Jesus For President - Pre-Election - Pt. 1

Jesus For President - Pre-Election - Part I

(from 10/30/16 sermon)

I. OPEN - See if there is anyone who wants to share a short testimony, or if there are there specific praise updates to begin CG.

PRAY

Q - Sermon takeaways from those who were in attendance?

*READ ALOUD Colossians 3:7 & I Corinthians 10:31

II. REFLECT

In these passages we are reminded that whatever we do we should do in the name of the Lord and for the glory of God...and this concludes how we handle political elections. On Sunday we were reminded that we cannot walk “cavalierly” into a presidential election, but instead we should soberly and prayerfully step into this season while remaining fully confident that God is in control. And although we do have a biblical responsibility to pray for our elected leaders, we must also avoid allowing candidates, political parties, etc. to become idols or potential saviors in our lives. Yes, we are to acknowledge our civic responsibilities, but we must always remember that our citizenship is in heaven and that we are exiles and sojourners on this earth (Phil 3:20 & Heb 11:13).

Discussion - We were reminded on Sunday that when if look at our political candidates and don’t like what we see that we must remember that what we see in them is often simply a reflection of who we are as a society. It is said that G.K. Chesterton, when asked what the problem with society is, responded with something like, “The problem with society, sirs, is me.” Q - What was Chesterton saying about the condition of his own heart? Compare that to I Timothy 1:15 where Paul calls himself “the chief of all sinners.” Why is necessary that we look at our own hearts before we can begin pointing fingers at others in our society We are all a part of this great American experiment. We could have been born at a different time and in a different region of our world, but we find ourselves here...in East Tennessee...and in the midst of a very trying time for our nation. There is societal, civil & political unrest that is so real that you can almost reach out and touch it. For many of us, this unrest has caused great angst in our hearts. So, what are we to do? In Jeremiah 29:7 we read, “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Q - Using this verse as a catalyst, what are some specific applications that we can make to ensure that we are doing everything that we can to be salt and light to our society and by doing so bring glory to God? In a lecture that he gave last week, evangelical leader Russell Moore argued that the best way to influence the culture for Christ is to stop trying to influence the culture for Christ, but rather to be deeply and thoughtfully Christian, and to allow your countercultural life to be your testimony. Q - What does Moore mean by this? Discuss.

III. FURTHER APPLICATION

Consider the verses below as a reminder for us to pray as Christian citizens.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV

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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Romans 13:1 ESV

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.

1 Timothy 2:1-15 ESV

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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ...

2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

1 Peter 2:17 ESV

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. ***Pray - Community groups are encouraged to spend the remainder of community group time praying for our local, state, and national leaders as well as for our presidential candidates.

IV. CLOSE

Final thoughts?

V. BE ON-MISSION

We encourage family units to be intentional in coming together these next few weeks on a daily basis to pray for our local and national leaders.