4 | Extra Credit: Faith and Politics

Salt & Light: "Faith and Politics"

Can you imagine life without salt and light? We sprinkle salt on food to add flavor and important nutrients, and we shine a light in the darkness to see and to better understand the dangers that lurk in the shadows. Through Jesus’ interactions with people, He modeled bringing flavor and light to the world, and He calls the Church to do the same! In this new fall series, we will look to key scriptures to learn to follow in Jesus’ way and be salt and light for those around us!  

Season 2 Episode 4 of Unschooled and Ordinary is an extra credit episode that explores how to engage in conversations and decisions as a believer this political season.

Episode Resources:

Bible Reading Plan & Devos 

"Salt & Light" Message Series

Find a House Church

Venture Church Original Podcasts

Venture Church Website

Scripture 

Titus 3:1-2, Philippians 4:4-9, Titus 3:9-11 

Commentary 

Read Titus 3:1-2. 

• As Christians, our first allegiance is to Jesus as Lord, but we must obey our government and its leaders as well. Obeying civil law is only the beginning of our Christian responsibility. We should do what we can to be good citizens.
• Why do you think we have a hard time submitting to earthly authority? What does this reveal about my willingness to submit to God’s authority?

Read Philippians 4:4-9. 

• Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling in us. Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect outward circumstances. It is easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take different events too seriously.  
• God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. True peace comes from knowing that God is in control. If we have a relationship with Jesus, our citizenship in Christ’s Kingdom is sure. 
• Paul tells us to program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. 
• What is the difference between concern and worry? 

Read Titus 3:9-11. 

• Paul warns Titus not to get involved in foolish and unprofitable arguments.  
• Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussion that leads to wisdom.  
• What things have you been spending time on that are unprofitable?  

Prayer 

God, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Lord, may it be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path as we walk with You and aim to be salt and light to the world around us. Amen. 

Resources 

NIV: Life Application Study Bible 

S.O.A.P. METHOD

Use this tool to study God’s Word 

SCRIPTURE 

Write which passage of scripture you are reading. 

OBSERVATION

What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands or instructions? 

APPLICATION 

How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 

PRAYER

Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.