What with the current political climate being experienced, I like to take you on a journey of sorts that illustrates how easily our political climate can lead us astray of what the New Testament teaches. 

First I’d like to remind you of the political climate of the New Testament era when Israel was under Roman occupation and rule. During New Testament times, the Jewish people were subject to various rules and requirements imposed by the Roman authorities that were often detrimental to their well-being and autonomy. Here are just ten examples of such requirements:

1. Heavy Taxation: The Romans imposed heavy taxes on the Jewish population, which were a significant financial burden. This included various forms of taxes such as the poll tax, land tax, and customs duties. The tax collectors, often despised and seen as traitors, were known for their corruption and extortion.
2. Roman Military Presence: The constant presence of Roman soldiers in Jewish territories was a constant reminder of their subjugation. These soldiers often abused their power, causing fear and resentment among the local population.
3. Forced Labor: Jews were sometimes required to perform forced labor for Roman projects, such as building roads and fortifications. This not only took them away from their own work but also humiliated them as they were compelled to contribute to the infrastructure of their oppressors.
4. Limited Political Autonomy: The Romans controlled the appointment of high priests and other political leaders, reducing Jewish self-governance. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, operated under the oversight of Roman officials, limiting its authority.
5. Religious Restrictions: While the Romans generally allowed the Jews to practice their religion, there were restrictions and instances of interference. For example, Roman soldiers sometimes desecrated holy places, and the imposition of emperor worship was a direct challenge to Jewish monotheism.
6. Confiscation of Property: Roman authorities could confiscate property arbitrarily, leaving Jewish families without their homes or means of livelihood. This practice was especially harsh during times of political unrest or rebellion.
7. Suppression of Revolts: Any attempt at rebellion or resistance was met with brutal suppression. The Roman response to uprisings, such as those led by the Zealots, often involved mass crucifixions, destruction of property, and other severe reprisals.
8. Judicial Injustice: The Roman legal system was biased against Jews, often favoring Roman citizens and officials in legal disputes. Jewish defendants had little chance of fair treatment in Roman courts.
9. Exploitation by Roman Officials: Roman governors and other officials often exploited their positions for personal gain, demanding bribes and engaging in corrupt practices that further oppressed the Jewish population.
10. Cultural Insensitivity: Roman customs and pagan practices were imposed on the Jews, often in ways that were offensive to their religious and cultural sensibilities. The presence of Roman symbols, idols, and practices in Jerusalem and other holy sites was seen as a constant provocation and blasphemy.

These examples illustrate the many ways in which Roman rule was detrimental to the Jewish people during the New Testament era, contributing to a climate of resentment and unrest that ultimately led to significant conflicts, including the Jewish-Roman wars.

Now I would like to remind you of what the New Testament teachs concerning our required response to being governed. Here are 10 examples from the New Testament where the writers of the Gospels and the Epistles appear to deliberately avoid involvement with external national or local political controversies or matters:

1. Matthew 22:17-21 – Paying Taxes to Caesar
   “Tell us then, what do You think? Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus perceived their malice, and said, “Why are you testing Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax.” And they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”
2. John 18:36 – Jesus Before Pilate
   “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.'”
3. Luke 12:13-14 – Refusal to Settle a Family Dispute
   “Someone in the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?'”
4. Mark 12:13-17 – Question About Paying Taxes
   “Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. They came and said to Him, ‘Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay or shall we not pay?’ But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, ‘Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.’ They brought one. And He said to them, ‘Whose likeness and inscription is this?’ And they said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they were amazed at Him.”
5. Romans 13:1-7 – Submission to Governing Authorities
   “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”
6. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – Pray for All Men, Including Leaders
   “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.”
7. 1 Peter 2:13-17 – Honor Authority
   “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
8. Acts 5:29 – Obeying God Rather Than Men
   “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.'”
9. Acts 25:10-11 – Paul’s Appeal to Caesar
   “But Paul said, ‘I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. If, then, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.'”
10. Philippians 3:20 – Our Citizenship in Heaven
    “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

These passages illustrate the writers’ and Jesus’ deliberate focus on spiritual matters rather than entangling themselves in the political controversies of their time.

Now I would like to remind you of what the New Testament teaches about the Kingdom of God. Here are ten New Testament references that reinforce the concept that the Kingdom of God is not of this world and that our focus should be on God’s Kingdom and getting in line with His will:

1. Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
2. John 18:36 – “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.'”
3. Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
4. Colossians 3:2 – “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”
5. Philippians 3:20 – “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
6. Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
7. 2 Corinthians 4:18 – “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
8. Hebrews 12:28 – “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”
9. 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
10. Luke 17:20-21 – “Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or, “There it is!” For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.'”

These verses collectively emphasize the spiritual and eternal nature of God’s Kingdom and encourage believers to prioritize their relationship with God and align their lives with His will.

So far we’ve looked at the oppressive nature of Roman rule during New Testament times, our required response to being governed and the focus on God’s Kingdom and God’s will as taught in the New Testament. When we consider our surroundings and source of contentment, we often get things backwards by prioritizing earthly concerns over spiritual ones. Here’s how this can happen and how it contrasts with the biblical teachings about God being our light and joy:

1. Focus on Material Wealth: We often measure success and happiness by material possessions and financial security. However, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21 to store up treasures in heaven, where true value lies. Our contentment should come from spiritual richness rather than earthly wealth.
2. Earthly Power and Influence: We may seek power, influence, and recognition in this world, mirroring the disciples’ initial misunderstanding of the Messiah’s kingdom as a political one. Jesus corrected this in John 18:36, emphasizing that His kingdom is not of this world.
3. Temporal Security: We prioritize temporal safety and security, worrying about the future and the unknown. Yet, Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us to be anxious for nothing and to trust in God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding.
4. Approval of Others: We often seek validation and approval from others, placing immense value on social status. However, Galatians 1:10 reminds us to seek God’s approval above all else, as we are servants of Christ.
5. Physical Comfort: Our society places high importance on physical comfort and pleasure, sometimes at the expense of spiritual health. Romans 8:6 contrasts the mind set on the flesh, which is death, with the mind set on the Spirit, which is life and peace.
6. Immediate Gratification: We live in a culture that values instant gratification, while the Bible teaches us to wait on the Lord and find joy in His timing (Isaiah 40:31). This impatience can lead us away from God’s eternal purposes.
7. Self-Reliance: We often rely on our own strength and understanding rather than trusting in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding.
8. Visible Success: We may judge our worth by visible achievements and accolades. However, God values faithfulness and obedience over outward success (1 Samuel 16:7), looking at the heart rather than appearances.
9. Worldly Desires: Our desires can be shaped by worldly standards, leading us away from God’s will. James 4:4 warns against friendship with the world, which makes us enemies of God, urging us to align our desires with His.
10. Neglect of Eternal Perspective: We often neglect the eternal perspective, focusing on the here and now. Colossians 3:2 calls us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things, reminding us of our heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20).

When we get things backwards by prioritizing the temporary and visible aspects of life, we miss out on the true light and joy that come from a relationship with God. True contentment is found in seeking His Kingdom first, trusting in His provision, and finding our identity and worth in Him alone. By aligning our focus with God’s eternal perspective, we can experience the fullness of joy and peace that He offers, while we are in the world but not of the world.

And the last aspect of this journey of sorts that I’m taking you on deals with the Great Commission that Jesus gave us. The Great Commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, aligns perfectly with the topics, logic and principles previously discussed. 

The Great Commission

Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

How It Relates to the Logic of Eternal Over Temporal

1. Kingdom Focus Over Earthly Concerns:
   • Command to Make Disciples: The Great Commission directs us to focus on spiritual work—making disciples, baptizing, and teaching. This aligns with the call to prioritize God’s Kingdom over earthly wealth, power, and comfort. It’s about investing in eternal treasures (Matthew 6:19-21) rather than temporary ones.
2. Submission to God’s Authority:
   • All Authority Given to Jesus: Jesus declares that all authority in heaven and earth is His. This underscores the importance of submitting to God’s will, as seen in Matthew 6:10 (“Your kingdom come. Your will be done”). Our mission is rooted in the recognition of Jesus’ sovereign authority over all earthly and heavenly matters.
3. Spiritual Transformation Over Temporal Security:
   • Teaching Obedience to Jesus’ Commands: The focus on teaching new disciples to obey everything Jesus commanded shifts our perspective from seeking temporal security to fostering spiritual growth and transformation. This echoes Romans 12:2’s call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
4. God’s Presence and Peace:
   • Jesus’ Promise of His Presence: Jesus promises to be with us always. This assurance speaks to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and encourages us to rely on His presence rather than our self-reliance or the approval of others.
5. Eternal Perspective Over Immediate Gratification:
   • End of the Age: The Great Commission has an eschatological aspect, pointing to the culmination of all things at the end of the age. This perspective encourages us to look beyond immediate gratification to the eternal purposes of God (Colossians 3:2).
6. God’s Approval Over Worldly Recognition:
   • Divine Mandate: Our mission is divinely mandated, which means that seeking God’s approval is paramount. This aligns with Galatians 1:10, reminding us that we serve Christ, not seeking to please people.
7. Faithfulness Over Visible Success:
   • Obedience and Teaching: Emphasis on teaching obedience to Jesus’ commands underscores the value of faithfulness over visible success. God values our faithfulness in fulfilling His commission, much like He values the heart over outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7).
8. Counter-Cultural Mission:
   • All Nations: The call to make disciples of all nations is inherently counter-cultural, as it challenges earthly boundaries and cultural norms, much like the call to be in the world but not of it (James 4:4).
9. Reliance on God’s Strength:
   • Empowered by Jesus’ Authority: The Commission’s basis in Jesus’ authority reassures us of the power and strength that comes from God, not our own efforts. This echoes Proverbs 3:5-6, emphasizing trust in God rather than our understanding.
10. Joy in God’s Mission:
    • Participation in God’s Work: Fulfilling the Great Commission brings deep joy and contentment as we participate in God’s redemptive work. This reflects the idea that true joy and contentment come from God, as stated in Nehemiah 8:10 (“The joy of the Lord is your strength”).

Conclusion
The Great Commission encapsulates the essence of prioritizing God’s Kingdom and aligning our lives with His will. It directs our focus away from worldly concerns and towards spiritual obedience, transformation, and the spreading of the Gospel. By engaging in this mission, we fulfill our purpose and find true contentment and joy in God, reflecting the principles discussed in the preceding steps.

Final Summary
I’m not suggesting that we abstain from voting or supporting our preferred politicians. What I am advocating is that we carefully consider the words we speak and write, ensuring they reflect the highest priority of our focus. If our words don’t emphasize being in the world but not of it, we’re missing the mark.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!