What the Bible Says About Politics | Mark 12:13-17

Key Takeaways

In Mark 12: 13-17, Jesus and His followers talk about politics. In light of Jesus’ teaching, there are three temptations we face as we approach this election cycle:

• Apathy: Jesus expected Christians to live and submit to ungodly political leaders. Even leaders who made themselves out to be god. And according to Romans 13, God will hold us accountable for how we respond to our governing authorities.
• Idolatry: Neither political party will be able to fully give us the life and the world we all long for. Our only hope for that life and world is in Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. So, it’s good and right to be concerned about a political party, but let’s not give our hearts and hope to a political party. Rather, let’s give them to loving Christ, His gospel, and His people.
• Fear: Some are tempted toward fear and anxiety over what the next four years will be like, the wrong person being elected, where our economy is headed, what America will be like for your children, the future of religious liberties, etc. These are real and legitimate concerns. So, we should pray fervently about these concerns. But we must realize that while we don’t know the future of the United States, we do know the future of God’s Kingdom because the crucified and risen King Jesus is on His throne today, reigning over all things until the day when He finally returns to usher in His perfect Kingdom. And He has been King through the rise of fall of every temporary world government. This reality both grounds and encourages the opportunity we have as a church to lay down our lives for the sake of the spread of the gospel to our neighbors and to the nations.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• How do Christians relate to God and government? How do we live as good citizens who submit to our government while giving our ultimate allegiance to Christ and His kingdom? Discuss TA’s points (pay taxes, obey laws of the land, pray for leaders, speak of leaders respectfully, vote).
• Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. How much do you pray for our city, state, and national government officials?
• Have you made an idol out of politics? Does your political party, this election, and/or the future of our country get the best of your passion, affections, time, energy, and thoughts? Does your joy rise or fall based on the news? Discuss how you can grow as a follower of Christ in this area.
• Discuss Martin Luther’s quote as it applies to politics and discipleship to Jesus: “Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God, your functional savior.” Is there a functional savior on the throne of your heart? How can you repent and trust in Christ in this area of your life?
• What does it look like to vote faithfully? Consider TA’s 5 P’s:
  • Pray: ask God for His wisdom and direction. God loves to give wisdom to those who ask for it. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit, to align your mind and heart with His mind and heart, and to empower you to glorify Him through your vote. We are planning to send out prayer prompts via text the 24 days leading up to the 2024 election.
  • Policies: study the policies of each candidate. Identify which policies are most important to you. And at the same time, give greater weight to policies that either explicitly contradict the Scriptures or align with the Scriptures. Look for nonpartisan resources online that will put each candidates’ stances on certain issues side by side. But this is important; the Bible is clear on the sanctity of life from the womb to the tomb, as well as marriage, and gender, and caring for the poor, the sojourner, the widow, and the orphan.
  • Partners: Who is their running mate? Who would they choose for their cabinet? Who would they appoint to the supreme court if they had the opportunity? What people and organizations are endorsing them?
  • The Person: What are their strengths and weaknesses? What are their experiences? Their education?
  • Participate: When election day comes, vote. Let your vote be the result of prayerful study and consideration. Allow your prayerful study to help you identify some passion points. If you find yourself getting passionate about certain issues, take action. Find ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus regarding that issue.
• When it comes to politics and political discussions, do others know that you are a disciple of Jesus by your love (John 13:34-35)? Is there someone with whom you need to be reconciled? How can we as a church grow in this area as we head toward this election cycle?