With Christmas coming up, we are told to not bring up politics or religion, so why not both? Find out on Sunday what happened in the 1st century when politics and religion combined to unceremoniously escort Jesus to the cross, and how we can be on guard against it. “Combining Politics and Religion” is part of The Gospel According to John Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES
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WARM UP
What topics were avoided in adult conversations when you were growing up? Do you carry the same taboos today?
READ
John 11:47-48, 18:1-14, 19:15; Matthew 22:15-16; Luke 19:47
KEY POINTS
When power is your god, you can justify any behavior (to yourself)
The power god justifies slander
The power god justifies betraying your values
The power god justifies ignoring truth
The power god justifies worshiping idols
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What do you think are some other signs that you are worshiping “the power god?”
2. What did the use of power during Jesus’ life teaching you about “the power god?”
APPLICATION
What are some things you can do to avoid worshiping “the power god?”
FOR MENTORING
If someone said, “I don’t go to church because I hate church politics,” how would you respond?
