Discussion Guide: You Have a Part to Play – Politics

PRAYER

As we gather, let’s focus on building relationships and exploring how God calls us to live and love one another in our unique contexts. Let’s begin with prayer.

Does anyone have prayer requests or testimonies of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

YOU HAVE A PART TO PLAY TOPICS

Fame Culture :: Homelessness :: Creation Care :: Politics :: Modern Day Slavery :: Our Common Humanity

THIS WEEK

This week, we tackled the topic of Politics by exploring Romans 13:1-7, where the Apostle Paul addresses a community navigating a challenging political landscape under Roman rule. Just as they grappled with their faith amidst oppression and division, we, too, are navigating a complex political climate today.

Consider the guiding question of Sunday’s message:

How can we, as followers of Christ, become agents of reconciliation and unity, especially with those in power, even when we disagree?

Pastor Alvin encourages us to balance our convictions with our calling to love one another, shedding light on God’s vision for the relationship between church and state. Let’s open our hearts to understanding God’s purpose behind politics and government and our role as difference-makers in a politically polarized culture that desperately needs the hope and grace of Jesus.

Reflect on the following: From a general perspective, without blaming or naming anyone specifically, what do you see as problematic in our current political environment in America?

OPENING THOUGHT

Have one person to read the following aloud:

In the 1920’s Time Magazine posted an article posing the question, “What’s wrong with the world?” In response to this article the author and theologian, G.K. Chesterton sent the following letter.

“Dear Sir:

Regarding your article ‘What’s Wrong with the World?’

I am.

Yours truly,
– G.K. Chesterton”

If we adopted Chesterton’s posture of humility and self-reflection in our political approach, how might it change our political discourse?

Have you ever felt compelled to point fingers rather than reflect? What drives this urge to blame “that party” or “those people”?

In your life, does your political stance influence your faith, or does your faith influence your political views?

SCRIPTURE

Read aloud Romans 13:1-7 and Matthew 22:15-22. Reflect on how these passages illuminate our understanding of God’s purpose in government and our role as difference-makers:

“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. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” —Romans 13:1-7

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 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. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” 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.” When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”—Matthew 22:15-22

How did Jesus relate to the political systems of His day, according to these passages?

How did His humility, love, service, and Truth impact those around Him?

What would it look like to engage in the political environment with a heart that seeks to “pay to all what is owed to them” as God intended? In what ways do you believe people, places, and things would change for the common good?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

From Sunday’s message, Pastor Alvin shared these key thoughts on politics:

1. God divinely instituted government.
2. Resisting God leads to judgment in the end.
3. Doing good leads to God’s approval in the end.
4. Being people of the Way—calling people not out but into their identity in Jesus.

Read aloud Philippians 2:3-11:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. “—Philippians 2:3-11

God invites them into a relationship with Him through the cultural mandate—His call for humanity to build and cultivate all creation.

How do these points guide our approach to politics as God intended?

How does Philippians 2:3-11 shape our identity as followers of Christ in the political arena?

In what ways can we embody Jesus’ identity during political discussions?

The national political stage often overshadows local issues, leading many to believe that meaningful change requires large-scale efforts. However, Pastor Alvin emphasized that local politics often impacts individuals’ lives more profoundly than national or global issues. He highlighted the importance of engaging with local elected officials—such as the City Mayor, City Manager, Police and Fire Chiefs, School Superintendent, City Council, and School Board Trustees—and understanding local governance policies.

Many people focus on national politics, overshadowing local issues. Why do you think this happens?

What do you believe prevents individuals from engaging more with local government?

What practical steps can you take to engage with local government and encourage others to become difference-makers as God intended?

Pastor Alvin highlighted that small actions can lead to significant change when we engage with politically polarizing individuals and situations. In our interactions, Jesus encourages us not to call people out but to call them into embracing their identity as God-appointed image bearers and servants.

How might this approach of politically calling people into and not out of their identity in Jesus make a difference in our political interactions?  

How can this perspective help us view God’s intention for government differently?

CLOSING THOUGHT

In a politically divisive landscape, Jesus reminds us that all humanity is made in God’s image, and everything we have and become ultimately belongs to Him. He left His heavenly throne to rescue us from sin, giving His life in exchange for ours. He became our coin, paying the eternal tax we couldn’t afford. Therefore, we honor Him by devoting our lives to Him as Savior and Lord while being socially responsible to the government that rests on His shoulders, as stated in Isaiah 9. Jesus embodies the way, the truth, and the life, leading us toward unity, peace, and justice that transforms us from within rather than through self-serving policies of a world distant from God. Our true allegiance is to Jesus, not politics, parties, or politicians. The ultimate “kingdom, power, and glory” belong to Him alone. With this in mind, let’s focus on three key points as we navigate today’s political landscape:

1. Jesus is King.
2. Scriptural Unity is Key.
3. Engagement is Encouraged.

How can we pray with and for each other regarding the key points as you navigate political concerns?

How can you invite God into your daily life to see His Kingdom come and His will done within our nation’s political atmosphere?