The Church’s Role in a Divided World
Christ’s entry into the world was like a sword, dividing people and demanding a superior allegiance. This truth has been evident throughout history, and Pastor John Piper has witnessed it firsthand. Growing up in a home where his father’s prayers were filled with the glory of God, Piper learned that life is about more than just the latest trends or news.
A New Kind of People
The church marks a dramatic change from the old theocratic, ethnic orientation of Israel to a new kind of people who are not a political entity. This new people, scattered among all the ethnic groups of the world, have a King in heaven and not on earth. The church doesn’t function like Israel did, as a national or political governmental agency, and therefore it doesn’t coerce its beliefs with the sword.
God’s Work in the World
God no longer works through a single nation or ethnic entity to perform his kingdom-spreading, saving work. Instead, he works through his Spirit by his word in a people called the church. This means that the civic role of the Mosaic law has changed, and the laws that dealt with Israel as a state are no longer applied in the same way.
Living Quiet Lives
Christ came to bring a sword of division into the world, but Paul commands us to live quiet lives. So do Christians trigger revolutions or work in silence? The answer lies in understanding the context of Paul’s command. He was addressing a church that was struggling with lazy people meddling in others’ affairs. Paul’s vision of quietness is the opposite of bothersome talk, and it flows from focused, diligent, gainful employment.
The Church’s Civic Role
The church’s civic role is not to function as a political entity, but to be a people who produce the fruits of the kingdom. This means that the church should not be involved in coercing its beliefs with the sword, but rather in living out its faith in a way that demonstrates the love of Christ.
Pastors and Politics
Pastors have a unique role in the church, and they should be careful not to get too entangled in politics. While it’s okay to address certain issues from the news, pastors should focus on discipling their people in how to think of social issues from a biblical perspective. Ultimately, the pastor’s main calling is not to help America be anything, but to help the church be the church.
The Church’s Prophetic Voice
The church has a prophetic voice, and it should speak out against evil and injustice. However, this voice should be permeated with the announcement of the horrors of divine wrath over the human race and the glories of the gospel of divine rescue. The church’s voice should be distinct from the world’s, and it should be clear that its concerns are not driven by partisan motives.
Conclusion
In a world divided by politics and ideologies, the church has a unique role to play. By living out its faith in a way that demonstrates the love of Christ, the church can be a beacon of hope in a dark world. Pastors and Christians alike must be careful not to get too entangled in politics, but rather focus on being the church, a radical outpost of the kingdom of Christ.
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