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NEW: Online Group Plan
Date: July 19, 2020
How Should I Respond to Politics?
The Point: Reflect Christ in how you interact with politics and government.
Get Into the Study
Use the following as you introduce the session.
This election season, polling places are adapting to new COVID-19 restrictions. This increase in restrictions along with the reticence of some people to spend extended time outside their home may lead to a shortage of election workers. Many of the people who typically serve at polling places are older and retired. But with COVID-19, these people are at a higher risk and may be even less likely to serve in a public setting. There is a growing call for younger people to serve at polling places this year.
Election workers promote democracy by helping ensure that all registered voters are allowed to exercise their right to vote. Election workers do not engage in partisan discussions at the polling site or turn away voters who have different political views.
As Christians, we do not need to shy away from important political discussions. However, we must engage in these discussions with respect and courtesy for other people, despite their differing political views. Our love for God and our love for others should motivate our actions and conversations.
For information on serving as a poll worker, visit https://www.eac.gov/voters/become-poll-worker.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, prepare to show a funny, non-partisan, political video clip . Then ask Question #1 .
Live It Out
Use the following as you conclude the session.
Google’s group video chatting platform, Google Meet, has released a new feature for background noise cancellation. Many of us have begun having business meetings, family get-togethers, and church classes in video chat groups. One on-going issue has been background noise—the lawnmower in your yard, your co-worker’s bag of chips, clicking pens and keyboards. Google Meet’s new feature uses AI to identify and filter out these unnecessary and distracting sounds.
As we seek to engage with politics, how can we filter out unnecessary and distracting biases, passions, and attitudes? How can we focus on the important issues at hand, and engage with love? Ask God to guide you in filtering information, processing content, and having discussions that seek to honor Christ this election season.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- Who’s the first political leader you can remember seeing on TV or in person?
- When did an election first grab your attention?
- What’s the funniest political ad you’ve seen?
Romans 13:1-4
- What responsibility do believers have for promoting good government?
- How can we navigate the tension between obeying authority and participating in the political process to seek change?
- What’s your immediate reaction to these verses? Why?
Romans 13:5-7
- What are the spiritual benefits of keeping civil laws?
- Why is it important for us to respect and honor an authority figure, even when we don’t agree with everything they say?
- How does our response to the government reveal more about us than it does the government?
Romans 13:8-10
- What role can the church play in our political process?
- How does love disarm an argument?
- How should your identity as a disciple of Jesus influence your involvement in politics?
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- HomeLife – Being Right
- Mature Living – The Campaign Chaos
Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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