Kingdom Citizenship: A Study in Faith and Politics

As Christians we are called out of this world, yet still in it. How do we live as citizens of two kingdoms? How does our faith affect how we respond to our governmental authorities? Join us on this video study as we explore these questions and more!

Application Questions

1. Can you think of a current event or issue that makes it feel like God’s authority is threatened by powerful human authority?

2. How does that affect your view of that issue?

3. Look at the version of the two circles, representing Jesus’ view of the world, with God’s circle including everything in Caesar’s circle. What does that say about the current issue you mentioned in questions 1 and 2? 

Application Questions

1. What surprises you about Psalm 2? Why?

2. Where do you think the message of Psalm 2 is especially relevant to us today, living in the U.S. in 2020?

3. What in Psalm 2 gives you confidence?

Application Question

Jesus is the King of your heart, if you are in his Kingdom. Are there areas in your heart where you have resisted his authority?

Application Question

The nations and political movements of this world are temporary and passing away. But God’s Kingdom, the church, will remain long after they are gone.

Describe how that should make us live?

Application Questions

Yesterday, you were asked to describe how we should live now. Compare your answer from yesterday's application question to the content of the video today. 

How would you change your answer?

Application Questions

1. Natural law is a law all people know through reason and conscience. What are some of the areas where our society agrees on what is right?

2. This video listed abortion as an example of where sin and dulled the clarity of natural law, can you think of other areas?

3. What are some areas were we are facing a “tyranny of the majority” in the United States?

Application Questions

1. What’s your general view towards government? Do you see it as a gift from God? Why or why not?

2. What are some of the implications that all governments ultimately get their authority from (and are accountable to) God?

3. What are some of the dangers when civil governments try to control worship?

Application Questions

1. Before this video what did you believe was the purpose of government?

2. Which of the three purposes did you find most helpful? Why?

3. Where do you see our government succeeding for failing according to these purposes?

4. We talked about how the government is necessary to aid in human flourishing. As you look at your own political views, do your reasons for holding them fit with the biblical purposes for government?

Application Questions

1. Can you think of some other ways you are tempted to place your earthly citizenship above your heavenly citizenship?

2. Why do you think it’s easy to prioritize your earthly citizenship above your heavenly citizenship?

3. Can you think of some areas where state laws might come into conflict with God’s laws? How do you think you would navigate the situation?

Application Questions

1. Can you think of a law that does not represent some moral position?

2. The video talks about how everyone brings their gods into the public sphere. What are some of the “hidden gods” that are brought into the political sphere?

3. Where have you felt pressure to keep your faith out of the political sphere?

Application Questions

1. The video mentions that 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 is often misapplied to be primarily speaking about the United States. Can you think of other places where God’s promises to his church and people have been misapplied to a particular nation?

2. We looked at how often people will draw a straight line between the bible and complex political or social issues. In doing this they bypass a number of assumptions, what are some areas where you’ve seen this happen?

3. Do you have other Christians from different cultures or political persuasions you are able to talk about these issues with to help see your own biases and assumptions?

4. Jonathan Leeman wrote, “A pastor or church generally should not endorse or denounce one party or another or candidates from said party.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Application Questions

1. Can you think of other ways in which the civil government is called to act like a babysitter until Jesus returns?

2. Where have you seen the church try to step into areas the government has jurisdiction?

3. Where have you seen the government try to take on the role of savior?

Application Question

1. Can you think of some areas where you’ve drawn too straight a line between the Bible and political positions?

2. Can you think of places where Christians may be tempted to turn a “straight line” issue into a “jagged line” one?

3. Where have you found yourself agreeing on principles, but not on tactics with another person?

4. How could this chart help you in having political conversations with others?

Application Questions

1. Before this video did you see wisdom as essential for justice? Why or why not?

2. Is wisdom a key element in deciding who you will vote for?

3. Can you think of other ways the church displays the politics of Jesus?

4. How can you help make your church a better embassy of God’s Kingdom?

Application Questions

1. Which of these six things do you think will be most helpful?

2. What else do you think is important before you vote?

3. Which of these things are you most likely to forget?

Application Questions

1. Do you believe a mask mandate fits within the three purpoes of government? Why or why not?

2. In what ways does a mask mandate hinder the church from her mission?

3. In what ways does does the mask controversy threaten to undermine God’s purpose for the church?

Application Questions

1. In what ways to people smuggle their gods into politics?

2. Of the three typical ways that Christians engage in the political sphere (Luther, MLK, Sociological) which do you find most attractive? Which would you use the least?

3. What are your thoughts of the “Polycarp Approach?” Are there times when you could see it being helpful?

4. Over the past six weeks what are some key ways in which your own thinking about faith and politics has matured?