Sermon Study Guide

Not in it to Win it:  10/13/24

Opening Prayer: Ask a volunteer to open the session in prayer, asking for open hearts and minds as you discuss this challenging topic.

"Not In It to Win It: Don’t Substitute Politics for Religion," we explore how partisanship can misplace our devotion away from faith. Drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians and the example of Paul, we learn to prioritize spiritual mission over political allegiances. With upcoming elections, we're reminded that our true allegiance is to Jesus, who transcends political divides. Emphasizing love and understanding over division, this message challenges us to evaluate what influences our actions and encourages maintaining our witness as Christians above all. Join us as we are reminded of our first love: faith in Christ.

Opening Question: How do you plan to spend your Chiefs bye week? (Lets start with an easy one )

Discussion Questions:

1. In your view, has politics become a "religion" for some people in our culture? Do you agree or disagree? What are some signs of this?
2. Pastor Adam mentioned that he tries to remain non-partisan. Why do you think this is important for church leaders? What are the challenges in doing so? Is the same thing true for all Christians not just Pastors?
3. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. How does Paul's approach challenge our typical ways of engaging with people who have different beliefs or political views?
4. The sermon states, "Don't focus so much on winning an election that you lose your witness." Can you share an example of how you've seen this happen, either personally or in others?
5. How can we balance being engaged citizens while keeping our primary focus on our faith and witness for Christ?
6. What struck you most about John Wesley's advice to voters? How might following this advice change the way we approach elections?

Key Takeaways:

1. Partisanship is a disease affecting our country and culture.
2. We should not make politics into a religion or substitute it for our faith.
3. Our primary allegiance should be to Jesus, not political parties.
4. Paul's example shows us how to relate to people of different backgrounds without compromising our faith.
5. Our goal should be to win people to Christ, not win arguments or elections.

Closing: Remind the group of the sermon's main point: "Don't substitute politics for religion." Encourage members to keep their primary focus on Jesus and their identity as children of God, rather than on political affiliations.

Close the session by praying for unity in the church, wisdom in engaging with political issues, and for God's will to be done in the upcoming election.