US vs. Them
9/29/2024
Americans have always prided themselves on their commitment to self-determination. We don’t have a king; we, the people, elect our presidents! So, it may surprise many Americans to learn that more than 30% of the men who have been president did not receive a majority of the vote. Maybe we have less control than we think. Join us for part 4 of The US of America, where we will learn the difference between control and responsibility.
Passage
John 19
Principle
We have less ##control## than we think.
We have more ##responsibility## than we claim.
Practice
Three Things Every Christian Should Do:
- ##Pray##
- ##Repent##
- ##Vote##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is the longest you’ve ever stayed in a foreign country? What is challenging about being in a foreign country? What is the difference between being a citizen of a nation and being a foreign ambassador to a country?
HEAR
Read Jeremiah 29:1-14
- To whom is Jeremiah writing and why? Why was this a controversial message?
- Why might the exiles have chosen to isolate themselves from the Babylonians? Was Jeremiah advocating total assimilation? Why or why not?
- Why might Christians in the West choose to isolate themselves from society today? Have some Christians gone to the opposite extreme of assimilation?
- What message might Jeremiah have for the church in America today?
Read Philippians 3:15-21
- What parallels do you see between Jeremiah 29 and Philippians 3?
- Where was Paul’s earthly citizenship (see Acts 22:27-28)? Why was this important? Where does Paul say his citizenship is in Philippians 3:20? Is this a contradiction? Why or why not?
- According to verses 20-21, who is Paul waiting on, and what will happen when He comes?
- What does Paul encourage believers to do while they wait for this to happen (vs. 16-17)? What happens when believers don’t live this way (vs. 18-19)?
- Do you think the church in America is more focused on the return of Jesus or who gets elected president? Which are you more focused on? Why does this matter?
HUDDLE
How would you live this week if you genuinely believed that your citizenship was in heaven and that King Jesus might return any time? Talk about it, invite accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read these Proverbs, invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with wisdom and give you the faith to live for him in every aspect of your life.
- Day 1: Proverbs 10
- Day 2: Proverbs 11
- Day 3: Proverbs 12
- Day 4: Proverbs 13
- Day 5: Proverbs 14
- Day 6: Proverbs 15
- Day 7: Proverbs 16
Think Deeper
- What is more important, how people vote or how they live?
- Do you pray for your government officials?
- What will you do to live out Kingdom values this week?
Suggested Reading
The Myth of a Christian Nation, by Greg Boyd
Not In It to Win It, by Andy Stanley
Before You Vote: Seven Questions, David Platt
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.