The Christian & Politics (Part 7)

Many of the Words We Categorize as “Religious”…

Have Historically Been Considered “Political”

We’re Currently Looking at “Kingdom”

“The Kingdom of God” was a Very Political Concept to the Jews & Early Christians

We’re Currently Reading Jesus’ Kingdom Teaching:

The Sermon on the Mount

Instruction for What Kingdom Citizenship Looks Like

We’re Going to Begin in Matthew 5:27

You Remember How Pilate Referred to Jesus When He was on Trial?

“King of the Jews”

Pilate Didn’t Take this Title Seriously Until the Jews Said this:

John 19:12 (NASB95)

12 As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, “If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar.”

Being “King” wasn’t a Religious Title

It was Purely Political

“If You Release Jesus, You will Be Releasing Someone Who Claims to Be King Over Caesar Himself”

Thessalonica was a Very Important City Under Roman Rule

Paul Traveled There to Proclaim the Gospel

Acts 17:2–4 (NASB95)

2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.

Paul’s Main Point was:

Jesus is the Christ

He is the Anointed King

Then We Read this:

Acts 17:5–7 (NASB95)

5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”

“These People are Upsetting the Natural Order of Things!”

“They All Practice Things that Contradict the Decrees of Caesar!”

“They Say There is Another King Besides Caesar!”

“They Say that Jesus is the King!”

“Instead of Submitting to Caesar…”

“They’re Subverting and Giving Allegiance to Another King!”

Christianity was/is More Than Just a Personal Religion

It is Extremely Political

And Those Who Declare Allegiance to King Jesus are Often Hated By the World…

Because We Upset the Natural Order of Things

We Honor Our Leaders, But Our Allegiance Belongs to Another King

We Submit to Them When Their Ideas Align with Our King…

But We Subvert When They Don’t

Our Allegiance will Always Be with Jesus First and Foremost

That Often Makes Us Public Enemy #1 of World Governments

They Want Total Submission, But We Refuse to Give it

Seeing Gospel as a Political Word and Not Just a Religious Word is Important…

Because it Further Opens Our Eyes to the Truth

Jesus Didn’t Just Come to Save Us From Our Sins

He Came to Become King

And as King, He is Rescuing Us From Our Sins, Yes…

But Much More Than that

He’s Come to Defeat All Evil

He’s Come to Destroy the Effects of Sin (Corruption and Death)

He’s Come to Rescue Us From All These Things…

And Give Eternal Life to His People

He’s Come to Make All Things New/Good Again

Understanding the Fullness of the Gospel Message…

Will Encourage Us to Share it and Share it More Accurately

When We Share the Gospel with Others…

We’re Sharing the Good News that There’s a New & Better King

We’re Sharing the Good News that Satan, Sin, and Death have Been Defeated

We’re Sharing the Good News that Justice and Peace have Been Established

We’re Sharing the Good News that We are Going to Be Rescued When the King Returns

King Jesus has Come to Establish a New World Order

Jesus isn’t Just a Spiritual Teacher Who Tells Us How to Be Good

He is a King that is Going to Set Things Right for Those Who are Loyal to Him

What People Want Out of Politics is…

For Our Leaders to Establish a Utopian Society Where All is Good and Right in the World

What They Don’t Realize and What We’ve Failed to Properly Communicate…

Is that King Jesus has Began to and Will One Day Fully Establish that Very Thing

Everyone Wants What Jesus is Offering…

But Maybe Our Compartmentalizing of “Gospel” as Only a Religious Idea…

Has Undersold Just How Wonderful the Good News is