God and Government Part 2 - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study. To listen to the sermon, click the link above.

Intro: (1) recap (2) loving others with different politics - app both inside and outside the church

Adjust Expectations: (1) read Matthew 10:2-4 (2) descriptions of only three (3) Matthew vs. Simon - imaginary Peter conversation (3) don’t assume everyone at church shares your political views (4) don’t assume all democrats and republicans hate each other (cf. Texas congressmen - “any time you don’t have a relationship with somebody, it becomes a lot easier to just demonize them”)

Identify primary vs. secondary issues: (1) Romans 14:1 - there are many issues that are opinions (i.e. conscience-based) that Christians will land differently on (2) examples in v.2, 5 (3) proper response - don’t quarrel (v.1) (4) political examples - education, environment, immigration, healthcare, tax policy, foreign policy (5) issues connected to protection of life (6) bipartisan congressional committee

Practice convictional kindness: (1) 2 Timothy 2:24-25 - tension of “correcting with gentleness” (2) having convictions but sharing them with kindness (3) may miss opportunities to minister to others because we dismiss what they’re connected to politically (cf. boy with t-shirt in church) (4) proposal during election season - fast from news and social media

Remember what is most important: (1) Matthew 28:18-20 - more important than political
victory/power (2) best way to do politics is be part of a local church (3) “most important election” language - every election falls short (4) if you’re deepest hope is in election results, Jesus may not be your greatest treasure (5) Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 (6) Vermont political opponents playing music together

Conclusion: (1) only hope for nation — God’s kingdom at work through churches in the midst of an American kingdom (2) congressional staffer quote (172)