Politics

Matthew 27:16-26  njkv  16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

❓Do you compromise your attitude and behavior when it comes to politics❓

👉 ****) “This country has gotten where it is in spite of politics, not by the aid of it. That we have carried as much political bunk as we have and still survived shows we are a super nation.”  Will Rogers (****

• “Congress is so strange; a man gets up to speak and says nothing, nobody listens, and then everybody disagrees.”

💥  Politics is the last thing you want to hear about when you come to church. But it’s here every Sunday, and in one way or another it affects us all.

Politics was just as powerful and dangerous in the days of Jesus as it is now!   THEY DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TV NEWS or SOCIAL MEDIA!> It caused their top leader to compromise in doing the right thing to do

> Cause the beloved leaders of the people to lead their people > Caused people to hate, hurt, speak evil, and do harm to those they were supposed to love

> Caused believers to deny their faith!

⭐  How do we handle it?  

What should we do when it comes to politics?

• That’s between you and God.  But here are some perspectives we need to consider.

💥   How politics get us into trouble.

1.   Pilate looked for a way to please people instead of doing what was right. v17-18)17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.

2.  People were being led wrong by their leaders! The people they trusted. v20)  20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 

3.   People became jealous and envious, felt threatened and despised others.v18) 18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 1 

4.  Makes us think people are evil that are not. v23) 23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 

5.  Let the guilty go free and condemn the innocent. v26)  26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

6.  Somewhere in all this chaos, the disciples all fled and forsook Him! Mk 14:50) 50 Then they all forsook Him and fled.

💥💥 Despite all this:  God was working His plan underneath it all!!!!

A.   God is still at work, despite the politics of the world.

B.   God does not compromise His truth, will or plans for His people.  (How in the end of Revelation He always triumphs!)

C.   We can be on board with Christ or miss it and be found wrong like so many did when Jesus was crucified.

➤  How do we deal with politics?

1.   Jesus told His disciples to PRAY! vMatthew 26:41) Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

2.   Listen to Jesus!  Above everything! vLuke9:35) And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

• The politics of religion.  Who is right?  Moses, Elijah, Jesus?

3.   Jesus told Nicodemous that he had to be born again and walk in the Spirit if he wanted to be a wise leader of Israel.   John 3:5-10)  5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 

• Walk in the Spirit and follow God. 💥 Don’t allow your flesh to control your mouth and words.  ( Heart)
• .Stop listening to those who only speak evil of others.
  • Stop speaking evil and joining those that are not walking with God.
• Don’t allow your politics to cause you to hate people! Speak evil.  Judge.  Condemn! 

4.   Pray for our leaders! V 1 Timothy 2:1-15) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

• If you can’t pray for them, don’t complain.
• If you can’t speak good, don’t say anything!

5.    Stop speaking evil!!!  Judging! James 4:11-12) Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.⭐   Don’t deny the faith by spreading hate and gossip! v1 John 2:9) Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

• v1 John 4:20) If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

6.   Pray for God’s plans to be done.  Even if you don’t see how!!!  

• (Find God’s hidden plan)
  • The plan the world does not see or want to see.

>   Pray that you will find a reason to be thankful to God in all things!!!1 Thessalonians 5:15-22)   15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.