always be interpreted) and the private use which was for the spiritual strengthening of oneself.

Helps:  This gift has to do with service to the sick and the poor.   Possessor of this gift has a “spiritual burden and a God-given love for the needy and afflicted”.

Administration:   Also called the gift of governing, the Greek word translated “governments” is kubernesis, the verb form of which means “to steer” or “to be a helmsman”. This gift then refers to the God-given capacity to oversee or guide the Church through storms and difficult seas.

As a Christian, the foregoing is what defines (or should define) your politics.

POLITICS?

The word “politics” originates from the Greek word “polis,” meaning “city,” and is derived from the term “politikos,” which pertains to citizens and governance. It was first used in English in the mid-15th century to describe the science and art of government. This word never appears in the Bible.

1. As a Christian, you never need to speak the language of politics to define your positions – The Gospel and the Bible will define your politics. A Christian should never ‘be IN politics’ although he or she should influence politics and even hold a political office. But IN? You are IN CHRIST and HE and HIS WORD IN YOU.

Scriptures present a balanced perspective on Christian political ‘involvement’. While acknowledging God’s sovereignty over governments, believers are encouraged to engage responsibly, pray for leaders, and influence society with integrity and love. Duty to obey authorities aligns with higher obedience to God, compelling spiritual convictions to guide all civic endeavors. In political arenas, Christians strive to reflect the character of Christ, champion justice, and uphold biblical standards-all while looking to the eternal kingdom for lasting hope and salvation.

(The follow excerpt is from BibleHub.com)

2. Biblical Foundations of Christian Political Involvement

Throughout Scripture, believers encounter directives, examples, and principles that address the interaction between faith and governance. While political structures vary across cultures and history, biblical texts offer several guiding themes for understanding how believers may serve in or respond to government positions. The following sections explore these themes in detail, providing a comprehensive perspective on Christian political engagement.

3. God’s Sovereignty over Rulers and Nations

God’s ultimate authority stands as a foundational principle for any understanding of political involvement. All rulers, kingdoms, and governing structures exist under His dominion.

Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This affirms His lordship over creation as a whole, including political realms. Similarly, Colossians 1:16 teaches, “For in Him all things were created… all things were created through Him and for Him.” These passages present God as the supreme ruler who appoints and deposes leaders according to His will (cf. Daniel 2:21).

This perspective guides believers to respect legitimate authority but also to recognize that human governance is always subject to the higher authority of the Creator.

4. The Role of Government According to Scripture

The Bible establishes government as a divinely instituted instrument of order and justice. Romans 13:1-2 states, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place.”

At its best, government should:

• • Promote justice (Romans 13:3-4).
  • Protect citizens, reward good conduct, and discourage wrongdoing.
  • Preserve order in society (1 Peter 2:13-14).

These passages underline God’s intention for leaders to act as servants of justice and peace, highlighting the positive function of governance in a fallen world.

5. Biblical Examples of Political Engagement

Scripture includes numerous believers who served in or interacted with political office:

• • Joseph (Genesis 41) rose to second-in-command in Egypt under Pharaoh. He preserved many lives by exercising God-given wisdom in governance, showcasing how a believer can diligently serve under a foreign ruler.
  • Daniel (Daniel 6) also held a high governmental position in Babylon, maintaining steadfast devotion to God, even when political powers demanded idolatrous acts.
  • Esther (Book of Esther) used her influence as queen to advocate for her people, demonstrating how faith-fueled courage can affect national policy.
  • Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2) served as cupbearer to a foreign king, received permission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and assumed a leadership role among his people.

These accounts teach that believers may serve in government, working for the welfare of their communities, provided they remain faithful to God’s commands.

6. Balancing Allegiance to God and Civil Authority

Though believers are instructed to respect rulers, there are clear biblical precedents for resisting or refusing compliance when authorities command actions that conflict with God’s Word.

Acts 5:29 records the apostles saying, “We must obey God rather than men.” This mirrors the spirit of Daniel 3 and 6, where Daniel and his friends refused to worship idols at the king’s decree, and yet continued to submit to legitimate authority in all matters not contradicting divine law.

This balance ensures that Christian involvement in political spheres never compromises ultimate allegiance to God. Civil disobedience becomes biblically warranted only when authorities require actions contradicting His Word.

7. Prayer for Leaders and Authorities

Scripture exhorts believers to pray for governmental leaders, regardless of their personal agreement or disagreement with political agendas.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 teaches, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority…” This dimension of Christian political engagement emphasizes a heart posture of goodwill and intercession, seeking the peace and prosperity of the nation for the sake of the common good and the advancement of the gospel.

8. The Christian Mission and Kingdom Perspective

Jesus consistently taught that His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36). Though believers live within earthly systems, their ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Political engagement for Christians must reflect this eternal perspective, prioritizing the gospel mission and the glory of God.

This mindset does not negate responsible input into political processes but grounds all political actions in faithfulness to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the greatest commandments-loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).

9. Influencing Society through Godly Living

Beyond formal political positions, the New Testament highlights the transformative power of godly living:

• • Salt and Light Influence: Matthew 5:13-16 describes believers as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” implying a positive impact on society through holiness and good works.
  • Doing Good in Society: Titus 3:1 instructs, “Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” Faithful civic engagement often begins in everyday acts of love, respect, and compassion.

These principles guide Christians to pursue societal good, advocate for righteousness, and seek justice wherever God places them, whether in local communities or at higher levels of government.

10. Practical Principles for Christian Political Involvement

Maintain Integrity and Character: Build a strong witness by displaying honesty, humility, and love in both leadership and citizenship.

• • Seek Wisdom from Scripture: Evaluate policies, platforms, and candidates through prayerful study and application of biblical principles.
  • Promote Justice and Righteousness: Uphold moral laws consistent with God’s design (cf. Micah 6:8).
  • Engage Responsibly: Exercise voting rights, serve in public office if led, and advocate for legislation that honors biblical truths, always remembering God’s sovereignty.
  • Prioritize the Gospel: Keep the ultimate mission in view-pointing others to Christ and demonstrating God’s love, even when political disagreements arise.

11. Hope Beyond Earthly Systems

While political involvement can benefit communities and enact beneficial change, Scripture places hope in the eternal reign of Christ above all earthly governance. Believers look forward to the coming culmination of God’s kingdom, when He will “wipe away every tear” and establish perfect justice (Revelation 21:4).

Until then, Christians can serve responsibly in temporal structures, reflecting Christ’s character and seeking the good of neighbors. True hope, however, remains anchored in the Messiah’s rule-both now, in hearts yielded to Him, and ultimately, at His return.

(end excerpt).

Politics should never define you. Speak, preach, teach and live the Gospel and the Bible will define your politics.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young