To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Yz3NplxysAE
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to episode 229 of the Hope Rescue Podcast. Today, we're diving into an important and often controversial topic: where should Christians stand politically? We’re not here to tell you who to vote for or what party to support, but rather to explore how your faith should inform your political stance and how to keep your devotion to Christ at the center of it all.
The Bible warns us about adopting a "party spirit"—a mindset that elevates partisan loyalty above unity in Christ. We see this in 1 Corinthians 3:4-5, where the early church divided over their allegiance to different leaders, some following Paul, others Apollos. While it's normal to have leaders we respect, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not a political party or leader.
Is your devotion to Christ greater than your devotion to a political party? What drives your conversations more—politics or your faith in God? As Christians, it's fine to have political views, even strong ones. The problem arises when our political affiliations become idols, rivaling or even replacing our devotion to Christ. The danger is when we begin to think that a political party or figure can solve all of society’s problems, forgetting that only God holds ultimate authority.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Political involvement is important, but our primary focus should always be on advancing God’s kingdom, not a political agenda. Do we believe that if our political party loses, God is somehow powerless or caught off guard? Our faith should remind us that God's purposes are not dependent on human politics. He reigns over all kingdoms and rulers, and nothing can thwart His plans.
Even if the political landscape doesn't align with your personal beliefs, are you trusting that God is still in control? Romans 13:1 reminds us that "there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector working for the Roman government, to follow Him. The Pharisees criticize Jesus for associating with tax collectors and sinners, but Jesus makes it clear: His mission is to reach the lost, not to align with political powers or systems.
Our mission as Christians should be to bring the gospel to the spiritually lost and broken, just as Jesus did. Politics has its place, but our ultimate calling is to be ambassadors for Christ, not for any political ideology.
Among Jesus's twelve disciples, we find Matthew, the tax collector who worked for the Roman government, and Simon the Zealot, a political extremist who opposed Roman rule. These two men came from radically different political backgrounds, yet they were united by their love for Christ and the mission of the gospel. If two men with opposing political views could find unity in Christ, we can too. Our common ground as believers is far more significant than our political differences.
Ultimately, our identity should be rooted in Christ, not in our political affiliations. The question we must ask ourselves is: what is our life's mission? Is it to see a political party succeed, or is it to reach the lost with the gospel? We must be careful that our political passions don't overshadow our primary calling as followers of Jesus.
Galatians 2:20 reminds us that our identity is in Christ: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." As we navigate our political beliefs, it’s essential to remember that our loyalty to Christ must come before any allegiance to political parties or figures. We can be passionate about politics, but that passion should never overshadow our mission to share the gospel and make disciples. Trust that God is sovereign over all political outcomes, and let your actions reflect His love and grace, even in politically charged environments.
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