TOPIC: Christians And Politics (Part 2)

MEMORY VERSE: “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” – 2 Samuel 23:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Samuel 23:1-4 (KJV) 

1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

2 The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

INTRODUCTION:

In our previous lesson, we highlighted some misconceptions held by some Christians in some circles. We also examined some of the reasons Christians should be involved in politics from biblical perspective. In today’s lesson, we shall attempt to guide Christians with genuine intentions on how to be practically involved in politics and avoid the pitfalls.

LESSON OUTLINES

• HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS
• THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS

1 HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN POLITICS

Christians should note that it is their civic right and responsibility under the law (Titus 3:1, 1Pet.2:13-14) to vote and be voted for (Deut113). Therefore, every eligible Christian should register with the relevant electoral body in order to participate during elections. In addition, it is important for Christians to be ‘card-carrying’ members of any political party of preference. By so doing, Christians can contest and be voted into elective positions or influence the choice of their representatives for elective positions (Ex.18:21).

To join a political party, you need to get information. Visit the websites of the parties available in your country or the respective party secretariat within your locality. Go through their detailed profiles to know the party’s ideology and manifesto. Fill a party registration form and provide supporting documents/payments as may be required. A membership card will be issued to you as confirmation. Attend party meetings regularly and actively in order to be a voice to be reckoned with.

Christians aspiring for elective leadership positions should be sure to have a leading, burden or passion to serve the people and solve problems (1Sam.17:29; 34-37, Neh.2:1-5).

In order to succeed in politics, Christians should read books and attend seminars/conferences leadership/politics Prov.16:16). It is also important to be mentored by a seasoned Christian political leader (Prov.1.5; 1114).

Christians may also prayerfully join or support an advocacy group (Esther 4:8, 13-14) or form a political party with peoples of like-minds (1 Sam.22:2, Dan.2:49).

2 THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN POLITICS
Christians, who are into politics, or aspiring to hold political posts, should be prayerful and watch out for pitfalls to avoid soiling their garments (1 Cor.15:33). They should therefore:

Desist from any thought or act of wickedness. Politics is not a ‘do or die’ affair (Prov.16:12).
Avoid prayerlessness (James 5:16b-18, Ps.91:15, Dan.6:10). Our adversary is vigilant not resting, be sober and vigilant (1 Pet.5:8).
Shun all foolishness: get the necessary qualifications or experience (James 1:5, 1 Sam.17:34-37) and wisely act (Matt.10:16).
Never dabble into politics without a godly burden or passion (Neh.2:1-5).
Avoid compromise: stand by your godly virtues and principles (1 Cor.10:31).
Distinguish yourself and do not be hypocritical (1 Cor.6:17; Rom.12:2).
Do not be lured into cultism or bad caucus in the name of ‘belonging’, seeking power relevance or outwit others (1 Cor.15:33).
Beware of the negative influence of political god-fathers (Prov.12:5; 25:26).
Be resolute in the face of persecution and propaganda. (Neh.4:3, 6; Neh.6:5-7; Dan 6:11-14).
Avoid abuse of power. Do not be tyrannical (2 Chron.26:16-18).

CONCLUSION: Join a political party today and be a Christian of influence.

QUESTIONS:

Mention ways to be involved in politics.
List five (5) things to watch out for in politics.
FOR FURTHER READINGS:

Monday: Romans 12:2 (KJV)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Tuesday: Exodus 18:4 (KJV)
And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

Wednesday: 2 Chronicles 19:7 (KJV)
Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Thursday: Psalm 110:2 (KJV)
The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.

Friday: Nehemiah 6:5-7 (KJV)
5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; 6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. 7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Saturday: 1 Samuel 17:29 (KJV)
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

Sunday: James 5:16b-18 (KJV)
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention ten (10) things you will do if you become a Governor.

RCCG Sunday School HYMN
O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

Thank you for Reading. This Sunday School Manual was shared via https://writtensermon.com.ng/